Alabama, August 13, 2025
News Summary
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.
Birmingham Firm HPM to Manage Major Upgrades, New Lodging and $40M in Water Work Across Alabama State Parks
HPM, a Birmingham-based construction and program management firm, has teamed with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to manage construction, renovations and a statewide water program. The partnership covers construction projects at 11 state parks and oversight of $40 million of water and wastewater projects at 12 parks. Key projects include a new boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, new cottages and campground upgrades at Wind Creek, and a golf-course conversion into an RV resort at Gulf State Park.
What the partnership covers
HPM is providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for a mix of projects that range from interior renovations to new construction. The work is intended to enhance the visitor experience and expand public access across the State Parks system. HPM is also handling field coordination and project management for many individual park projects, drawing on a portfolio that includes high-profile recreational and event facilities.
High-priority projects and park highlights
The largest new construction element under HPM’s oversight is a 25-unit boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, located in Clay and Cleburne counties. The hotel will include a small café and a rooftop bar, adding new overnight lodging and food-and-drink options at the park.
At Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin, work recently completed includes a ribbon-cutting for five 1,600-square-foot cottages, each with three bedrooms and three bathrooms and with water views. HPM also led renovation of 72 campsites, expanded RV pads to fit larger units, added 50-amp electrical service and improved ADA-compliant accessibility. The campground upgrades increase options for overnight stays and access to lakeshore attractions.
On the Gulf Coast, Gulf State Park’s former golf course is being converted into an RV resort expected to yield 105 RV sites, plus three bathhouses, an administration building and a clubhouse with a pool, splashpad and pickleball courts. The project will add significant overnight capacity near the coast.
Selected renovations and site improvements
- Lakepoint State Park (north of Eufaula): management of renovation for 44 lodge rooms and broader aesthetic improvements.
- DeSoto State Park (Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County): project coordination to build a new pool house with enhanced guest amenities.
- Meaher State Park (Spanish Fort): new 1,400-square-foot administration building with a check-in desk, staff offices and a visitor gift shop managed by HPM.
- Monte Sano State Park (Madison County): site improvements including new sidewalks, interior renovations of 14 cabins, construction of two new bathhouses and conversion of three RV sites to ADA-compliant sites.
- Lake Lurleen State Park (Tuscaloosa County): complete park renovation including new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, additional RV sites and a modernized playground.
Statewide water and wastewater work
In addition to construction and renovation, HPM is overseeing program and project management plus field coordination for roughly $40 million of water and wastewater projects across 12 state parks. These projects are aimed at improving utilities and long-term infrastructure reliability within park properties.
Conservation equipment grant and habitat work
The ADCNR State Parks Division received a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (AARCDC) to purchase prescribed-fire equipment. The gear package includes drip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, hand tools, safety equipment, signage, a branded trailer and a 130-gallon water tank with a special pump and hose. The equipment will expand controlled-burn capacity, help manage native habitats including longleaf pine restoration, and increase the division’s ability to reduce wildfire risk and assist partners with wildfire suppression.
Context and funding
ADCNR’s State Parks Division manages 21 state parks covering more than 50,000 acres, from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian foothills, offering trails, campgrounds, resort lodging and other recreation. The agency utilized more than $218 million in 2024 for park improvements. Some recent upgrades, including Wind Creek campground work, were supported by an $85 million bond issue for state parks approved by voters in 2022.
Next steps and public access
Work overseen by HPM is ongoing across multiple parks and includes new lodging, campground improvements, infrastructure upgrades and conservation tools. Reservations for campsites and cottages are available online through the state parks reservation portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPM doing for Alabama State Parks?
HPM is providing program and project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for construction and renovation projects at 11 state parks and overseeing water and wastewater work at 12 parks.
Which parks have major projects?
Major projects highlighted include Cheaha (25-unit boutique hotel), Wind Creek (five new cottages and campground upgrades), Gulf State Park (golf-course conversion to a 105-site RV resort), Lakepoint, DeSoto, Meaher, Monte Sano and Lake Lurleen.
How much funding is involved for water projects?
HPM is handling program management and related services for approximately $40 million in water and wastewater projects across state parks.
How does the prescribed-fire equipment grant help parks?
The $25,000 grant funds tools and a trailer to expand controlled burns used to restore native habitats, reduce wildfire risk, control invasive plants and support wildlife food sources.
Where can I make reservations?
Reservations for campsites, cottages and other state park lodging can be made through the state parks online reservation portal.
Key project features at a glance
| Park / Project | Location | Primary work | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheaha State Park | Clay & Cleburne counties | New 25-unit boutique hotel | Small café and rooftop bar |
| Wind Creek State Park | Lake Martin | Cottages and campground upgrades | Five 1,600-sq-ft cottages; expanded RV pads; 50-amp service; ADA improvements |
| Gulf State Park | Baldwin County | Golf-course conversion to RV resort | 105 RV sites; bathhouses; clubhouse with pool and splashpad |
| Lakepoint State Park | North of Eufaula | Lodge room renovations; aesthetic updates | 44 renovated lodge rooms |
| DeSoto State Park | Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County | New pool house | Enhanced guest amenities |
| Meaher State Park | Spanish Fort | New administration building | 1,400 sq ft with check-in, offices and gift shop |
| Monte Sano State Park | Madison County | Site and cabin improvements | New sidewalks, 14 cabin renovations, two bathhouses, 3 ADA RV conversions |
| Lake Lurleen State Park | Tuscaloosa County | Complete park renovation | New bathhouses, gatehouse, boat pier work, new RV sites, playground |
| Statewide water projects | 12 state parks | Water & wastewater upgrades | Approximately $40 million in program oversight |
| Prescribed-fire equipment | State Parks Division | New tools and trailer | $25,000 grant to expand controlled-burn capacity |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- WBRC: Birmingham Firm HPM to Manage Major Upgrades at Alabama State Parks
- Wikipedia: Alabama State Parks
- ABC3340: Birmingham’s HPM Partners with ADCNR for Alabama State Parks Upgrades
- Google Search: HPM Alabama State Parks
- Outdoor Alabama: Alabama State Parks Expands Prescribed-Fire Capabilities Through Grant Award
- Google Scholar: prescribed fire Alabama state parks
- WHNT: New Cottages, Upgrades at Wind Creek State Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Creek State Park
- The Bama Buzz: Wind Creek Named 4th Best Value State Park
- Google News: Alabama State Parks upgrades
Author: Construction FL News
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