Vestavia Hills, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Vestavia Hills City Council has greenlit a $30 million investment for the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex. The project includes a new satellite library, police operations building, and various infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing local recreational services. Doster Construction will manage the construction, which will occur over the next two to three years with staggered starts for different projects. Additional improvements, including a pedestrian bridge, are also underway to enhance safety and accessibility.
Vestavia Hills Approves $30 Million Athletic Complex and Infrastructure Projects
The Vestavia Hills City Council has authorized a significant investment of over $30 million for the development of new facilities and infrastructure at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, with construction managed by Doster Construction. This initiative, expected to unfold in Liberty Park over the next two to three years, includes a range of projects poised to enhance local services and recreational offerings.
Details of the Construction Projects
Among the major facilities slated for construction are a satellite library on Sweeney Hollow Road, a police operations building, and a public works and park maintenance building. Additionally, the plans entail:
- Renovation and expansion of Fire Station No. 4
- Demolition of the existing park maintenance building at the Liberty Park softball fields
- Reconfiguration of the back entrance to the softball park
- Construction of an access road to facilitate the new library, police, and park maintenance buildings
Furthermore, Doster Construction will supervise the installation of a pool heater at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex located in Wald Park.
Timeline and Financial Overview
To manage expenditures effectively, the construction projects will be executed in a staggered manner. The expansion of the fire station, the installation of the pool heater, and the construction of the access road are anticipated to commence in fiscal year 2026. The projects related to the police facility, the satellite library, the maintenance building, and the new softball field entrance are expected to kick off in fiscal year 2027.
Doster Construction emerged as the chosen contractor from a competitive group of six companies, earning the role with an agreement for a fee of 1.75% of the total construction costs, equating approximately to $535,000. Additionally, the company will receive a monthly amount of at least $15,512 during the pre-construction phase, along with standard billing for supervisory personnel.
Additional Infrastructure Developments
In parallel to these construction efforts, a separate project for a pedestrian bridge over Highway 31 is underway, which aims to enhance safety and connectivity between Wald Park and the city’s public library. This bridge project is budgeted at approximately $3.2 million, with the Alabama Department of Transportation covering 80% of the overall costs.
Meanwhile, plans for improvements on Massey Road have hit a snag due to the discovery of an unmarked water main. This road enhancement project includes the addition of a 5-foot-wide sidewalk and repaving, with completion expected in the summer of the upcoming year.
Community Impact
The collaborative efforts of the Vestavia Hills City Council and Doster Construction emphasize the city’s commitment to bolstering community resources, public safety, and recreational opportunities, fundamentally enhancing the quality of life for residents.
FAQ Section
What is the total cost of the new projects at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex?
The city council has approved projects exceeding $30 million for the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex.
Who is overseeing the construction of these projects?
Doster Construction has been appointed as the construction manager for the projects.
When are the construction projects expected to begin?
Work on the fire station expansion, pool heater, and access road is set to start in fiscal 2026, while other facilities will commence in fiscal 2027.
How will the construction projects be funded?
The projects will be funded through the city’s budget, with costs being staggered to spread out financial impact.
What is the purpose of the pedestrian bridge project?
The pedestrian bridge over Highway 31 aims to improve safety and access between Wald Park and the public library.
What challenges has the Massey Road project faced?
The Massey Road project has been delayed due to the discovery of an unmarked water main during construction.
Key Features Overview
| Project | Description | Projected Start Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex | New satellite library, police operations building, public works building, and more. | 2026-2027 |
| Pedestrian Bridge | Bridge over Highway 31 to enhance access and safety. | Underway |
| Massey Road Improvements | Installation of sidewalk and road widening. | Expected completion summer 2024 |
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Additional Resources
- Vestavia Voice: City Council Coverage
- Wikipedia: Vestavia Hills, Alabama
- AL.com: Funds Allocated for Highway 31 Upgrades
- Google Search: Vestavia Hills infrastructure projects
- ABC3340: Construction of Pedestrian Bridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- The Bama Buzz: New Permits Issued
- Google News: construction projects Vestavia Hills
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