FOLEY – Foley plans to add a new kitchen and additional restrooms as part of improvements at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market and the city’s Sports Tourism facilities.

The Foley City Council approved proposals for the design of a new commercial kitchen at the CAFFM. The city will also add new permanent restrooms and property-wide lifestyle enhancements at the CAFFM and at the Foley Sports Tourism multi-use fields complex.

Expansion plans will also include other recreational and aesthetic features. 

Improvements at the CAFFM will include a scenic detention pond and a new fountain. The fountain, facing Baldwin County 20, will be a landmark for the property. The city is also adding a walking path for visitors to the market and park.

David Thompson, executive director for leisure services, said combining the restroom and concession projects is expected to cut costs for the needed additions.

"The bid for the restroom facility for the CAFFM will be combined with one for the Sports Tourism Fields so we can reduce some overhead and make it more attractive for bidders," Thompson said. This is essentially for two restroom buildings. The other facility will be on the city soccer fields near Juniper Street. Thompson said the sports complex restrooms will replace temporary facilities that are no longer adequate for the site.

The CAFFM restroom will be built between the pickleball courts and the beach volleyball court. The other facility will be on the city soccer fields near Juniper Street.

Thompson said the sports complex restrooms will replace temporary facilities that are no longer adequate for the site.

The state-of-the-art commercial kitchen will serve as an incubator for local food entrepreneurs, providing them with the professional infrastructure needed to scale their businesses and meet growing demand.  

"We view this kitchen as a vital resource for our community," Thompson said.  "It will not only assist the market's daily operations but also serve as a 'jump start' for local culinary businesses looking to expand."

Under the resolution approved by the council, McColllough Architects will develop plans for the kitchen project 

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market is located at 781 Farmers’ Market Lane in Foley, north of Baldwin County 20 and east of Koniar Way. The market is open each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.