Submitted

The City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park have entered into a landmark 20-year agreement to provide guests and residents with a better beach experience. The partnership will increase the efficiency of maintenance and service activities for selected locations in the park, including four beach access areas, 14 miles of trails and various park access points.

Highlights of the partnership include ongoing maintenance of the Romar Beach, Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point and Shell Beach access areas and associated washrooms. Beach grooming and sand mopping will also continue on these beaches. The agreement also ensures the presence of lifeguards on the beach during peak seasons and other times of high demand throughout the year.

In addition to routine maintenance of the 14 miles of Gulf State Park trails located in Orange Beach, the partnership makes possible the expansion of the park’s trail system with potential for future access to the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail from the Orange Beach Wildlife Center.

The partnership also allows residents of Orange Beach, as defined by the City of Orange Beach, to park for free in paid parking lots with beach access operated by Gulf State Park starting April 23. Orange Beach residents can obtain up to two non-charge residents’ beach parking passes by visiting Orange Beach Town Hall or the park headquarters. A third pass can be purchased for $ 25 at park headquarters. To qualify, a person must have a valid Alabama driver’s license with a physical address within the city limits of Orange Beach.

“The entire state park system is special to Alabamians and Gulf State Park continues to be the centerpiece in attracting people to our area and boosting the local economy,” said Tony Kennon, Mayor of Orange Beach. “We always say these are the beaches of Alabama and we are the stewards of them. The new partnership will allow the city to improve and improve daily maintenance, lifeguard coverage and service on state public beaches in Orange Beach for years to come. It’s a big step forward in keeping properties clean and safe, which is our goal as a family destination. “

“We thank Mayor Kennon and the City of Orange Beach for helping to make Gulf State Park one of the best destinations on the entire Gulf Coast,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Resources. natural areas of Alabama. “This partnership, along with our excellent working relationship with the City of Gulf Shores, will help us better serve our park customers.”

Gulf State Park Beach Parking

Parking pay stations accept cash and credit cards; however, they do not issue change and do not accept coins. Fees start at $ 3 for two hours and go up to $ 10 all day for personal vehicles. Annual Pass parking decals are available for $ 100, and the Veterans’ Annual Pass can be purchased at Gulf State Park Headquarters.

The payment offices are located at:

Gulf State Park Fishing (Daily anglers who pay $ 10 for parking per day will receive a daily wharf fishing license included with their parking.)

Beach pavilion

Romar Beach

Cotton Bayou

Alabama Point

Shell Beach

For more information on paid parking spaces, rates, or where to get passes, visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/beaches. Gulf State Park’s head office is located at 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores. The office can be reached at 251-948-7275 and is open seven days a week.