Daphne To Expand Bayfront Park

The City of Daphne is moving ahead with plans to buy the Thomas Medical Center building next to Bayfront Park to expand recreational opportunities in the area, Gulf Coast Media reported. The Daphne City Council has approved the purchase of the facility, which will be made possible, at least in part, with $4 million in state funding through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. Mayor Robin LeJeune said the site on Highway 98 is next to Bayfront Park and will provide more parking space during large events. It is near a planned park amphitheater, the construction for which $1 million was set aside last year. City officials are unsure how they will use the medical center building, which is still being leased by Thomas Hospital. An indoor recreation center with basketball and volleyball courts have been considered.