FOLEY – Progress continues on plans for a new park and other community improvements in the Mills area.
The Foley City Council recently approved several steps to move the project forward, including services for stormwater plan revisions, topographic and tree surveys, and equipment rentals that will allow city crews to take part in construction.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said using Foley Public Works crews instead of outside contractors will help reduce overall project costs.
“It’s a more efficient use of city forces which allows more work to be done.” Foley has successfully used its own crews for a variety of projects.
“We try to use city forces where we can,” Hellmich said. “Our crews were set up that way in order to do this. There are things that we don’t do, like asphalt paving, but this approach allows us to save a lot of money.”
The Mills community became part of Foley in 2023 after residents voted for annexation. City officials have met with residents to review plans for the new park and discuss additional improvements, including sidewalks that will connect the neighborhood with other areas of the city.
“We’re continuing to work on our park project out there, which will be our newest park,” Hellmich said. “We’re also acquiring easements for the sidewalk project.”
The planned walkways in the Mills community will connect to the city’s expanding sidewalk network on North Cedar Street. Foley has also installed a crosswalk at the intersection of Airport Road and Baldwin County 65 to improve pedestrian access between Mills and neighborhoods to the east.