BAY MINETTE – The beach is coming to north Baldwin County — sort of.

The revitalization of the county seat will soon include a large sandbox play area at Universal Playground at the corner of E. 12th Street and Bradley Avenue. The same complex includes the municipal pool, a basketball court and six tennis courts.

“We are continuing to improve our parks to provide recreational opportunities, which includes the construction of a ‘beach playground’ addition to the Universal Playground with a foot-wash station, new swings and a pavilion,” said Bay Minette Mayor Bob Wills.

On Friday, workers with Ammons & Blackmon Construction were finishing up the concrete curbing that will surround the new play area. Officials hope to have 18 inches of new sand and the climbing structures installed by this Friday.

The addition will “bring part of the beach to Bay Minette,” said J.J. Hall, Grounds/Parks Department supervisor. “This will be a large sand box with a large pipe for kids to crawl through, the pipe will be covered in sand and kids will have extra room around the box just to play.

“There will also be a beach shower/foot wash beside the sidewalk so kids can wash off before playing on the playground, going inside to the pool or leaving with parents,” Hall said.

Just a start

The new children’s area at Universal Playground is just the latest stage in an ongoing revitalization push in the county seat.

Other amenities that will soon pop up around the town include new basketball courts at Halliday Park and the Bay Minette Municipal Pool Complex. A new sign is also under construction at Bay Minette City Hall. The mayor said citizens should expect even more progress as the chamber of commerce, city personnel and volunteers pool their resources.

“The city is very happy about the tremendous positive response we have seen in regard to our beautification efforts,” Wills said. “I would really like to thank everyone who has had a hand in all of this work and would encourage others who have the time and inclination to join us as we move Bay Minette forward.”

The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the Old Town Bay Minette Arts Council and the Bay Minette Beautification Committee have joined forces to spruce up the center of town with both art and flowers. In addition to the art trail that has put artwork in downtown storefronts, officials have just started the Bay Minette in Bloom program, where businesses and individuals can sponsor hanging baskets full on plants around the central business district.

“The city is very excited about the efforts and results of the Beautification Committee and all those who have assisted in brightening up our town,” Wills said. “These baskets and the beautiful flowers that will be placed in them will further enhance the aesthetics of Bay Minette.”

For more information about the Bay Minette in Bloom campaign, contact the chamber at 251-937-5665. To learn more about how to assist the Beautification Committee on its various projects, contact the Grounds/Parks Department at 251-580-1851.