The City of Foley is moving forward with plans to enhance amenities at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market (CAFFM) and the city’s Sports Tourism facilities, including the addition of a new commercial kitchen and permanent restrooms.
The Foley City Council recently approved proposals to design the commercial kitchen at the CAFFM. Plans also include constructing new restroom facilities and making property-wide lifestyle and aesthetic improvements at both the market and the Foley Sports Tourism multi-use fields complex.
Upgrades at the CAFFM will feature new recreational and scenic elements, including a landscaped detention pond, a fountain designed as a visual landmark along Baldwin County 20, and a walking path for visitors to enjoy the market and surrounding grounds.
David Thompson, executive director of Leisure Services, said combining restroom construction for both sites into one project is expected to reduce costs and attract more competitive bids.
“The bid for the restroom facility for the CAFFM will be combined with one for the Sports Tourism fields so we can reduce overhead and make the project more attractive for bidders,” Thompson said.
The project includes two permanent restroom buildings. At the CAFFM, the facility will be located between the pickleball courts and beach volleyball court. The second structure will be built at the Sports Tourism Fields near Juniper Street.
The planned commercial kitchen will serve as a resource for local food vendors and entrepreneurs, offering a professional space to expand operations and meet increasing demand.
“We view this kitchen as a vital resource for our community,” Thompson said. “It will not only support the market’s daily operations but also serve as a jump start for local culinary businesses looking to grow.”
Under the council-approved resolution, McCollough Architects will develop design plans for the kitchen project.
The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market is located at 781 Farmers’ Market Lane in Foley, just north of Baldwin County 20 and east of Koniar Way. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.