Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council passed a resolution for a full-range analysis on all portions of the retaining wall system at North Highland Park (NHP), March 17, 2026, during its regular meeting, authorizing an independent, qualified structural engineer to examine the wall.
In 2022, the City of Prattville accepted ownership of NHP from the Autauga County Board of Education. Two years later, the city approved $85,000 in masonry work to refurbish portions of the retaining wall. Following requests from the public, the city also approved a contract in October 2025 for park improvements, including upgrades to the basketball courts, lighting, and other park infrastructure for a total cost not to exceed $783,359.60.
With nearly a million dollars being invested in the park, residents have raised concerns about the structural integrity of the wall, which supports improvements. This prompted the council to recommend an analysis, which was not included in the recent masonry work or park improvement budget.
“I’m just wondering why the original engineering firm who came and helped with this project didn’t put any of that in their scope of work,” said Strichik. “Also, moving forward, as far as using city funds for a structural engineer, what budget would you like to take those out of?
District 2 Councilor Marcus Jackson said he, too, was unsure why the original engineers didn’t include a wall analysis in their scope of work, but he advised the council that the resolution for an analysis was the best path forward.
“As they say, when you know better, you do better,” said Jackson. “We have to protect our investment. We have to protect our people.”
Council President Michael Whaley then referred to Chief Finance Officer Daniel Oakley for information on how the analysis will be funded.
“There’s several budget places we could pull it from,” said Oakley. “We have some avenues for some engineering and drafting type services that’s housed in the engineering department, so we could pull from there just to get this preliminary deal done.”
Oakley also noted that if the results show issues with the retaining wall, the city will need to amend its budget or find money elsewhere to address the problems. With his final question answered, Strichik expressed one last concern for the record.
“I just don’t feel like hearing any more repercussions on this work stoppage from folks in this community who come up here and say this was intentionally done,” said Strichik. “I don’t want any of this to fall back on parks and recreation.”
Jackson agreed, saying he believes the public will be reassured knowing that a structural analysis is being done, as residents mainly want to ensure the projects at NHP are completed correctly.
Following the discussion, the resolution was brought to a vote. With no votes against it and abstentions from only Strichik and District 4 Councilor Tommy Merrick, the resolution passed.
Photos from District 1 Councilor Marcus Jackson:
