A major public-private partnership is in the works to transform 90 acres at the Mobile County Sportsplex into a regional destination for recreation, tourism, and economic development. The project, known as Jubilee Park, was formally introduced during a recent Mobile County Commission conference.
Spearheaded by District 2 Commissioner Connie Hudson, the project envisions a blend of entertainment, sports, and hospitality amenities anchored by both indoor and outdoor water parks. Plans for the site also include an indoor multi-use sports facility, a public park, retail and dining areas, festival grounds, and accommodations such as RV and bungalow stays.
The Mobile County Commission is working toward signing a non-binding letter of intent with Leisure Sports and Recreation Group (LSAR), a Louisiana-based development firm known for operating Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. This agreement would allow LSAR to begin feasibility studies and master planning. Commissioner Hudson has reportedly been in talks with LSAR for four years to bring the concept to fruition.
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Jubilee Park is proposed for development adjacent to Mobile’s upcoming aquatic center, which will feature the city’s first Olympic-sized competition pool and the county’s 10-field soccer complex currently under development.
LSAR CEO Glenn Haggerty said during the meeting that the water park is expected to attract between 400,000 and 500,000 visitors annually, drawing tourists from across the Southeast, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. The park’s location near Interstates 10 and 65 was identified as a key asset in its regional appeal.
Haggerty also emphasized that many park features are designed to keep guests on-site, offering convenience through integrated lodging, dining, and recreation options.
The development, estimated to cost $60 million, will be fully funded by LSAR. Some elements, including the boardwalk and indoor sports complex, could open by 2027, with the full outdoor water park slated for a spring 2029 opening.
The project is also expected to bring substantial economic benefits. LSAR projects include:
- 300 construction jobs
- 50 full-time positions once operational
- 300–400 seasonal roles
- 100–200 indirect jobs
Additionally, the park is expected to generate $3.75 million to $4.9 million in annual tax revenue, though the final amount may vary depending on potential tax incentives.
While plans are still in the early stages, with no finalized contracts yet signed, the initiative represents one of the most ambitious recreational developments proposed in Mobile County in recent years.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
