HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WBRC) – Samford University’s Creekside development project is taking a new direction — one that developers hope will calm concerns from the Homewood community and protect a unique local ecosystem.

In a press conference Monday afternoon, officials announced a major shift: they will no longer build a track and soccer complex on a section of land near Shades Creek. Instead, that area — home to a delicate salamander population — will be preserved.

The decision comes after environmental advocates and community members voiced worries about the impact of construction on the surrounding natural habitat.

Rather than abandoning their athletic expansion altogether, developers are now proposing a creative solution. Plans are underway for a public-private partnership that would move the track and soccer facilities to Homewood Soccer Park, located on the west side of the original site. The new complex would be a shared space for the Homewood Soccer Club, Homewood High School, and Samford University.

Henry Hughes, executive director of Friends of Shades Creek, praised the university’s and developers responsiveness to community concerns.

“So by listening to them, and acting on their suggestions, that’s an unusual thing in my opinion and I think it could result in a really good result and I think they stand to be in a position to win a significant award for their efforts if they do follow through with it,” Hughes said.

While the new plan still requires approval from the Homewood City Council, developers say it reflects a broader commitment to balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

The proposed project would also involve the use of tax dollars to support the relocation effort and help ensure environmental protections remain in place.

At this point, the timeline for a city council decision — and for construction to begin — remains unclear.

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