Aquatic Oasis: The Case for a State-of-the-Art Civic Center

FOLEY, Ala. (WALA) – Officials from the city of Foley indicate that the mayor has stated a requirement for a new swimming facility and civic center.

Here is an announcement from the City of Foley:

As the new year commences, Foley is strategizing for the future which encompasses additional streets and new structures to accommodate escalating needs.

In a recent speech to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Ralph Hellmich highlighted that Foley requires a new swimming facility and civic center as the community keeps expanding. Other enhancements being deliberated include a new senior center and performance arts theater.

Hellmich noted that the city’s existing outdoor pool is over 60 years old. Work will commence after the upcoming summer on an indoor aquatic center.

“We have a plan for the Aquatic Center,” Hellmich remarked. “This will be an indoor facility that remains open throughout the year. It’s what our citizens request and they deserve it now. Our current pool is excellent, but it was constructed before my birth, and it’s an outdoor facility that cannot be utilized year-round.”

He mentioned that the plans for the center will also feature a splash pad for young children. The city is also planning additional enhancements, such as LED lighting and new restrooms near the site at Max Griffin Park.

Speaking to an audience at the Foley Civic Center, Hellmich stated that the existing Civic Center is not sufficient for the city’s requirements.

“This facility was constructed in ’75,” he remarked. “We need a larger venue. We do possess an Event Center, but it’s not tailored for events of this nature.”

Addressing a full audience of approximately 225 people, Hellmich indicated that the new center would have double the capacity.

“It shall be a new, contemporary center,” he declared. “Subsequently, this can be repurposed into office space that will serve us for the next 40 years. At present, we’re obliged to install temporary facilities because we are expanding.”

The mayor stated that the Foley Senior Center currently hosts around 1,200 members and also requires a larger building.

The city is examining the necessity of a performing arts center. Hellmich mentioned that one proposed option would be to refurbish the existing Foley Post Office for performing arts.

He noted that the post office itself also requires more space, but the lease with the U.S. Postal Service for the city-owned structure doesn’t conclude until 2030.

“A performing arts center is essential,” Hellmich emphasized. “We would be thrilled to construct a new post office and repurpose the current post office into a performing arts venue. It would be ideal. It’s situated right in downtown Foley.”

The city is also planning to extend more streets to enhance north-south connectivity throughout Foley.

One initiative would extend Pine Street southward to Ninth Avenue. Hellmich stated many drivers currently utilize Oak Street as a shortcut, despite that route passing through residential areas.

The majority of the Pine Street extension would follow a ditch that circumvents residential neighborhoods.

“There are no houses,” Hellmich continued. “It does go by a park, but we will implement measures similar to those at other parks to ensure that people do not speed. This will help redirect traffic from other roads.”

Further extensions are also being evaluated for Pecan Street. In 2023, North Pecan was extended from East Peachtree Avenue south to East Fern Avenue. Continuing this extension would facilitate a route from the Foley Beach Express to U.S. 98.

In 2024, Foley extended Pecan Street further south from U.S. 98 to Pride Drive.

The city is also devising plans to construct a traffic circle at the junction of West Michigan Avenue and South Cedar Street.

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