Three Mile Creek to see a hiking, biking trail and canoe, kayak launches, FOX 10 News Special Report

Sep 10, 2015

Posted: Sep 10, 2015 1:29 PM CDTUpdated: Sep 10, 2015 2:10 PM CDT
By Candace Murphy, FOX10 News Reporter

MOBILE COUNTY, AL (WALA) -

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Mobile there’s wildlife all around.

“We’re seeing Mullet jump. A lot of birds, we saw an alligator today. So right here, five minutes from downtown Mobile, is a great opportunity for people to get out, get on the water and see the wonderful wildlife we have in this area,” said Rick Fredrick with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.

The Mobile Bay NEP wants to clean up Three Mile Creek so more people can enjoy it but there are challenges. FOX10 News discovered the water quality needs improvement. “Trash and litter of course is the obvious thing. Of course there’s a lot of pathogens in the water meaning fertilizer, pet waste, we have run off from oils from your car so trying to eliminate a lot of the storm water run off affecting the water quality in the creek,” Fredrick explained.

In addition to improving the water quality, the City of Mobile plans to build hiking and biking trails stretching from The University of South Alabama to The Mobile River.“They’re all in the design phase right now so engineering firms are putting the design together and they’re going to begin construction soon. In 2016 we’ll see a lot of that come to fruition and be able to see the beginning of the trails and the canoe and kayak launches,” Fredrick explained.

The City of Mobile sent out the below letter unveiling the first design phase of Three Mile Creek Trail:

The City of Mobile unveiled its first design phase of the Three Mile Creek walking and biking trail during two community meetings this week. More than 80 stakeholders were able to weigh in and give feedback on the plan.

The project includes the installation of a 1.7-mile concrete trail, energy-efficient LED lighting, a fitness course, a boat launch, park benches, trash receptacles, water fountains and educational signage. The City of Mobile contracted Dorsey and Dorsey Engineering to complete the design and engineering for the plan. The trail system will begin at the southwest corner of the crossing of Three Mile Creek with MLK Avenue at the current site of the Roger Williams Homes and extend to West Ridge.

The trail will provide educational opportunities for the public to learn more about environmental protection, pollution, litter and natural resources. Commuters will be given an alternate form of transportation and residents will benefit from an accessible and free outlet for exercise.

The long term goal is to build a twelve-mile greenway system that would connect neighborhoods and parks. The recreational path would stretch from the University of South Alabama to the Mobile River.

“The creation of this first phase demonstrates our commitment to the revival of Three Mile Creek,” said Mayor Stimpson. “Our vision is to transform Three Mile Creek from a degraded, underutilized waterway to a community asset that educates citizens on our natural resources, encourages fitness and ultimately connects our community in a tangible and meaningful way.”

Funding for this project is provided through Community Development Block Grants, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, The City of Mobile, the Mobile County Health Department, Sybil Smith Charitable Trust and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“We just want Mobile to get behind this. Be positive. It’s a daunting task, a big project but as you can see today, what it can be and the vision and we’re starting to see a lot of the projects being implemented and people can start to see this can become a reality,” Fredrick said.

Read more: http://www.fox10tv.com/story/30002433/three-mile-creek-to-see-a-hiking-biking-trail-and-canoe-kayak-launches#ixzz3lMn4245P