Mobile City Council voted Thursday to accept a $9 million state grant that will fund Phase One‑B of the Brookley by the Bay waterfront park, a key step toward construction of the city’s new public recreation space, according to Fox 10.

Phase One‑B, described as the park’s southern activation zone, is slated to include a splash pad, a children’s playground, volleyball courts and several picnic shelters. The grant covers these amenities without requiring a local matching contribution, allowing the city to move forward on the project’s core features.

Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis hailed the award as a pivotal moment for the park’s development. “This $9 million is going to start phase one, push phase one towards construction. You know that is a big deal. On the while on the campaign trail, I said it was going to be my goal to open that beautiful park to the public as soon as possible. This is making that possible,” he said.

The city had already pledged $5 million toward the Brookley by the Bay project, and the new state grant adds to that commitment. Cheriogotis noted that officials continue to explore additional funding sources, including a potential federal grant, to further expand the park’s amenities and ensure long‑term maintenance.

Construction on Phase One‑B is expected to begin later this year, pending final design approvals and contractor selection. Residents can look forward to a new family‑friendly waterfront destination that promises to enhance recreational opportunities and boost the local economy.

What’s next: The city will hold a public design review meeting in early November to gather community input on the Phase One‑B layout. A construction timeline will be released once contracts are awarded, with the park’s first amenities projected to open in 2027.

Sources: fox10tv.com