Birmingham, Alabama, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A Birmingham-based construction and program-management firm has begun managing projects at 11 Alabama state parks and is overseeing program work tied to $40 million in water and wastewater upgrades at 12 parks. Services include program and project management, preconstruction and field coordination for projects ranging from interior renovations to full new-builds. Notable efforts include a 25-unit boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, lodge and cabin renovations, bathhouse construction, new cottages and campsite upgrades, a golf-course-to-RV-resort conversion at Gulf State Park, and multiple utility improvements to boost infrastructure reliability and visitor experience.
HPM of Birmingham to Manage Construction at 11 State Parks; Oversees $40 million in Water/Wastewater Work
A Birmingham-based construction and program management firm has started work with the state agency that runs Alabama’s parks to manage construction at multiple locations across the state. The firm will provide program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for projects at 11 state parks, and it is also overseeing program work tied to $40 million in water and wastewater projects at 12 state parks.
What the work includes
The scope ranges from interior renovations to full new-builds. Major items include the management of a new 25-unit boutique hotel, numerous lodge and cabin upgrades, bathhouse construction, site improvements and utility projects intended to improve visitor experience and expand public access across the park system.
Park-by-park highlights
The portfolio of active projects includes a mix of small and large improvements at parks around the state:
- Lakepoint State Park (north of Eufaula): Management of renovation work on 44 lodge rooms and other aesthetic improvements to update guest spaces.
- DeSoto State Park (Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County): Oversaw construction coordination for a new pool house to improve guest amenities.
- Wind Creek State Park (western edge of Lake Martin): Recent completion of five 1,600-square-foot cottages and renovation of 72 campsites.
- Cheaha State Park (Clay and Cleburne counties): Overseeing construction of a new 25-unit boutique hotel that will include a small café and a rooftop bar to enhance overnight options.
- Meaher State Park (Spanish Fort): Managed development of a new 1,400-square-foot administration building housing a check-in desk, staff offices and a visitor gift shop.
- Monte Sano State Park (Madison County): Managed site improvements including new sidewalks, interior renovations of 14 cabins, construction of two new bathhouses and conversion of three RV sites to be ADA-compliant.
- Lake Lurleen State Park (Tuscaloosa County): Oversight of a nearly complete renovation that includes new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, additional RV sites and a modern playground.
- Gulf State Park (Baldwin County): Managing conversion of an existing golf course into an RV resort with approximately 105 RV sites, three bathhouses, an administration building and a clubhouse featuring a pool, splash pad and pickleball courts.
Program and utility work
In addition to above-ground improvements, the firm is handling program management and field coordination for a large package of utility projects across the park system. These water and wastewater efforts cover improvements at a dozen parks and are valued at about $40 million, intended to strengthen infrastructure reliability and public health protections at park facilities.
Background and capacity
The state agency that oversees the parks manages a network of 21 state parks. In 2024, the agency used more than $218 million for park improvements. The firm bringing these services has previously worked on notable local projects such as Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater and a major stadium in the region, and it has prior experience managing renovations and coordination at several state parks.
Leadership and intent
The company president frames the partnership as a long-term effort to enhance destinations, increase outdoor access and coordinate complex construction work across the park network. The approach emphasizes using construction and program-management expertise to shape parks into attractive places to visit and spend time outdoors.
Local parks context in Birmingham
Locally, a guest opinion column and recent city park updates show parallel activity around park investment and planning. The opinion column reflects on the city’s park history and recent efforts to protect open spaces. City park investment updates note projects funded through municipal strategic planning, federal recovery funds and surplus budgets, including:
- Bessie Estelle Park: Phase 1 construction underway for an all-inclusive playground meant to serve children of varying abilities.
- Maclin Park: Critical pool repairs are in progress to restore the community swimming pool.
- ML King Park: A fully renovated swimming pool is now open with updated amenities.
- Germania Park: New playground equipment, upgraded basketball goals and added seating are being installed.
The city’s planning work also includes a comprehensive park study and zoning changes intended to protect open spaces and guide future investment.
What to expect next
Construction timelines vary by project, and many items are in staged phases from preconstruction through field coordination and final closeout. Park visitors should see progressive improvements in overnight lodging, campground amenities, visitor centers and utility reliability as projects move forward.
FAQ
How many parks are included in the construction management work?
The firm is managing construction projects at 11 state parks and is also overseeing program management for water and wastewater projects at 12 state parks.
What kinds of projects are being done?
Projects include interior renovations of lodges and cabins, new bathhouses, site improvements like sidewalks and RV sites, a 25-unit boutique hotel with a café and rooftop bar, campground upgrades, and a conversion of a golf course to an RV resort.
Will utilities be upgraded?
Yes. About $40 million is dedicated to water and wastewater work across multiple parks to improve infrastructure reliability and health protections.
Who manages the state parks?
The state department responsible for conservation and natural resources manages a system of 21 state parks and coordinates major funding and improvement efforts.
How can the public get updates?
Park websites, agency announcements and local park boards will post updates on construction milestones and expected reopenings as projects progress.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of parks (construction) | 11 state parks |
| Utility program | $40 million in water/wastewater projects across 12 state parks |
| Major new build | 25-unit boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park with café and rooftop bar |
| Large conversions | Golf course to RV resort at Gulf State Park with ~105 RV sites and recreation amenities |
| Renovations | Multiple lodge, cabin and campsite renovations including 44 lodge rooms at Lakepoint and 14 cabins at Monte Sano |
| Accessibility | ADA conversions of RV sites and improved visitor facilities across parks |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- WBRC: Birmingham-based firm helping manage projects at Alabama state parks
- Wikipedia: HPM of Birmingham / Alabama state parks
- ABC3340: Birmingham’s HPM partners with ADCNR for Alabama state parks upgrades
- Google Search: HPM Birmingham Alabama State Parks
- AL.com: Birmingham has twice as many parks as others its size — the reason is both troubling and beautiful
- Google Scholar: Urban parks Birmingham Alabama
- The Birmingham Times: Park & Recreation enhancing neighborhood parks with ARPA and surplus funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham parks
- C&G News: Poppleton Park awaits accessible playground improvements
- Google News: inclusive playground Birmingham
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