Aerial view of construction and renovation projects across Alabama state parks, including new lodging, cottages and an RV resort.
Alabama, August 13, 2025
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.
A Birmingham-based construction and program management firm is leading a wide-ranging set of projects across Alabama state parks that includes a new boutique hotel, lakeside cottages, campground upgrades and a multi-million-dollar water and wastewater program. The partnership with the state parks agency covers construction activity at multiple sites and aims to expand visitor access and modernize park infrastructure.
The firm is providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for projects at 11 state parks, while also overseeing $40 million in water and wastewater projects12 state parks. Work ranges from interior renovations and new administration buildings to full conversions of facilities into overnight-resort amenities.
Several park-specific projects highlight the scope and variety of construction under way:
The state parks division manages 21 parks$218 million$85 million bond issue approved by voters in 2022. The current management contract covers park construction at 11 sites and specialized water and wastewater work valued at roughly $40 million
Roles, expertise and outcomes
The firm’s role spans the planning and field phases: coordinating contractors, managing schedules and budgets, overseeing preconstruction planning and ensuring construction meets park goals. The intent of these projects is to enhance the visitor experience, expand overnight and day-use capacity, improve accessibility and modernize utility infrastructure so parks remain safe and sustainable for future visitors.
In parallel to construction work, the state parks division received a $25,000 grantdrip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, hand tools, safety gear, signage, a branded trailer and a 130-gallon water tank with a specialized pump and hose
Reservations and public access
Campground and cabin reservations for these state parks can be made through the state parks’ online portal. Upgrades such as larger RV pads and 50-AMP electrical service are intended to meet current RV owners’ needs and to draw more visitors to shoreline and mountain attractions.
State parks and construction leaders say these combined construction, renovation and conservation investments reflect a push to update infrastructure, expand access and protect parklands. Program management on complex multi-site projects continues as the parks division balances visitor services with natural resource stewardship.
The work includes new buildings, interior renovations, campground upgrades, site improvements, ADA conversions, and a $40 million program of water and wastewater projects at multiple parks.
Key parks noted include Cheaha, Wind Creek, Gulf State, Lakepoint, DeSoto, Meaher, Monte Sano and Lake Lurleen, among others across the state.
Funding sources include state park improvement funds used in recent years, voter-approved bonds for specific projects, and grants for conservation equipment. The parks division reported more than $218 million used for improvements in 2024.
Conservation is supported through a regional grant that purchased prescribed-fire equipment to expand controlled burns, reduce wildfire risk and restore native habitats across the parks system.
Reservations for campsites, cottages and lodging are handled through the state parks’ online reservation portal.
| Park | Project | Key features / size | Firm role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheaha State Park | New boutique hotel | 25 units; café; rooftop bar | Program & project management |
| Wind Creek State Park | Lakeside cottages & campground upgrades | Five 1,600-sq-ft cottages; 72 campsite renovations; expanded RV pads; 50-AMP | Construction management & field coordination |
| Gulf State Park | Golf-course to RV resort | ~105 RV sites; 3 bathhouses; clubhouse with pool and courts | Program management |
| Lakepoint State Park | Lodge renovations | 44 lodge rooms + aesthetic improvements | Project management |
| Meaher State Park | Administration building | 1,400-sq-ft building with check-in, offices, gift shop | Management & coordination |
| Monte Sano State Park | Site and cabin work | 14 cabin interiors, new sidewalks, 2 bathhouses, 3 ADA RV sites | Project & field coordination |
| Lake Lurleen State Park | Complete park renovation | New bathhouses, gatehouse, piers, RV sites, playground | Oversight and coordination |
| Multiple parks | Water & wastewater projects | $40 million across 12 parks | Program management |
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