News Flash

The City of Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center (WWLC) took advantage of grant funding from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to engage in best management practices to reduce stormwater runoff pollution in Wolf Bay.

“This has been an exciting project that has allowed the WWLC to enhance the facility's stormwater management infrastructure by establishing a permeable paver parking lot area, gutter installation, and a retention pond area to reduce stormwater runoff,” said Phillip West, director of Orange Beach Coastal Resources, which oversees the center.

Orange Beach Public Works crews handled much of the work for the project, totaling approximately $500,000. The available ADEM grant funding helped cover 60% of the cost.

Because the WWLC is located at the bottom of a sloped site, these improvements have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in localized flooding and stormwater runoff.

“By slowing and capturing runoff, the project has also helped reduce sediment entering the southern portion of Wolf Bay, contributing to improved water quality and watershed health,” West added.

Additional best management practices implemented through this grant include rainwater harvesting through the installation of rain barrels. This grant has enabled the WWLC to work with partners to host a rainwater harvesting workshop, educating the community on best practices for mitigating stormwater runoff, and using the benefits of rainwater for irrigation. With the funding from ADEM, the WWLC has also been able to work towards an invasive species removal and native vegetation planting project, increasing the health and nourishment of our upland and wetland areas.

Community outreach has been a key component of the project. The WWLC has shared project updates and stormwater management education with organizations including the Wolf Bay Water Watch, the Orange Beach Garden Club, and Orange Beach City Schools.

WWLC Program Manager Pearson Ellison said the center was also able to serve the Orange Beach community through environmentally friendly hazardous waste disposal opportunities.

“These outreach efforts have included educational presentations, hands-on watershed management activities, and discussions promoting best management practices for protecting local water resources,” Ellison said.

Collaboration between the Wind and Water Learning Center, Orange Beach Public Works and the Orange Beach Garden Club, along with ADEM grant funding, made the project possible and an ongoing success. 

Join the City of Orange Beach this July for Park and Recreation Month as we celebrate how life on the island is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of Parks and Recreation. A variety of activities are planned for residents of all ages and abilities. Programs will also highlight America’s 250th birthday with patriotic themes. 

This is the third straight year Orange Beach is participating in this National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) initiative, by inviting our community to celebrate with the City all month long! 

Schedule of Events:

• Wednesday, July 1 - Rock & Roll Tie-Dye Party - Senior Center - 5-7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2 - Free Range Buckets - Golf Center - 2-5 p.m.
• Friday, July 3 - Dive-In Movie - Aquatics Center - 7-9 p.m.
• Saturday, July 11 - Outdoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic - Pickleball Complex - 8-9:15 a.m.
• Saturday, July 11 - Pop-Up Park & Block Party** - Snook Park - 5:30-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 14 - Free Range Buckets - Golf Center - 9 a.m.-Noon
• Saturday, July 18 - Family Tennis Clinic - Tennis Center - 9-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 21 - Coastal Table - Community Center - 5:30-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 22 - Indoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic - Rec Center - 3:15-4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25 - Fitness Expo - Rec Center - 8-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, July 31 - Summer Sendoff - Waterfront Park - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

**Features second annual Orange Beach Hot Dog Eating Contest

Additionally, the month features ongoing events such as a City-Wide Scavenger Hunt, where residents are invited to explore the island's diverse facilities beginning July 1, the Swim250 Challenge at the Aquatics Center designed to keep the community active and cool, with participants aiming to complete 250 lengths of the pool throughout month, and the Recipe of the Week every Monday at the Adult Fitness Center, where a healthy recipe card will be available as part of a wellness initiative to recognize "The Power of Nutrition.”

This year’s theme — “The Power Of…” — celebrates how Parks and Recreation brings everyone together through the power of play, nature, belonging and the people in our communities. As part of the America250Alabama Initiative, activities will have a red, white and blue flare. There are plenty of ways to participate, including the return of popular events like the Rock & Roll Tie-Dye Party and the Pop-Up Park, which will feature the second annual Orange Beach Hot Dog Eating Contest. Orange Beach Parks and Recreation is also thrilled to introduce new events this year, such as a Dive-In Movie and a Fitness Expo.

“July is one of our busiest months and a great reminder of the positive impact parks and recreation have on our community every day,” said Nicole Ard, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Orange Beach. “As we celebrate our third annual Parks and Recreation Month, we're excited to continue growing this tradition, highlighting our exceptional staff, and offering programs, events, and facilities that help make Orange Beach a vibrant, connected community that is such a special place to live and play.” 

Orange Beach is proud to support Park and Recreation Month, a NRPA initiative that has been celebrated nationwide for over 40 years. This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

The NRPA and City of Orange Beach invite community members to share their appreciation for park and recreation professionals on social media using #ThePowerOf. For additional details and ongoing updates throughout July, visit the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachRecreation and www.orangebeachal.gov/park-and-recreation-month.

In observance of Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, non-essential city offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. 

Trash and recycling will not be affected. All routes will run as normal. 

Offices will open for normal hours on Monday, July 6th.