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.
Birmingham Firm to Manage Major State Park Construction and $40M in Water Projects Across Alabama
HPM, a Birmingham-based construction and program management firm, has partnered with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to oversee construction, renovations and a separate $40 million package of water and wastewater work at state parks across Alabama. The work spans projects at 11 state parks for building and renovation efforts, with water system projects covering 12 parks.
Top projects and scope
The program includes a wide mix of work from interior room renovations to new building construction and campground modernization. The most visible projects include a new 25-unit boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park with a small café and rooftop bar, newly completed lakeside cottages and campground upgrades at Wind Creek State Park, and a conversion of a Gulf State Park golf course into a 105-site RV resort featuring bathhouses, an administration building and a clubhouse with pool, splashpad and pickleball courts.
Services provided
HPM is providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for the portfolio of projects. The firm is also overseeing the multi-park water and wastewater program valued at approximately $40 million, coordinating complex construction logistics and interfacing with state park staff and contractors.
Notable park work
Selected projects managed by HPM across the state include:
- Cheaha State Park (Clay and Cleburne counties): Construction oversight for a new 25-room boutique hotel with on-site café and rooftop bar.
- Wind Creek State Park (Lake Martin): Completion of five fully furnished 1,600-square-foot lakeside cottages, renovation of 72 campsites, expanded RV pads, 50-AMP electrical service upgrades and increased ADA accessibility. The cottages were marked with a ribbon-cutting in early August 2025.
- Gulf State Park (Baldwin County): Conversion of a golf course into an RV resort expected to produce 105 RV sites along with three bathhouses, an administration building and a clubhouse with pool, splashpad and pickleball courts.
- Lakepoint State Park (north of Eufaula): Renovation of 44 lodge rooms and broad aesthetic improvements.
- DeSoto State Park (Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County): Project management and coordination for a new pool house and guest amenities.
- Meaher State Park (Spanish Fort): A new 1,400-square-foot administration building with a check-in desk, staff offices and a visitor gift shop.
- Monte Sano State Park (Madison County): Site improvements including new sidewalks, interior renovations of 14 cabins, construction of two new bathhouses and conversion of three RV sites to ADA-compliant sites.
- Lake Lurleen State Park (Tuscaloosa County): A comprehensive renovation program that includes new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, additional RV sites and a modernized playground.
Water and wastewater work
Separately, HPM is coordinating and managing $40 million in water and wastewater projects across 12 state parks. Those efforts are intended to improve utilities and long-term reliability for park operations and overnight guests.
Context and funding
The state parks division manages 21 state parks totaling more than 50,000 acres and offering recreational access from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian foothills. In recent years, ADCNR allocated over $218 million in 2024 for park improvements, and a 2022 bond issue valued at $85 million helped make several campground and lodging upgrades possible.
Conservation and prescribed fire grant
In addition to construction programs, the State Parks Division received a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils to purchase prescribed-fire equipment. The equipment list includes drip torches, blowers, a chainsaw, hand tools, safety gear, signage, a branded trailer and a 130-gallon water tank with a specialized pump and hose. The new gear is meant to expand habitat restoration work, increase controlled-burn capacity, reduce wildfire risk and support partner suppression efforts. The controlled-burn program is also noted for benefits to native habitats and wildlife, and for helping control invasive plants.
Operational impacts
The projects aim to enhance the visitor experience, expand overnight and day-use access, and modernize park facilities. Park managers will continue to maintain reservations and guest services through the state parks online portal where campsites and lodging can be booked.
About the firms and officials involved
HPM is described as a leading program management firm with a portfolio that includes projects such as regional parks and major civic venues. ADCNR’s State Parks Division oversees day-to-day park operations and broader stewardship goals. The grant-making AARCDC operates through nine regional councils supported largely by volunteers and focuses on conservation and community development projects across the state.
FAQ
What is the scope of HPM’s work with Alabama State Parks?
HPM is providing program management, project management, preconstruction services and field coordination for construction work at 11 state parks and is managing a separate $40 million water and wastewater program at 12 parks.
Which parks will see the biggest changes?
Major projects include a boutique hotel at Cheaha State Park, Wind Creek’s new lakeside cottages and campground upgrades, and Gulf State Park’s conversion of a golf course into a 105-site RV resort with supporting buildings and amenities.
How will these projects affect visitors?
Visitors can expect new lodging choices, updated campgrounds with higher-capacity electrical service for modern RVs, improved accessibility at select sites and upgraded recreational amenities such as pools and expanded trails.
How are conservation and wildfire risk being addressed?
The State Parks Division received a $25,000 grant to expand its prescribed-fire equipment and capability, which supports habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction and partner assistance for controlled burns and suppression.
Where can I make reservations?
Reservations for campsites and cottages are available through the Alabama State Parks online reservation portal.
Key project features at a glance
| Park | Location | Project | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheaha State Park | Clay & Cleburne counties | Boutique hotel | 25 units, small café, rooftop bar |
| Wind Creek State Park | Lake Martin | Lakeside cottages & campground upgrades | Five 1,600-sq-ft cottages, 72 campsite renovations, 50-AMP service, ADA upgrades |
| Gulf State Park | Baldwin County | Golf course to RV resort conversion | 105 RV sites, bathhouses, admin building, clubhouse with pool & splashpad |
| Lakepoint State Park | North of Eufaula | Lodge renovation | 44 lodge-room renovations, aesthetic improvements |
| DeSoto State Park | Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County | New pool house | Enhanced guest amenities |
| Meaher State Park | Spanish Fort | Administration building | 1,400 sq ft, check-in desk, staff offices, gift shop |
| Monte Sano State Park | Madison County | Site and cabin work | Sidewalks, 14 cabin renovations, two bathhouses, 3 ADA RV conversions |
| Lake Lurleen State Park | Tuscaloosa County | Park renovation | New bathhouses, gatehouse, boat piers, new RV sites, modern playground |
| System-wide | Statewide | Water & wastewater program | Approximately $40 million across 12 parks for utilities upgrades |
For more information about state parks and reservations, consult the official state parks portal and conservation resources online.
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