The newest stretch of the Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail is officially open, and it kicks off right at one of Mobile’s most peaceful landmarks—the Charles Wood Japanese Garden.
After years of planning, design, and construction, the western trailhead is ready for its first wave of walkers, joggers, bikers, and daydreamers.
The ribbon was cut, the cheers went up, and suddenly a new door into Mobile’s outdoors swung wide open.
This moment isn’t just about a path; it’s about knitting together pieces of the city in a way that feels alive.
Imagine slipping away from the traffic and neighborhoods and finding yourself in a green corridor that runs like a hidden spine through the heart of town. That’s the vision unfolding.
Celebrating in Style
The official kickoff had all the right ingredients: a Friday morning crowd, the mayor, a councilwoman, local leaders, and plenty of residents eager to test the trail for themselves.
After the speeches and the ceremonial cut, the group hopped on bikes and set out for a three-quarter-mile stroll down the fresh pavement.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson captured the mood perfectly when he pointed out that standing on the trail didn’t feel like standing in the middle of the city.
He’s right—the trees and creek create a pocket of calm that makes you forget how close you are to everything else. It’s the kind of space that makes people stop, breathe a little deeper, and take it all in.
Upgrades That Make a Difference
This wasn’t just about laying asphalt. Accessibility and comfort were front and center in the planning.
Parking lots at the Japanese Garden have been restriped and made ADA-friendly. Pedestrian entry points were improved, opening up the space to a wider range of visitors.
Next up: security lighting and cameras, which will extend the hours and peace of mind for anyone enjoying the trail.
Those touches might seem small, but they’re the details that turn a park into a true community hub.
It’s the difference between a nice idea and a daily destination. And thanks to cooperation between the city, state agencies, and local leadership, it came together with a sense of shared pride.
The Power of Partnerships
Councilwoman Gina Gregory helped push through capital funding, while support rolled in from the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, and grants from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
On the ground, project managers teamed up with McCrory and Williams engineers and McElhenney Construction to get it built.
It’s proof that when different arms of government and private contractors actually align, you end up with something that feels bigger than the sum of its parts.
This trail isn’t tucked away in a single park; it’s a connector, one step in a larger plan to weave together parks, neighborhoods, and amenities across Mobile.
Looking Ahead
The long-term vision is even more exciting. Eventually, the full greenway will stretch from Langan Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue—a seven-mile ribbon of green cutting across the city.
The newest section may be less than a mile long, but it’s a crucial link, and one that sets the tone for what’s to come.
Standing on the path today, it’s easy to imagine kids biking to meet friends, couples walking at dusk, or early risers getting in their morning miles before work.
It’s a pocket of nature in the middle of the bustle, and as more sections fall into place, it promises to reshape how people move through and connect with the city.
For now, the trailhead at the Japanese Garden is open, waiting for anyone ready to lace up, hop on a bike, or simply wander.
A new way to experience Mobile is literally at your feet!
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