Foley is enhancing its downtown area, with work now underway on the east side of Heritage Park and Jessamine Avenue.

According to Mayor Ralph Hellmich, the project will add walkways, columns, and better access, connecting the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59 to City Hall through the park.

“That is starting at the clock tower with a walkway that crosses the park with a gateway entrance on the east side,” Hellmich said. “This will complete the park on all four sides. We will carry that project to pave Jessamine eastward over to City Hall. This will provide a nice walkway all the way to City Hall.”

Plans also include building a gate and wall on the park’s east side near Jessamine Avenue. Additionally, pavers will be installed between the new gate and the Centennial Clock on the park’s west side.

Construction of the wall foundation is about 70% complete. The next phase of the project will include pouring the lower section of the wall and placing the bricks.

Work on the pavers and walkway will be timed to avoid conflicts with activities in Heritage Park.

The city is also replacing existing wooden light poles that hold halogen lighting on the south side of the park with decorative black poles holding LED lights. The LED lights are more efficient and will provide more illumination.

Other Foley projects are also in the work, including improvements on East Verbena Avenue. The city improved parking and access near businesses on East Verbena near Alabama 59. Upcoming plans include extending the road to the east to link with streets near the site where the new library is under construction.