Mobile County has set an opening date for Chickasabogue Park, the “crown jewel” recreational destination that has been closed for three years.

A community celebration will reopen the park on Sunday, Feb. 23. According to information published Thursday, the event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, face painting, food trucks, lawn games and more.

Chickasabogue Park, at 760 Aldock Road in Eight Mile, covers about 1,100 acres and features facilities for a wide range of recreational pursuits. The shutdown that began at the end of January 2022 cleared the way for an overhaul of utilities and infrastructure, plus various upgrades and additions.

According to information provided by the County administration, visitors on Feb. 23 will see: An all-new day-use area with ample parking; a new playground; a new splash pad; two multipurpose courts that can be used for basketball, pickleball or tennis; new restrooms, a new pavilion, an upgraded disc golf course and improved hiking and biking trails.

County officials recently told AL.com that work will continue on the camping area. Bids also will be taken this year on a round of work that will overhaul the park’s popular beach area and relocate its boat launch. No timetable has been set for that project, but it is not expected to require a full park closure.

People attending the Feb. 23 celebration are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and those wishing to kayak or canoe should bring their own boats. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Mobile County parks.

The work done so far on the park has cost about $9 million, with most funds coming from the oil and gas revenues related to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).