Fairhope Single Tax Corporation backs River Mill Community Park; council to consider easements and reimbursements

Fairhope — The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation has approved funding for a River Mill Community Park concept and presented details to the Fairhope City Council on Feb. 19, asking the city to authorize the temporary easements and procedural approvals needed to allow construction on city‑owned property.

Richard Johnson said the donated project would add 12 public parking spaces, three pickleball courts, a full basketball court, a playground, a 1,000‑square‑foot pavilion, a 225‑square‑foot restaurant concession on the south edge of the courts and restroom facilities. Sawgrass Consulting project engineer Jay Robertson reviewed grading and drainage plans designed to avoid encroachment on the floodway; the design raises play surfaces roughly 1.5 to 2 feet on the west side and ties into existing grade on the east.

Single Tax will request council authorization for right‑of‑entry and temporary construction easements and proposed that the city accept 100% reimbursement for cooperative purchases of playground equipment and pavilions procured through the city’s purchasing agreements. The city would also review water, sewer and electrical connections to support restrooms. Staff estimated construction could begin as early as March and last roughly three to three‑and‑a‑half months if scheduled this spring.

Next steps: staff will process easement documentation and bring formal authorization and procurement actions to council once reviews and cost details are finalized.