Vestavia Hills, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Vestavia Hills City Council has approved a $30 million investment at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, hiring Doster Construction as the construction manager. Planned projects include a new satellite library, a police operations building, and renovations to existing facilities. Construction will begin in fiscal 2026 and is designed to enhance community services and infrastructure in Liberty Park over the next few years. Additional initiatives such as a pedestrian bridge and sidewalk improvements are also underway, aimed at improving accessibility and safety in the area.
Vestavia Hills – The Vestavia Hills City Council has officially approved $30 million worth of projects at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, hiring Doster Construction as the construction manager. This extensive investment aims to enhance community facilities primarily in Liberty Park and will unfold over the next two to three years.
According to City Manager Jeff Downes, the planned facilities include a new satellite library positioned along Sweeney Hollow Road, a police operations building, and a public works and park maintenance building. In addition, several renovations and expansions are set to take place, including the renovation of Fire Station No. 4 and the demolition of the existing park maintenance building located at the Liberty Park softball fields.
The project also outlines modifications to improve access and functionality, such as reconfiguring the back entrance to the softball park and constructing an access road that will service the new library, police building, and park maintenance facilities. Furthermore, Doster Construction will oversee the installation of a new pool heater at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex at Wald Park.
The construction projects are scheduled to be staggered over the coming years to manage and distribute costs effectively. The first phases, which include the fire station expansion, pool heater installation, and access road construction, are expected to commence in fiscal 2026. The subsequent phases, which encompass the construction of the police facility, satellite library, maintenance building, and new entrance for the softball field, are anticipated to begin in fiscal 2027.
Doster Construction was selected from a competitive pool of six companies and will receive 1.75% of the overall construction cost amounting to an estimated $535,000. During the pre-construction phase, the company will earn a minimum of $15,512 each month, along with billing rates for supervisory personnel assigned to oversee the projects.
Mayor Ashley Curry expressed confidence in Doster’s competitive pricing and the quality of the project personnel as essential factors behind the selection. In addition to the main projects at the athletic complex, a separate initiative is already in progress: the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Highway 31, designed to enhance accessibility and safety between Wald Park and the city’s public library. This pedestrian bridge project carries an estimated cost of $3.2 million, with the Alabama Department of Transportation contributing 80% of the total cost.
There are also updates on a sidewalk addition and road widening project on Massey Road, which has faced delays due to the discovery of an unmarked water main. This project includes the installation of a new 5-foot-wide sidewalk and repaving, with completion expected in the coming summer months.
Key Facilities and Features of the Projects
- New Satellite Library: To be positioned along Sweeney Hollow Road.
- Police Operations Building: Enhancing law enforcement facilities in the area.
- Public Works and Park Maintenance Building: Improving infrastructure for community maintenance.
- Renovation of Fire Station No. 4: Upgrading emergency services.
- Access Road Construction: To enhance access to new buildings.
- Pedestrian Bridge: Aiming to connect Wald Park and the public library.
Overview of Timeline and Project Costs
| Project | Start Date | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Station Expansion | Fiscal 2026 | Included in $30 million |
| Pool Heater Installation | Fiscal 2026 | Included in $30 million |
| Access Road | Fiscal 2026 | Included in $30 million |
| Police Facility Construction | Fiscal 2027 | Included in $30 million |
| Satellite Library | Fiscal 2027 | Included in $30 million |
| Maintenance Building | Fiscal 2027 | Included in $30 million |
| Pedestrian Bridge | In Progress | $3.2 million ($2.56 million funded by state) |
FAQ Section
What is the total budget for the athletic complex projects in Vestavia Hills?
The total budget for the projects at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex is $30 million.
Who was selected as the construction manager for the projects?
Doster Construction has been hired as the construction manager for the projects.
What specific facilities will be constructed?
Facilities will include a new satellite library, a police operations building, a public works and park maintenance building, and renovated Fire Station No. 4.
When will the construction projects begin?
The fire station expansion, pool heater installation, and access road construction are set to start in fiscal 2026. The police facility and satellite library construction will begin in fiscal 2027.
What is the status of the pedestrian bridge project?
A pedestrian bridge project over Highway 31 is already underway with an estimated cost of $3.2 million, funded primarily by the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Are there any other improvements happening in Vestavia Hills?
Yes, there are ongoing improvements on Massey Road, which include sidewalk addition and road widening, but they have faced delays due to an unmarked water main discovery.
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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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