Vestavia Hills Approves Major Athletic and Infrastructure Projects

News Summary

Vestavia Hills has committed over $30 million for new construction and infrastructure at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex. Key improvements, including a satellite library and police facility, are set to enhance community services and safety over the next two to three years. Doster Construction has been awarded the management contract, and additional infrastructure projects like a pedestrian bridge are also in the pipeline to boost accessibility and public service in the area.

Vestavia Hills Approves Over $30 Million for New Athletic and Infrastructure Projects

The city of Vestavia Hills has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its public facilities by approving more than $30 million in new construction and infrastructure projects at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex. The projects are designed to improve recreational, safety, and community services within the city over the next two to three years.

Major Construction Management Contract Awarded

The Vestavia Hills City Council has officially approved engaging Doster Construction as the construction manager for these ambitious developments. Doster was selected from a pool of six companies and will oversee a comprehensive range of projects, ensuring coordinated progress and quality control. The firm will receive approximately 1.75% of the total construction cost, estimated at around $535,000. During the preliminary phases, Doster will also be paid a minimum of $15,512 monthly, in addition to billing for supervisory personnel.

Key Projects Mainly Located in Liberty Park

The bulk of these projects will occur at the Liberty Park site and are slated to unfold over the next two to three years. City officials have indicated that construction will be staged to distribute financial impact, with specific projects scheduled to begin in different fiscal years.

Planned Facilities and Renovations

• A new satellite library along Sweeney Hollow Road, intended to serve as a community hub and resource center.
• A police operations building to enhance the department’s central command and increase safety.
• A public works and park maintenance building to support ongoing city maintenance and operational needs.
• Renovations and an expansion of Fire Station No. 4 to improve emergency response capabilities.
• Demolition of the existing park maintenance building located at the Liberty Park softball fields, facilitating future development.
• Reconfiguration of the back entrance to the softball park to optimize traffic flow and safety.
• Construction of a new access road to service the satellite library, police, and maintenance facilities.

Additional Infrastructure Enhancements

Aside from the primary projects, Doster Construction will oversee the installation of a pool heater at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex, located in Wald Park. The heater aims to improve swimming conditions and extend the seasonal usability of the pool.

Project Schedules

The projects will be scheduled as follows: the fire station expansion, pool heater installation, and the access road are expected to commence in fiscal 2026. The remaining projects—such as the police facility, satellite library, maintenance building, and new softball field entrance—are anticipated to begin in fiscal 2027.

Supporting Infrastructure Projects

Pedestrian Bridge Over Highway 31

A separate project involves constructing a pedestrian bridge over Highway 31, designed to improve access and safety between Wald Park and the city’s public library. The project has an estimated cost of about $3.2 million, with the Alabama Department of Transportation covering 80% of the expenses.

Road and Sidewalk Improvements

The city is also working on sidewalk addition and road widening on Massey Road. However, these efforts have experienced delays due to the discovery of an unmarked water main, which has necessitated additional work. The scope includes installing a 5-foot-wide sidewalk and repaving, with completion now expected in summer.

Summary

Overall, the city of Vestavia Hills is investing heavily in its community infrastructure, focusing on sports, safety, public service, and accessibility improvements. These projects aim to provide better facilities for residents and enhance the city’s overall quality of life, with many construction activities beginning within the coming years.

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Additional Resources

• Vestavia Voice: City Council Coverage
• Wikipedia: Vestavia Hills, Alabama
• AL.com: Funds Allocated for Highway 31 Upgrades
• Google Search: Vestavia Hills infrastructure projects
• ABC3340: Construction of Pedestrian Bridge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
• The Bama Buzz: New Permits Issued
• Google News: construction projects Vestavia Hills