The City of Gulf Shores is excited to announce we’re moving forward with plans to reimagine the beloved Kids Park at Sims Park, as the City Council approved a proposal by the Recreation and Cultural Affairs department this week.

A 2014 study showed the natural wooden playground, originally built in 1996 through a partnership with Leathers & Associates and an incredible community effort, was nearing the end of its life.

After years of inspections, repairs, and sealant applications to keep it safe, it’s clear that it’s time for a full replacement. In recent community discussions, residents emphasized how much the charm and character of the original design meant to them, and that feedback will guide the new concept.

The goal is for the vision for the park's replacement to reflect the same spirit that made the first Kids Park so special.

The City plans to again partner with Leathers & Associates and the process will begin with a 39,900‑dollar design phase this spring, incorporating input from the community and Gulf Shores students throughout April and May. Their full proposal to design and construct the new playground will not exceed 940,000 dollars, funded through the City’s 2026 Capital Plan.

Construction is expected to begin in September and the goal is to open the new playground in November.

For more information, you can view the proposal at https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/AgendaCenter.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we work to create something that will be cherished by a new generation of community children and parents!

Below, we’ve included photos of other playgrounds built by Leathers & Associates to help illustrate the style and character that may inspire our new Kids Park.