MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — The Mobile County Commission approved a non-binding letter of intent with Leisure Sports and Recreation, LLC (LSAR) at its regular meeting on April 14, which will allow further exploration of a public-private partnership for Jubilee Park, a proposed $60 million regional destination for sports, leisure, and hospitality.

Proposed for the Mobile County Sportsplex on Halls Mill Road, the 90-acre project would feature a 20-acre outdoor/indoor waterpark with a zipline, an indoor multi-use sports complex, walking trails, retail, dining, a public park, and both RV and bungalow lodging.

“We’re grateful for LSAR’s willingness to invest in our community. Moving forward with this letter of intent allows LSAR to proceed with the necessary studies and planning,” said District 2 Commissioner Connie Hudson, who is spearheading this project. “This project has the potential to transform the already busy and growing Sportsplex into a year-round destination that boosts tourism, supports jobs, and improves quality of life for residents.”

“The growing number of visitors, the amount of space, and the site’s high-visibility proximity to the intersection of I-10 and I-65 make it especially appealing,” said Glenn Haggerty, Vice President of Leisure Sports & Recreation, LLC, in a presentation to the Mobile County Commission on April 10.

Highlights of the proposed development include:

• 20-acre outdoor waterpark and 15,000-square-foot indoor waterpark
• 60,000- to 100,000-square-foot indoor multiple-use sports center
• Festival grounds and amphitheater
• Boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and arcade
• Year-round public park with trails, dog park, and playground
• 100 RV sites and 30–50 bungalows (with hotel expansion/future phases)

Danny Corte, Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority, said: “With Monday’s affirmative County Commission vote to proceed with a letter of intent for Jubilee Park, we’re one step closer to seeing this exciting project become a reality. And with a much-needed indoor sports facility also called for in the plans, we envision hosting many more court-based tournaments, which will,l in turn, generate substantial economic impact for the Mobile area, not to mention what a great asset it will be for our local athletes.”

LSAR estimates that this development could bring up to 500,000 visitors annually, and support 300 construction jobs, as well as year-round staff and about 400 seasonal jobs.

LSAR developed and operates Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mobile County Commission

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION:
Commissioners: President Merceria Ludgood (District 1), Connie Hudson (District 2), and Randall Dueitt (District 3). As the governing body for Mobile County, Alabama, the Commission is responsible for budget and infrastructure decision-making that enhances quality of life and makes Mobile County a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Mobile County Commission maintains almost 1,400 miles of roads, 160 bridges, 100 buildings, and multiple parks, and provides funding for all County operations, including the Sheriff’s Department, Metro Jail, License Commissioner, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge. The Commission is integral to economic development within the region and is committed to increasing public access to water through its Parks Initiative.

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA:
Established in 1812. Population: 411,640 (Census, 2023). Size: 1,233 square miles of land (962 unincorporated) and 412 square miles of water. Logistics highlights: Alabama State Port, Intersection of I-10 and I-65, Five Class 1 railroads, Two airports. Top industry clusters: Aviation/Aerospace, Chemical, Healthcare, IT/Tech, Logistics/Distribution, Maritime, Oil & Gas; Economic Development: from 2010 to 2024, about 14,500 new jobs were created (Mobile Chamber).  Annual GDP: Third largest in Alabama, about $25 billion (bea.gov 2023).  11 Municipalities: Bayou La Batre, Chickasaw, Citronelle, Creola, Dauphin Island, Mobile (county seat), Mount Vernon, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, and Semmes.