MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — Mobile County Commission will soon transform the area between Mobile Government Plaza and the County Government Annex into the new Mobile Government Plaza Pocket Park.

Construction begins June 9 to create an appealing space for outdoor lunches, breaks, meetings, and small community events. Key features of the new Mobile Government Plaza Pocket Park include:

• A new circular fountain as the focal point
• Upgraded landscaping and greenspace
• New benches, lighting, and flagpoles
• Replaced pavers for improved walkability
• Security cameras for enhanced safety

“We’re investing in a space that serves not only Government Plaza employees but the entire downtown area,” said Commissioner Connie Hudson, who has championed the project. “Upgrading this area is more than landscaping; it’s livability. This pocket park will invite people outside and help build connections across our downtown workforce.”

Almost 1,000 people work in Government Plaza alone and Downtown Mobile Alliance estimates nearly 20,000 workers across the downtown area.  Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the $1.4 million project will create a safer, greener, and more inviting outdoor space downtown. The new Mobile Government Plaza Pocket Park responds to the need for more open-air gathering spaces in high-density areas revealed through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction is expected to be completed in February of 2026.

WAS Design, Inc. provided design services and the construction contract was awarded to J. Payne Organization, Inc.

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.