Reimagine Kids Park

Reimagine Kids Park is the City of Gulf Shores’ effort to thoughtfully rebuild the beloved wooden playground at Sims Park. Originally constructed in 1996 through a remarkable community‑wide effort with Leathers & Associates, the playground has reached the end of its usable life despite years of care, inspections, and repairs.

Inspired by residents’ strong connection to the charm and character of the original design, the City is launching a full redesign that preserves the spirit of the playground while creating a modern, safe, and imaginative space for today’s children.

We also acknowledge the profound sentimental significance of the hand print wall and engraved bricks that have been integral to Kids Park for several decades. These features hold cherished memories for countless families, and we assure our community that every endeavor will be made to meticulously preserve them as part of the revitalization project.

Beginning this spring, Leathers & Associates will lead a community‑driven design phase that includes input from residents, families, and local students. Construction is expected to begin in September, with the new Kids Park opening in November.

This project is part of the City’s 2026 Capital Plan and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating vibrant, meaningful public spaces for all who call Gulf Shores home.

Thank You For Helping Us Reimagine Kids Park

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Reimagine Kids Park survey and attend the Reimagine Kids Park community event. We appreciate the feedback, ideas, and participation from our community as we work together to help shape the future of this exciting project.

Community input has played an important role throughout this process, and your involvement is helping create a space that reflects the needs and interests of Gulf Shores families for years to come.

Our next step is to work with our design team at Leathers & Associates to create a plan that incorporates your feedback. We hope to present the proposed plan to the Mayor and City Council at a work session in late summer for final approval. Our anticipated construction begins after Labor Day with project completion expected in late 2026. We look forward to including the community during the build and sharing updates and progress along the way as this vision becomes a reality.

If you were unable to submit feedback during the survey process but would still like to be involved, please email Grant Brown at gbrown@gulfshoresal.gov. For additional information and project updates, visit us online at www.gulfshoresal.gov/kidspark.