Aerial view of construction and renovation projects across Alabama state parks, including new lodging, cottages and an RV resort.
Alabama, August 13, 2025
Birmingham-based construction and program management firm HPM has partnered with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to oversee construction, renovations and a $40 million water and wastewater program across multiple state parks. Projects include a 25-unit boutique hotel at Cheaha, five new lakeside cottages and campground upgrades at Wind Creek, and conversion of a Gulf State Park golf course into a 105-site RV resort. HPM will provide program and project management, preconstruction and field coordination for work at 11 parks. A $25,000 grant will fund prescribed-fire equipment to support habitat restoration and wildfire risk reduction.
In a broad partnership, HPM — a Birmingham-based firm focused on program management and related construction oversight — will provide oversight for construction projects at 11 Alabama state parks, and manage a separate $40 million program of water and wastewater improvements across 12 parks. The effort is designed to enhance visitor experiences and expand public access across the state’s park system.
The arrangement centers on program management services, project management, preconstruction services, and field coordination for diverse park construction projects. The targeted outcomes include modernized facilities, better amenities, and improved infrastructure to support ongoing operations and future use of Alabama’s park lands.
At Lakepoint State Park, located north of Eufaula, the partnership encompassed the renovation of 44 lodge rooms and notable aesthetic improvements to elevate the guest experience.
DeSoto State Park, positioned on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, saw management and coordination aimed at a new pool house that adds enhanced amenities for visitors.
Wind Creek State Park, on the western edge of Lake Martin, recently completed five 1,600-square-foot cottages and also undertook a major refresh of its campground facilities, including stronger electrical service, accessibility improvements, and other upgrades to better serve a broad range of campers.
Cheaha State Park — spanning Clay and Cleburne counties — is the site of a new 25-unit boutique hotel, described as a centerpiece project that will include a small café and a rooftop bar to complement the park’s lodging options.
Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort added a new 1,400-square-foot administration building with a check-in desk, staff offices, and a visitor gift shop to streamline operations and improve guest services.
Monte Sano State Park in Madison County saw work that includes site improvements such as new sidewalks, interior renovations of 14 cabins, and the construction of two new bathhouses, along with converting three existing RV sites to ADA-compliant locations.
Lake Lurleen State Park in Tuscaloosa County underwent a comprehensive renovation program featuring new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, new RV sites, and a modernized playground to deliver a refreshed family-friendly experience.
Gulf State Park in Baldwin County is undergoing a major transformation of its golf course into an RV resort format, with plans for 105 RV sites, plus three bathhouses, an administration building, and a clubhouse equipped with a pool, splashpad, and pickleball courts to widen lodging and recreation opportunities for visitors.
Across these efforts, the program emphasizes visitor access and enjoyment while expanding the state’s recreational offerings for both local residents and travelers.
Beyond the park renovations, HPM is overseeing $40 million of water and wastewater projects at 12 state parks as part of a broader statewide improvements program. These projects target essential utilities to support current operations and accommodate future growth in park usage and services.
In parallel, ADCNR’s habitat restoration initiatives are supported by a grant program via the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (AARCDC). The grant provides prescribed fire equipment to advance habitat restoration across the park system, including a variety of native habitats such as longleaf pine stands.
New equipment accompanying the grant includes drip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, hand tools, safety gear, signage, a branded trailer for gear storage and transport, and a 130-gallon water tank with a specialized pump and hose for managing burns. This equipment is intended to increase prescribed fire capabilities, reduce wildfire risks, and assist partners with related projects across the state.
State Parks officials note that prescribed fire is a key land and wildlife management tool that helps restore habitats, manage vegetation, and promote plant growth that benefits wildlife species. The program is designed to support conservation goals while also enhancing the visitor experience by maintaining healthy park ecosystems.
The 21-state-park system spans a wide range of environments from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian region, with park facilities that include day-use areas, trails, campgrounds, resort lodging, dining, golf courses, and other recreational options. The overarching mission is to steward natural resources while providing accessible opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Administrative and project oversight for these initiatives is part of Alabama’s broader park management framework, which is supported by state funding and strategic partnerships aimed at preserving natural resources and expanding public access to outdoor recreation.
Q: What is the scope of HPM’s work with ADCNR?
A: HPM provides program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for construction projects at state parks, covering 11 parks, along with a separate $40 million water and wastewater program across 12 parks.
Q: How many parks are involved and what kinds of improvements are planned?
A: The effort involves 11 parks with construction and renovation projects ranging from interior upgrades to the construction of new lodging and hospitality facilities, as well as a parallel set of water and wastewater improvements across 12 parks.
Q: Which notable facilities are being updated?
A: Projects include a boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, five lakeside cottages at Wind Creek, a pool house at DeSoto, an administration building at Meaher, cabin renovations and ADA site conversions at Monte Sano, full park renovations at Lake Lurleen, and a golf-to-RV resort conversion at Gulf State Park, among others.
Q: How is habitat restoration supported?
A: A grant from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils supports prescribed fire equipment to enhance habitat restoration and wildfire risk management across state parks.
Q: What is the overall investment in water and wastewater work?
A: The dedicated water and wastewater effort totals $40 million across the involved parks, supplementing construction and renovation activities.
| Park / Project | Type of Work | Key Improvements | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheaha State Park | Hospitality Construction | 25-unit boutique hotel with cafe and rooftop bar | Under construction |
| Cabins and Campground Upgrades | Five 1,600 sq ft cottages; 72 campsite renovations; 50-amp service; ADA accessibility | Cottages completed; campground upgrades ongoing | |
| Lakepoint State Park | Renovation | 44 lodge rooms; significant aesthetic improvements | Completed |
| DeSoto State Park | Facility Construction | New pool house with enhanced guest amenities | Completed |
| Meaher State Park | Administration Building | 1,400 sq ft administration building with check-in desk, offices, gift shop | Under construction |
| Site & Cabin Renovations | New sidewalks; 14 cabins renovated; two bathhouses; ADA RV site conversions | Ongoing | |
| Lake Lurleen State Park | Complete Park Renovation | Bathhouses, gatehouse, renovated boat piers, new RV sites, modernized playground | In progress |
| Gulf State Park | Golf Course to RV Resort | Converted golf course into RV resort with 105 RV sites; bathhouses; admin building; clubhouse with pool, splashpad, pickleball | Underway |
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