Big changes are coming to one of Mobile’s best-known green spaces.
This week, the Mobile City Council reviewed a $15.2 million contract that would finally deepen the lake at Langan Park.
It’s the first major move in a long-awaited makeover that aims to bring the park back to life—and make it shine again.
The lake, once a popular spot for swimming and paddling, has filled with sediment over the years, shrinking down to just six inches deep in some areas.
If approved, the transformation begins this August.
A Lake Worth Launching Into
The current lake depth barely supports a paddle. But the plan calls for a big change: 5 feet of water in the lower lake and 3 feet in the upper.
That kind of depth opens the door to new activities—canoeing, kayaking, and maybe even lazy paddle sessions at sunset.
To go along with the deeper water, there are plans for a new boathouse and a pier where you can rent non-motorized boats. Two new pavilions are also on the drawing board.
City Council member Gina Gregory summed it up simply: “Langan Park will be back as a gem.”
18 Months to a New View
The work could start by the end of summer and take around a year and a half to finish.
The dredging is the big-ticket item, but there’s also funding for a new stormwater management system that will use some of the removed sediment to build better drainage.
That means fewer flooding issues and cleaner water flowing through the park. It’s smart use of the materials already on site—and it’s backed by environmental grants.
Better for Boats—and for Wildlife
The project doesn’t stop at recreation.
Jennifer Greene, the city’s project management director, said the cleanup will have a major impact on local ecosystems.
Removing the sediment will improve water quality and make the lake more hospitable for fish, birds, and plants.
Once it’s done, the lake becomes more than a scenic spot—it becomes a healthier habitat.
One Big Gator’s Moving Out
There’s one long-time resident who won’t be sticking around for the new chapter.
An alligator that’s been calling the lake home is set to be relocated.
“He’s big,” said Gregory, adding that there are better places for gators to hang out—like the delta. She joked about him ending up watching diners at Felix’s from the other side of the glass.
A Long Time Coming
This project has been in the works for over 20 years.
Gregory says she won’t fully believe it’s happening until the contract is passed and the dredging begins.
But there’s a sneak peek coming. On June 7, the city is hosting Paddle in the Park—an event to give people a glimpse of what the future could look like once the work is done.
The vision is simple: clean water, new amenities, and a park that feels like it belongs on postcards again.
It’s been a long wait—but the next chapter for Langan Park is finally within reach.
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