FOLEY – Foley’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve is expanding its capacity for outdoor gatherings with the addition of a new event pavilion.

The Foley City Council has approved the purchase of a prefabricated metal pavilion and will soon open the project for installation bids. The new structure will be located along Philomene Holmes Boulevard within the preserve and will be the fourth pavilion available at the site.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich noted that early cost estimates were higher than expected, but city staff worked diligently to find a cost-effective solution without compromising quality.

“They did more research and found a structure that meets our standards while staying within budget,” Hellmich said. “In today’s market, especially when dealing with steel buildings, that’s no small feat. They did a great job managing this.”

The new pavilion will measure 40 feet by 60 feet. Leslie Gahagan, Foley’s director of sustainability and natural resources, said the design balances both aesthetics and functionality.

“It features an architectural-style roof and teak decking underneath,” Gahagan said. “It’s still a very attractive structure—we just adjusted the roofline to avoid a custom build.”

Graham Creek Nature Preserve, located on Wolf Bay Drive in southeast Foley, is the largest municipal nature preserve in Alabama, spanning about 650 acres. The park offers a wide range of recreational and educational amenities, including:

  • Canoe and kayak launch with rentals

  • Interpretive nature center

  • Hiking trails

  • Outdoor classrooms and play garden

  • Three disc golf courses

  • Archery range

  • Picnic areas and scenic boardwalks

The new pavilion will enhance the preserve’s ability to host public events, educational programs, and community gatherings, supporting Foley’s continued investment in outdoor recreation and environmental education.