HPM to Manage Major Upgrades and New Lodging Across Alabama State Parks

Alabama, August 13, 2025

News Summary

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.

Overview: HPM partners with ADCNR to manage multi-park construction and $40M water projects

A Birmingham-based construction management firm has joined with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to oversee program management, project management, preconstruction services, and field coordination for a broad slate of improvements at state parks. The initiative covers construction projects across 11 parks and involves a range from interior renovations to the development of a new boutique hotel. The effort is designed to enhance the visitor experience and expand public access to outdoor amenities across Alabama.

Park-by-park highlights

• Lakepoint State Park (north of Eufaula) saw a renovation of 44 lodge rooms along with significant aesthetic improvements managed under the agreement.
• DeSoto State Park on Lookout Mountain benefited from management and coordination to construct a new pool house with enhanced guest amenities.
• Wind Creek State Park near Lake Martin recently completed five 1,600-square-foot cottages and also underwent a renovation of 72 campsites with upgraded utilities and accessibility features, including a focus on 50-amp service for power reliability and greater ADA compliance.
• Cheaha State Park in Clay and Cleburne counties is advancing plans for a new 25-unit boutique hotel that will include a small café and rooftop bar.
• Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort saw the addition of a 1,400-square-foot administration building with a check-in desk, staff offices, and a visitor gift shop.
• Monte Sano State Park in Madison County includes site improvements such as new sidewalks, interior renovations of 14 cabins, and the construction of two new bathhouses. The plan also converts three existing RV sites to ADA-compliant spaces.
• Lake Lurleen State Park in Tuscaloosa County is undergoing a complete renovation featuring new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, new RV sites, and a modernized playground.
• Gulf State Park in Baldwin County is receiving a golf course renovation into an RV resort that will provide 105 RV sites, along with three bathhouses, an administration building, and a clubhouse with a pool, splashpad, and pickleball courts.

Together, these projects are part of a broader $40 million package of water and wastewater projects spanning 12 state parks across Alabama. The work aims to improve infrastructure while expanding lodging and recreational options for visitors.

Broader park system context and mission

The partnership sits within a larger effort to manage and improve Alabama’s 21 state parks, which collectively cover more than 50,000 acres of land and water. The park system offers a range of facilities including day-use areas, trails, campgrounds, resort lodging, dining, golf, and other recreational opportunities, all guided by a commitment to wise stewardship and public enjoyment.

Beyond park construction, the program portfolio also includes notable past and ongoing projects such as large-scale developments at recreational facilities and stadiums, reflecting the firm’s broader experience in program management at public sites.

Habitat restoration and prescribed-fire equipment grant

A separate grant program supported by a statewide conservation association has provided funding to expand habitat restoration efforts within state parks. The Alabama association’s grant supports the purchase of prescribed-fire equipment to bolster habitat management and wildfire risk reduction. Equipment purchased includes drip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, safety gear, signage, a branded trailer for storage and transport, and a 130-gallon water-tighting system with a dedicated pump and hose for managing burns. The initiative is intended to increase fire-setting capabilities, reduce wildfire risks, support partners on prescribed-fire projects, and enhance management of habitats such as longleaf pine ecosystems.

Administration and program leadership quoted in official materials emphasize that the new equipment will advance conservation work and improve the visitor experience by maintaining healthier, better-managed natural areas across the state parks system.

Key stakeholders and oversight context

• ADCNR State Parks Division manages all 21 state parks and oversees park-related land, water, flora, and fauna management along with mission-driven education and recreation efforts.
• The program is led by a president of HPM and involves coordination with park staff and partner organizations to deliver facilities upgrades and improved park access.
• Reserve and reservation access for campsites and cottages is available online through the state park portal, enabling planning and booking ahead of visits.

Context on funding and schedule

The park improvement effort is backed by a combination of public funding and bonds, including a statewide bond issue approved by voters to expand park amenities. In addition, the conservation partner highlights alignment with board-approved priorities that support habitat restoration, sustainable recreation, and regional access improvements. The ongoing work is part of a broader strategy to boost natural resource stewardship while expanding visitor opportunities across Alabama’s park system.

Portfolio context

The firm’s broader portfolio includes large public projects beyond state parks, and the work cited here adds to a track record of managing complex, multi-site initiatives that require coordination across multiple parks, contractors, and regulatory requirements.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the scope of the HPM and ADCNR partnership?

The partnership focuses on program and project management, preconstruction services, and field coordination for construction projects at state parks, covering multiple facilities and types of improvements across more than a dozen projects.

How much is the water and wastewater program worth and how many parks are involved?

The water and wastewater program totals about $40 million and spans work at twelve state parks, including renovations and new facilities.

Which parks have notable facilities additions or renovations?

Notable projects include a boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, cottages and campsite renovations at Wind Creek State Park, a new pool house at DeSoto State Park, a renovated lodge complex at Lakepoint State Park, administration buildings at Meaher State Park, and multiple upgrades at Monte Sano, Lake Lurleen, and Gulf State Park.

What is the purpose of the AARCDC grant and what equipment is involved?

The grant supports habitat restoration and prescribed-fire work across the state parks. Equipment funded includes drip torches, blowers, chainsaws, safety gear, signage, a transport trailer, and a 130-gallon water tank with a pump and hose to support controlled burns and wildfire risk reduction.

How can visitors reserve stays or plan trips to Alabama state parks?

Visitors can plan and reserve campsites or cottages online through the state park planning portal, which helps coordinate lodging, activities, and park access.

Key features of the post

Feature	Description
Partnership scope	HPM provides program management, project management, preconstruction services, and field coordination for park construction projects across multiple Alabama state parks.
Project types	Interior renovations, new boutique hotel, new pools, cottages, administrative buildings, bathhouses, and ADA conversions.
Budget and scope	About $40 million allocated for water and wastewater projects across 12 parks, with additional infrastructure and lodging improvements.
Facilities added or renovated	Boutique hotel at Cheaha, Wind Creek cottages, Lakepoint lodge renovations, DeSoto pool house, Meaher admin building, Monte Sano bathhouses and sidewalks, Lake Lurleen renovations, Gulf State Park RV resort.
Habitat and fire management	Habitat restoration efforts supported by a separate RC&D grant to fund prescribed-fire equipment and related training and operations.
Public access and reservations	Online reservation portal for campsites and cottages to facilitate planning and accessibility for visitors.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• WBRC: Birmingham Firm HPM to Manage Major Upgrades at Alabama State Parks
• Wikipedia: Alabama State Parks
• ABC3340: Birmingham’s HPM Partners with ADCNR for Alabama State Parks Upgrades
• Google Search: HPM Alabama State Parks
• Outdoor Alabama: Alabama State Parks Expands Prescribed-Fire Capabilities Through Grant Award
• Google Scholar: prescribed fire Alabama state parks
• WHNT: New Cottages, Upgrades at Wind Creek State Park
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Creek State Park
• The Bama Buzz: Wind Creek Named 4th Best Value State Park
• Google News: Alabama State Parks upgrades