Gator Alley Boardwalk Bounces Back
DAPHNE, Ala. (WPMI) Remember that famous line from the movie 'Field of Dreams': If you build it, they will come.
And that's what happened with Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne.Sort of.
It's a series of boardwalks that run under Highway 98 near I-10.
The Eastern Shore Trail Blazers had the idea for a trail, and so it was built, said Richard Johnson, director of Daphne Public Works, and this section became so popular, because of the alligators here in D'Olive Creek that it kind of organically gained the name Gator Alley.
You see, Gator Alley Boardwalk never set out to be Gator Alley Boardwalk. It just kind of happened.
And instead of messing with success, the city made it better, expanding the boardwalk, adding parking and signage, even some benches nearby.
And the visitors just keep on coming
It's a great natural resource, said Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood, it's well located, and where else can you be and go this close to a natural habitat?He means alligators.
But on April 29th, Gator Alley Boardwalk had an unwelcome visitor. Oh, the gators didn't mind it, but the boardwalk sure did.
That's when the rains came... so much rain that D'Olive Creek that usually flows beneath Gator Alley Boardwalk, instead, pushed right through it.The damage did not go unnoticed.
We had two major roads in the city washed out in the flood event of April 29th, recalled Johnson, and you would think that would generate a lot of inquiry and calls from the public. But, actually Gator Alley has received more calls about when it's going to be repaired, when it's going to be reopened, than any other damage we received in the city.
Well, gator lovers, take heart.
The boardwalk is on the rebound.
Right now, new pilings are being set, boards and rails installed... the missing and damaged portions are being rebuilt.
The cost? $150,000.
The city's share? About 12 percent of that.
The rest is covered by emergency funds by the state and federal government.
Well, we hope with some little tweaks in the design and the little difference in construction, hopefully it won't happen again, said Johnson. The repairs are on track and ahead of schedule.
The mayor call it a concerted effort-- ...to make it where everybody that comes can enjoy it and have a pleasant time, in addition to enjoying these alligators in their natural habitat.
If we build it... they will come!
Daphne Alabama - Gator Alley
Daphne Alabama - Gator Alley
Daphne is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. The city is located just off I-10, 11 miles east of Mobile and 150 miles southwest of the state capital of Montgomery. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 16,581 making Daphne the most populous city in Baldwin County. The city estimates its present population at approximately 18,000 in 2008.
The history of Daphne predates recorded history and shares much in common with other southeastern towns and cities. From Native American, to the Spanish, French and British, the city has seen a lengthy parade of historic influences which gives Daphne its present character.
Daphne is also known as the Jubilee City. A Jubilee in Mobile Bay occurs when crab, shrimp, and other sea life from the waters of Mobile Bay are suddenly found washed ashore along the coastline. Biologists believe the phenomenon is due to a possible decrease in water oxygen levels which force the fish to the surface.
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Gator Alley Boardwalk Reopens
DAPHNE, Ala. (WPMI) A popular tourist attraction in Daphne is once again open for you and your family.
Alligator Alley Boardwalk is back open after portions of the area was destroyed following April's historic flooding.
Construction cost the city of Daphne just under $150,00, in which a portion was covered by FEMA.
Daphne officials say the project was actually completed a week ahead of schedule.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony is set for September.
Gator Alley Daphne, AL
Gator Alley just south of I-10 in Daphne, AL
There was actually 3 gators
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Huge Alligator at Alligator Alley in Daphne Alabama
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Story:
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Local real estate agent Leslie Ezell snapped the footage as she said she was picking up signs.
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28th Annual Jubilee Festival
We had a wonderful first day of the 28th Annual Jubilee Festival. If you weren't able to join us, there's still time. Our artists will be out in Olde Towne Daphne until 5 today. Come and enjoy all the fun! Thank you to the Faulkner State Community College Sun Chief Sound for the awesome music in this video. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce City of Daphne, Alabama - The Jubilee City #JubileeFestival #VisitALCoast #ExploreEasternShore
Alligators in Alabama
Alligator farm in Alabama
Alligator Defends Its Territory
This was a small clip taken at D'Olive Creek in Daphne, AL. An alligator swims over and scares off another. Taken in March 2011. The building reflected in the water is a hotel!
7ft. Alligator swimming around docks in Mobile Bay Ft. Morgan Alabama
We were fishing from the dock of our Ft. Morgan rental this summer, when this 7 ft. gator came swimming by. This is the first time we have seen a gator swimming out in the middle of the Mobile Bay like this. You better be ware, if it's not the sharks it might be the alligators.
Daphne named one of top 15 cities to live in in Alabama
Daphne named one of top 15 cities to live in in Alabama
Mayor Dane Haygood of Daphne, Alabama
Giant Alligator removed from Daphne
Giant Alligator removed from Daphne