The Alabama State Port Authority officially handed Mobile’s newest bay front park over to the City of Mobile at a ceremony attended by community leaders and recreational enthusiasts.   Arlington Park, located within the city limits on the western shore of Mobile Bay, will now join the city’s arsenal of waterfront parks.

 “Arlington Park is absolutely breathtaking and its waterfront access will certainly be a positive addition to our Bay,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. “We are so excited and grateful to the Port Authority for deeding such an asset to the citizens of Mobile.”

The Alabama State Port Authority initially conceived the park plan during the federal permitting process for the seaport’s Choctaw Point container and intermodal terminal project.  To construct the container and intermodal terminals, the Authority had to mitigate for low quality wetland impacts associated with the project.  The nearby shoreline provided an ideal spot for not only creating higher quality wetlands, but also to restore a former industrial site for public use.  “We sought to create a waterfront attraction where old derelict tanks and foundations blocked the view of Mobile Bay,” said Jimmy Lyons, director and CEO for the Port Authority.

Arlington Park is comprised of 15 acres of upland recreational area that features a boardwalk and pier, one-mile hike / bike trail, picnic areas with grills, gazebos for group functions and a Welcome Center equipped with restroom facilities.  The park’s pedestrian pier crosses 20 acres of wetlands to provide an unobstructed and closer view of the bay and many coastal birds that call the waterfront home.

“With the industrial growth at Brookley and the construction of the Maritime Museum on the Bay, this park will give the public a wonderful view and access to the water,” said Mobile City Councilman Jermaine Burrell, who represents the district where the park is located.