To celebrate the official start of summer this month, we’re highlighting some iconic Birmingham parks and the positive impact they have on the urban community. Offering a little bit of everything from access to nature, entertainment and the city’s historical architecture, enjoy our guide to a few of our favorites!
Avondale Park
Avondale Park stretches across approximately 40 acres and features a duck pond, walking track, athletic fields and The Villa – a renovated 2,400 sq ft pavilion. This historic park was once home to the beloved Miss Fancy, the elephant who was the star of the Avondale Zoo (and a wanderer of the park) in the early 1900s.
If you’re looking for a location that offers an array of venues for outdoor activities, this is the perfect spot! If you need a change of scenery during the week, this is also a great place to get work done since the park offers free Wifi and is located next to the Avondale Library.
Railroad Park
Railroad Park features 19 acres of greenery in the middle of downtown Birmingham. You’ll find a skate area, kids playground, outdoor gym equipment and trails that accommodate all levels of running and walking. Recycled materials—original cobblestone and hand cast bricks—are used throughout the park for natural construction and filtration!
This park was designed with keeping native plants in mind, and many native birds and critters call this place home. Over 600 trees are planted here and 30% of the park consists of water amenities – ponds, streams and a bio-filtration wetlands area. If you want to connect with nature in the middle of the city, visit this green oasis that offers a breathtaking view of the Birmingham skyline!
Highland Park
Experience one of Birmingham’s oldest neighborhoods in Highland Park, consisting of five national historic districts. Between three public parks (Rhodes, Caldwell and Rushton), Highland Park Golf Course, Birmingham Historical Society and walking access to several churches and local businesses, there is truly something for everyone!
While you’re strolling down the winding streets, explore 20+ architectural styles (many designed by S. Scott Joy of Wheelock Joy & Wheelock of Birmingham) including American Foursquare and Queen Anne, along with American Craftsman and Ranch style homes.
Each of these intentionally designed Birmingham parks have positively impacted the urban community in their own way. They provide amenities like shade, plants and water for the animals that live here. They also create a positive impact on mental health as they provide people with an oasis to exercise, relax and connect with the natural resources that they would otherwise have limited access to by living in the city.
Public parks offer spaces to host events and are free to access, which makes them accessible for everyone and ultimately, brings the community together. Combining the best of both worlds (city and nature), these designed areas have a purpose that extends beyond a place to gather – they support the needs of the urban community!
References:
Avondale Park. (n.d.). On The Grid. https://onthegrid.city/birmingham/avondale-woodlawn-crestwood/avondale-park
Birmingham’s Railroad Park - About Us. (n.d.). Railroad Park Birmingham. https://railroadpark.org/about.html
Highland Park: Birmingham, Alabama. (n.d.). American Planning Association. https://www.planning.org/greatplaces/neighborhoods/2011/highlandpark.htm