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.
HPM to Manage Construction, Renovations and a $40M Water Program at Multiple Alabama State Parks
A Birmingham-based construction and program management firm has begun overseeing a broad set of projects with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), covering work at 11 state parks and managing a separate $40 million water and wastewater program across 12 parks. The work ranges from interior renovations and new visitor amenities to large-scale campground and utility upgrades.
Top-line scope and purpose
The firm is providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for the statewide effort. Officials say the projects aim to enhance visitor services, expand public access and modernize park systems while coordinating many simultaneous construction efforts.
Highlighted park projects
Several parks are seeing major, visible upgrades:
- Cheaha State Park (Clay and Cleburne counties): Oversight of construction for a 25-unit boutique hotel that will include a small café and a rooftop bar, adding new overnight lodging options near the park’s summit.
- Wind Creek State Park (western shore of Lake Martin): Completion of five new lakeside cottages, each about 1,600 square feet, and renovation of 72 campsites. Campground upgrades expanded RV pads to fit larger units, added 50-AMP service, and increased ADA accessibility to better serve visitors with mobility needs.
- Gulf State Park (Baldwin County): Conversion of an existing golf course 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.
- Lakepoint State Park (north of Eufaula): Management of an interior renovation to 44 lodge rooms and significant aesthetic improvements to guest spaces.
- DeSoto State Park (Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County): Project management and field coordination for a new pool house offering enhanced guest amenities.
- Meaher State Park (Spanish Fort): Oversaw construction of a new 1,400-square-foot administration building with a check-in desk, staff offices and a visitor gift shop.
- Monte Sano State Park (Madison County): Site improvements including new sidewalks, interior renovation of 14 cabins, construction of two new bathhouses and conversion of three RV sites to ADA-compliant sites.
- Lake Lurleen State Park (Tuscaloosa County): A complete renovation that includes new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, added RV sites and a modernized playground.
Water and wastewater program
In addition to building and renovation work, the firm is handling program and project management plus field coordination for $40 million in water and wastewater projects at a dozen parks. These utility upgrades are intended to improve long-term reliability, public health protection and service capacity for park guests and staff.
Conservation support and prescribed fire equipment
The State Parks Division received a $25,000 grant from a statewide association of Resource Conservation and Development councils to purchase prescribed fire equipment. The gear package includes drip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, hand tools, safety gear, signage, a branded trailer for storage and transport, and a 130-gallon water tank with a specialized pump and hose for managing burns. ADCNR staff say the new equipment will expand prescribed fire capabilities, improve habitat restoration work such as longleaf pine restoration, help reduce wildfire risk and allow the division to assist partners on other burns and wildfire suppression missions.
Funding context and access
The State Parks Division manages 21 parks across more than 50,000 acres, from Gulf Coast beaches to mountain forests. State funding and bonds approved in recent years have supported many of the capital projects, and ADCNR reported using more than $218 million in 2024 for park improvements. Reservations for campsites and cottages remain available through the official state parks online portal.
Management and next steps
The Birmingham-based firm brings experience in site coordination and program management across public projects. Officials involved in the partnership described the work as focused on expanding outdoor access, improving amenities and coordinating the many moving parts of construction in park settings. Work continues across the listed parks and through the water and wastewater program, with schedules and openings varying by site as projects move from preconstruction through field work to completion.
FAQ
Which firm is managing the park projects?
The projects are being managed by a Birmingham-based construction and program management firm providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination.
How many parks are included in the construction program?
Construction and renovation work is taking place at 11 state parks, while a separate water and wastewater program covers 12 parks.
What is included in the $40 million program?
The $40 million program targets water and wastewater upgrades across a dozen parks to improve reliability, capacity and public health protections.
What are some of the major lodging or campground changes?
Major changes include a new 25-unit boutique hotel at a mountain park with a café and rooftop bar, five new lakeside cottages at a Lake Martin park, and conversion of a Gulf Coast golf course into an RV resort with 105 RV sites and supporting buildings.
How is prescribed fire equipment being funded?
A statewide RC&D association awarded a $25,000 grant to purchase prescribed fire equipment to expand habitat restoration and wildfire risk reduction work.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details | Example Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Project types | Interior renovations, new lodges and cottages, bathhouses, administration buildings, sidewalks and RV site upgrades | Cheaha, Wind Creek, Monte Sano, Meaher |
| Water and wastewater program | $40 million in upgrades across 12 parks for improved utility service | Multiple state parks (program-wide) |
| Lodging expansion | 25-unit boutique hotel; five 1,600-sq-ft cottages; renovated lodge rooms | Cheaha, Wind Creek, Lakepoint |
| Campground & RV improvements | 105 RV sites conversion, expanded RV pads, 50-AMP service and ADA sites | Gulf State, Wind Creek, Monte Sano |
| Conservation equipment | $25,000 grant funded prescribed fire gear, trailer and water tank | State Parks System (division-wide) |
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
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