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{{About|the Birmingham city park|the radio program|Avondale Park (radio program)}}
{{About|the Birmingham city park|the radio program|Avondale Park (radio program)}}
[[Image:1911 Avondale Park postcard.jpg|right|thumb|375px|Postcard showing the wading pool at Avondale Park c. 1911]]
{{Infobox Bham park
'''Avondale Park''' is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of [[Red Mountain]]. It overlooks, and is named for, the City of [[Avondale]], which was annexed into [[Birmingham]] in [[1910]].
|name        = Avondale Park
|image        = [[Image:Renovated amph.JPG|300px]]
|established  = 1885
|address      = 4101 [[5th Avenue South]]
|map          = ({{Locate_address_inline | address = 4101+5th+Avenue+S | zoom=17 | type=h }})
|neighborhood = Forest Park-South Avondale
|area        = 40
|website      =[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=162563905358 facebook.com]
}}
 
'''Avondale Park''' is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of [[Red Mountain]], with its entrance at the south end of [[41st Street South]] as it meets [[5th Avenue South]]. It overlooks, and is named for, the City of [[Avondale]], which was annexed into [[Birmingham]] in [[1910]].


Originally the park area was an informal resting spot among natural springs along the [[Georgia Road]]. The "[[King's Spring|Big Springs]]" appeared on maps of the area before the [[Civil War]]. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time [[Jefferson County]] Sheriff [[Abner Killough]] in [[1858]] and was the site of a [[Battle of Avondale|minor skirmish]] that left his wife wounded. He sold the property to [[Peyton King]], who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the [[Avondale Land Company]] in [[1887]].
Originally the park area was an informal resting spot among natural springs along the [[Georgia Road]]. The "[[King's Spring|Big Springs]]" appeared on maps of the area before the [[Civil War]]. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time [[Jefferson County]] Sheriff [[Abner Killough]] in [[1858]] and was the site of a [[Battle of Avondale|minor skirmish]] that left his wife wounded. He sold the property to [[Peyton King]], who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the [[Avondale Land Company]] in [[1887]].
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Whether by agreement with King at the time it was purchased, sentiment for preserving open green spaces, or the mere fact that the steep hillside and spring-fed basin would be less than ideal for building, the expansive 40 acre park gave Avondale a true recreation spot. Since [[1885]] a mule-powered [[Avondale streetcar|streetcar]] had been bringing people from Birmingham to the springs to bathe and picnic. The streetcar line was upgraded to electrical power and the resort became among the most popular day trip destinations in the region. Upon Avondale's annexation into Birmingham in [[1910]], it became the city's largest park.
Whether by agreement with King at the time it was purchased, sentiment for preserving open green spaces, or the mere fact that the steep hillside and spring-fed basin would be less than ideal for building, the expansive 40 acre park gave Avondale a true recreation spot. Since [[1885]] a mule-powered [[Avondale streetcar|streetcar]] had been bringing people from Birmingham to the springs to bathe and picnic. The streetcar line was upgraded to electrical power and the resort became among the most popular day trip destinations in the region. Upon Avondale's annexation into Birmingham in [[1910]], it became the city's largest park.


[[File:1887 Avondale Park ad.png|left|thumb|350px|1887 advertisement for an Avondale Park merchant]]
As it was first developed, rock retaining walls were constructed to enclose wading pools fed by the springs, which were encircled by an iron fence and covered by a wooden shelter. Paved walks wound between the pools and benches and picnic tables were provided, later supplemented by a covered gazebo. [[Avondale Cave]], accessed from above the spring, attracted adventurers into its depths. Enterprising quarrymen also searched the caves to remove slabs of marble, processed at the nearby [[Avondale Marble Factory]]. The spring outlet and cave entrances were sealed off in the 1930s.
As it was first developed, rock retaining walls were constructed to enclose wading pools fed by the springs, which were encircled by an iron fence and covered by a wooden shelter. Paved walks wound between the pools and benches and picnic tables were provided, later supplemented by a covered gazebo. [[Avondale Cave]], accessed from above the spring, attracted adventurers into its depths. Enterprising quarrymen also searched the caves to remove slabs of marble, processed at the nearby [[Avondale Marble Factory]]. The spring outlet and cave entrances were sealed off in the 1930s.


Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor [[George Ward]]. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In [[1911]] cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later become the [[Birmingham Zoo]]. The star attraction was "[[Miss Fancy]]", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city. Other animals on exhibit included a bison, two cows, [[Dick]] the rattlesnake, a llama, two bears, an assortment of foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons and wildcats, along with monkeys, rabbits and water fowl.
Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor [[George Ward]]. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In [[1911]] cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later grow to constitute Birmingham's first [[Avondale Zoo|public zoo]]. The star attraction was "[[Miss Fancy]]", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city. Other animals on exhibit included a bison, two cows, [[Dick]] the rattlesnake, a llama, two bears, an assortment of foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons and wildcats, along with monkeys, rabbits and water fowl. The zoo was shuttered in [[1934]] as too expensive to maintain.


[[Image:Avondale Easter egg hunt.png|left|thumb|375px|An Easter egg hunt at Avondale Park. Photograph by Charles Preston {{BPL permission caption|http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1438}}]]
[[Image:Avondale Easter egg hunt.png|left|thumb|375px|An Easter egg hunt at Avondale Park. Photograph by Charles Preston {{BPL permission caption|http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1438}}]]
An amphitheater was constructed for the spectacular [[Pageant of Birmingham|pageant]] in celebration of Birmingham's [[Semicentennial of Birmingham|50th Anniversary]] in [[1921]]. That same year the [[Birmingham City Commission]] sponsored the construction and operation of a [[Model Poultry Farm]] with room for 350 birds.
A large wooden grandstand was constructed at the park's northeast corner for the spectacular [[Pageant of Birmingham|pageant]] in celebration of Birmingham's [[Semicentennial of Birmingham|50th Anniversary]] in [[1921]]. That same year the [[Birmingham City Commission]] sponsored the construction and operation of a [[Model Poultry Farm]] with room for 350 birds.
 
Several improvements were made to Avondale Park with funds from a municipal bond issue in [[1931]]. A picturesque pavilion, known as the [[Avondale Villa]] and designed by [[Burnham & Greer]], was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. A new stone amphitheater, designed by landscape architect [[Rubee Pearse]] was constructed just south of the lagoon. The rose garden's central gazebo was replaced with a larger octagonal shelter, and another picnic pavilion was built on the western side of the park. In [[1936]] the [[Birmingham Civic Symphonic Orchestra]] began playing Sunday afternoon free concerts at the park as a public service.
 
[[Image:1911 Avondale Park postcard.jpg|right|thumb|375px|Postcard showing the wading pool at Avondale Park c. 1911]]
Along with other Birmingham parks, Avondale Park was closed by order of the [[Birmingham City Commission]] in defiance of court-ordered racial integration in [[1963]]. After it reopened, the tradition of free Sunday concerts resumed, with  [[List of Birmingham bands#1960s|local bands]] playing folk and rock for crowds of young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals and expressions. Neighbors' complaints about drug use and other activities occasionally brought the [[Birmingham Police Department]] to clear the park.


In [[1931]], a secluded pavilion called "The Villa" was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. In [[1936]] the [[Birmingham Civic Symphonic Orchestra]] began playing Sunday afternoon free concerts at the park as a public service. That tradition was reborn in [[1969]] as [[List of Birmingham bands#1960s|local bands]] began playing free Sunday afternoon shows at the amphitheater. The park became known as a hangout for young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals and expressions. Occasionally promoters brought touring bands to the park, including a landmark sellout show by the Allman Brothers in 1969. The concerts continued through the mid 1970s.
Promoters began brought touring bands to Avondale Park, including [[The Mystics]] with [[Lionel Richie]], Plymouth Rock, and a landmark sellout show by the Allman Brothers in 1969. The concerts continued through the mid 1970s. The happenings at the park attracted other services to the area. A free health clinic treated drug overdoses and [[Jack Douglas]] launched "[[His House]]", a Christian ministry and commune nearby.


In the late 1970s, Avondale Park was considered as the site of a handicapped-accessible playground to be jointly developed by the Parks & Recreation Board and [[UAB]]. In the end another site was chosen. <!--EPIC School?-->
In the late 1970s, Avondale Park was considered as the site of a handicapped-accessible playground to be jointly developed by the Parks & Recreation Board and [[UAB]]. In the end another site was chosen. <!--EPIC School?-->
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==Recent developments==
==Recent developments==
[[Image:Avondale Villa.jpg|right|thumb|375px|The restored Avondale Villa on the south edge of the park]]
[[Image:Avondale Villa.jpg|right|thumb|375px|The restored Avondale Villa on the south edge of the park]]
[[Image:Renovated amph.JPG|right|thumb|375px|Renovated amphitheater. Picture taken February 4, 2012]]
A '''Friends of Avondale Park''' group was formed in [[1989]] which succeeded in preparing a master plan for renovations to the park and restored the Villa in [[2006]].
A '''Friends of Avondale Park''' group was formed in [[1989]] which succeeded in preparing a master plan for renovations to the park and restored the Villa in [[2006]].


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Renovations to the park began [[February 28]], [[2011]], with [[KPS Group]] as the project's architect and [[Stone Building Co.]] as the contractor. The park officially reopened [[November 19]], [[2011]]. The park, with the exception of Avondale Villa, was closed during that time. The $2.88 million plan, funded by City of Birmingham bond money, includes 3 new baseball fields, renovations to the amphitheater, its dressing room, the existing picnic pavilion and the existing pond, creation of a spring-fed grotto and creek using an existing spring, a new concession and restroom building, new playgrounds, making all walkways up to ADA standards, building a new entryway at 41st Street, expanding the parking area, and building an additional picnic pavilion.
Renovations to the park began [[February 28]], [[2011]], with [[KPS Group]] as the project's architect and [[Stone Building Co.]] as the contractor. The park officially reopened [[November 19]], [[2011]]. The park, with the exception of Avondale Villa, was closed during that time. The $2.88 million plan, funded by City of Birmingham bond money, includes 3 new baseball fields, renovations to the amphitheater, its dressing room, the existing picnic pavilion and the existing pond, creation of a spring-fed grotto and creek using an existing spring, a new concession and restroom building, new playgrounds, making all walkways up to ADA standards, building a new entryway at 41st Street, expanding the parking area, and building an additional picnic pavilion.


[[Image:Renovated amph.JPG|center|thumb|375px|Renovated amphitheater. Picture taken February 4, 2012]]
In [[2013]] the [[Forest Park South Avondale Business Association]] sponsored the installation of free wi-fi internet service throughout the park and [[Avondale Library]].
 
In July [[2022]] Avondale Park hosted archery competition for the [[2022 World Games]]. In advance of the event, the pond was dredged and dyed to hinder algae growth, and the perimeter of the park was fenced and surrounding roads were closed as part of establishing a secure perimeter.


In [[2013]] the [[Forest Park South Avondale Business Association]] sponsored the installation of free wi-fi internet service throughout the park and [[Avondale Library]].
==Timeline of park events==
* [[1858]]: [[Abner Killough]] was granted a 1,640 homestead which included the springs.
* April [[1865]]: The [[Battle of Avondale]] resulted in a wound to Mrs Killough's shoulder.
* [[1865]]: [[Peyton King]] purchased the Killough's property and built a new farm house close to the springs.
* [[1886]]: King conveyed his property to the organizers of the [[Avondale Land Company]] with a provision preserving the 40-acres surrounding the spring for recreational uses.
* [[February 10]], [[1887]]: The [[Alabama State Legislature]] passed a local prohibition law forbidding the sale of liquor within 1 1/2 miles of Avondale Springs (but not applicable to incorporated areas of [[Birmingham]]).
* [[1889]]: The Town of [[Avondale]] was incorporated.
* [[1908]]: The first [[Avondale Library]] was built in the park.
* [[January 1]], [[1910]]: Avondale was annexed into [[Greater Birmingham]].
* [[1911]]: The first animal enclosures were constructed in the park.
* [[1913]]: [[Miss Fancy]] the elephant debuted as the park's main attraction.
* [[July 9]], [[1914]]: A planned day-long outing at the park for members of [[16th Street Baptist Church]] was canceled after protests from the [[Avondale Civic League]].
* [[1915]]: The first part of the park's formal rose garden was planted.
* [[1921]]: A [[Model Poultry Farm]] was constructed in the park.
* [[October 24]]-[[October 27|27]], [[1921]]: The [[Semi-Centennial of Birmingham]] was celebrated with an elaborate [[Pageant of Birmingham]] in a newly-built amphitheater with a 6,000-seat wood grandstand
* [[August 28]], [[1926]]: A large pageant, "[[The Realm of Happy Childhood]]" was staged at the amphitheater.
* [[1931]]: [[Avondale VIlla]] was built with municipal bond funds.
* 1930s: The park's picnic pavilion, entranceways and reconstructed amphitheater were built with WPA labor.
* [[1931]]: [[Robert Jemison Jr]] donated a breeding pair of swans to the park.
* [[October 14]] [[1932]]: The [[Men's Rose Society of Birmingham]] brought New Orleans soil specialist Harry Daunoy to Avondale Park to consult on the state of the rose garden.
* [[1934]]: Miss Fancy was sold to the Cole Bros - Clyde Beatty circus.
* [[1936]]: The [[Birmingham Civic Symphonic Orchestra]] began playing free Sunday afternoon concerts at the park.
* [[August 30]], [[1937]]: A "Reunion of Former Slaves" was held at Avondale Park, featuring sing-alongs and sermons.
* [[August 21]], [[1952]]: The "long-darkened" amphitheater hosted a festival of plays put on by groups from various [[Birmingham Park & Recreation Board]] recreation centers under [[Rebecca Jennings]]' direction.
* [[August 28]], [[1953]]: The [[Southside Ball Association]]'s team won the Little League World Series.
* [[1955]]: The [[Women's Junior Chamber of Commerce]] sponsored a series of band concerts at Avondale Park. Members of the [[Birmingham Musicians' Protective Association]], including the 20-piece [[Bill Nappi Orchestra]], donated their time to the project.
* [[1961]]: [[Avondale Library]] was rebuilt.
* [[1969]]: The Allman Brothers played at the amphitheater.
* [[June 28]], [[1970]]: An inaugural [[Birmingham Pop]] free music festival featuring [[Felt]], [[So But So What]] and [[Chair]] was held at the amphitheater.
* [[July 16]], [[1972]]: A "Jesus Music Festival" organized by [[Eddie Smith]] was held at the park's amphitheater.
* August [[1972]]: The [[New Lyric Theater]] company staged a season of live drama at the park's newly-rewired amphitheater.
* August [[1973]] and [[1974]]: Summer programming at Avondale Park was enhanced with the [[PARKART]] series, chaired by [[Darcy Tatum]].
* [[1989]]: The [[Friends of Avondale Park]] was incorporated as a non-profit
* [[2003]]: The first [[Art in Avondale Park]] was held.
* [[April 20]], [[2006]]: The restored [[Avondale Villa]] opened.
* [[2008]]: The [[Birmingham Folk Festival]] moved to Avondale Park.
* [[November 19]], [[2011]]: The park re-opened after $2.88 million in city-funded renovations
* [[August 23]], [[2016]]: Kevin Sorbo shot scenes from his film ''[[Let There Be Light (film)|Let There Be Light]]'' with Dionne Warwick at the park's amphitheater.
* [[July 8]]–[[July 15|15]]: [[Archery at the 2022 World Games|Archery competition]] for the [[2022 World Games]] was held at Avondale Park, which was fenced off with surrounding roads closed to establish a secure perimeter.


==References==
==References==
* Dalrymple, Dolly (c. 1915) "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/10720/rec/231 Dream of Years Realized in Roses Planted in Avondale Park Garden]" ''Birmingham Age-Herald'' - via {{BPLDC}}
* Brown, J. Ellis (August 1921) "[http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/4292605753/ A City Teaches Chicken Raising]". New York, New York: Buttenheim Publishing. ''The American City''. Vol. 25. p. 125
* Brown, J. Ellis (August 1921) "[http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/4292605753/ A City Teaches Chicken Raising]". New York, New York: Buttenheim Publishing. ''The American City''. Vol. 25. p. 125
* Apple, Oliver (February 25, 1925) "[http://server16044.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/p4017coll2,2153 In Spring, Miss Fancy's Fancy Lightly Turns To Thoughts Of Peanuts]" ''Birmingham Post'' - via {{BPLDC}}
* "[http://server16044.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/p4017coll2,2156 Grocery: Miss Fancy has large appetite]" (November 22, 1931) {{BN}} - via {{BPLDC}}
* Harrelson, Keith (December 1970) "Freaks Live in Birmingham: They Surely Do!" ''Birmingham'' magazine. Vol. 10, No. 12, pp. 36-8
* Harrelson, Keith (December 1970) "Freaks Live in Birmingham: They Surely Do!" ''Birmingham'' magazine. Vol. 10, No. 12, pp. 36-8
* Nix, Charles (November 25, 1971) "Avondale neighborhood feels threatened: Fear of 'hippies' fed rumors of hard drugs, violence." {{BN}}
* Bryant, Walter (July 17, 1972) "Avondale Park amphitheater rocks with religious music." {{BN}}
* Mansell, Jeff & Trina Binkley (August 10, 1997) "[https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/31752b6c-ec02-4686-91d7-da63eab8cc24 Avondale Park Historic District]" National Register of Historic Places nomination form - entered February 20, 1998
* "Avondale Villa to open soon." (February 8, 2006) {{BN}}
* "Avondale Villa to open soon." (February 8, 2006) {{BN}}
* Haden, Courtney (July 31, 2008) "Friendly folk: Local music lovers get a BFF." ''Birmingham Weekly''
* Haden, Courtney (July 31, 2008) "Friendly folk: Local music lovers get a BFF." ''Birmingham Weekly''
Line 42: Line 105:
* Ruisi, Anne (February 23, 2011) "Avondale Park renovation work set to begin." {{BN}}
* Ruisi, Anne (February 23, 2011) "Avondale Park renovation work set to begin." {{BN}}
* Ruisi, Anne (November 16, 2011) "Avondale Park in Birmingham to officially reopen Saturday" {{BN}}
* Ruisi, Anne (November 16, 2011) "Avondale Park in Birmingham to officially reopen Saturday" {{BN}}
* Goodman, Joseph (June 25, 2022) "Avondale Park ducks, geese disappear before The World Games." {{BN}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Locate address|address=Avondale+Park}}
* [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=162563905358 Friends of Avondale Park] on Facebook.com
* [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=162563905358 Friends of Avondale Park] on Facebook.com


[[Category:Avondale Park|*]]
[[Category:Avondale Park|*]]
[[Category:5th Avenue South]]
[[Category:1885 establishments]]
[[Category:41st Street South]]
[[Category:Birmingham Zoo]]
[[Category:Birmingham Zoo]]
[[Category:Wifi access points]]

Latest revision as of 12:28, 12 September 2022

This article is about the Birmingham city park. For the radio program, see Avondale Park (radio program).
Avondale Park
Renovated amph.JPG
Bham Park and Rec logo.jpg Birmingham City Parks
Years 1885–present
Location 4101 5th Avenue South, (map)
Forest Park-South Avondale
Area 40 acres
Website facebook.com

Avondale Park is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of Red Mountain, with its entrance at the south end of 41st Street South as it meets 5th Avenue South. It overlooks, and is named for, the City of Avondale, which was annexed into Birmingham in 1910.

Originally the park area was an informal resting spot among natural springs along the Georgia Road. The "Big Springs" appeared on maps of the area before the Civil War. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time Jefferson County Sheriff Abner Killough in 1858 and was the site of a minor skirmish that left his wife wounded. He sold the property to Peyton King, who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the Avondale Land Company in 1887.

Whether by agreement with King at the time it was purchased, sentiment for preserving open green spaces, or the mere fact that the steep hillside and spring-fed basin would be less than ideal for building, the expansive 40 acre park gave Avondale a true recreation spot. Since 1885 a mule-powered streetcar had been bringing people from Birmingham to the springs to bathe and picnic. The streetcar line was upgraded to electrical power and the resort became among the most popular day trip destinations in the region. Upon Avondale's annexation into Birmingham in 1910, it became the city's largest park.

1887 advertisement for an Avondale Park merchant

As it was first developed, rock retaining walls were constructed to enclose wading pools fed by the springs, which were encircled by an iron fence and covered by a wooden shelter. Paved walks wound between the pools and benches and picnic tables were provided, later supplemented by a covered gazebo. Avondale Cave, accessed from above the spring, attracted adventurers into its depths. Enterprising quarrymen also searched the caves to remove slabs of marble, processed at the nearby Avondale Marble Factory. The spring outlet and cave entrances were sealed off in the 1930s.

Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor George Ward. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In 1911 cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later grow to constitute Birmingham's first public zoo. The star attraction was "Miss Fancy", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city. Other animals on exhibit included a bison, two cows, Dick the rattlesnake, a llama, two bears, an assortment of foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons and wildcats, along with monkeys, rabbits and water fowl. The zoo was shuttered in 1934 as too expensive to maintain.

An Easter egg hunt at Avondale Park. Photograph by Charles Preston courtesy BPL Archives

A large wooden grandstand was constructed at the park's northeast corner for the spectacular pageant in celebration of Birmingham's 50th Anniversary in 1921. That same year the Birmingham City Commission sponsored the construction and operation of a Model Poultry Farm with room for 350 birds.

Several improvements were made to Avondale Park with funds from a municipal bond issue in 1931. A picturesque pavilion, known as the Avondale Villa and designed by Burnham & Greer, was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. A new stone amphitheater, designed by landscape architect Rubee Pearse was constructed just south of the lagoon. The rose garden's central gazebo was replaced with a larger octagonal shelter, and another picnic pavilion was built on the western side of the park. In 1936 the Birmingham Civic Symphonic Orchestra began playing Sunday afternoon free concerts at the park as a public service.

Postcard showing the wading pool at Avondale Park c. 1911

Along with other Birmingham parks, Avondale Park was closed by order of the Birmingham City Commission in defiance of court-ordered racial integration in 1963. After it reopened, the tradition of free Sunday concerts resumed, with local bands playing folk and rock for crowds of young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals and expressions. Neighbors' complaints about drug use and other activities occasionally brought the Birmingham Police Department to clear the park.

Promoters began brought touring bands to Avondale Park, including The Mystics with Lionel Richie, Plymouth Rock, and a landmark sellout show by the Allman Brothers in 1969. The concerts continued through the mid 1970s. The happenings at the park attracted other services to the area. A free health clinic treated drug overdoses and Jack Douglas launched "His House", a Christian ministry and commune nearby.

In the late 1970s, Avondale Park was considered as the site of a handicapped-accessible playground to be jointly developed by the Parks & Recreation Board and UAB. In the end another site was chosen.

Recent developments

The restored Avondale Villa on the south edge of the park
Renovated amphitheater. Picture taken February 4, 2012

A Friends of Avondale Park group was formed in 1989 which succeeded in preparing a master plan for renovations to the park and restored the Villa in 2006.

In 2008 the "Compound Folk Festival" moved from Hoover to Avondale Park for its third year and changed its name to the Birmingham Folk Festival.

In July 2009 Main Street Birmingham and the Avondale Business Association announced $3 million in city funding to advance the Friends' master plan, including renovations to the amphitheater, playground, athletic fields and restroom facilities.

The renovated sign at the entrance to the park


Renovations to the park began February 28, 2011, with KPS Group as the project's architect and Stone Building Co. as the contractor. The park officially reopened November 19, 2011. The park, with the exception of Avondale Villa, was closed during that time. The $2.88 million plan, funded by City of Birmingham bond money, includes 3 new baseball fields, renovations to the amphitheater, its dressing room, the existing picnic pavilion and the existing pond, creation of a spring-fed grotto and creek using an existing spring, a new concession and restroom building, new playgrounds, making all walkways up to ADA standards, building a new entryway at 41st Street, expanding the parking area, and building an additional picnic pavilion.

In 2013 the Forest Park South Avondale Business Association sponsored the installation of free wi-fi internet service throughout the park and Avondale Library.

In July 2022 Avondale Park hosted archery competition for the 2022 World Games. In advance of the event, the pond was dredged and dyed to hinder algae growth, and the perimeter of the park was fenced and surrounding roads were closed as part of establishing a secure perimeter.

Timeline of park events

References

External links

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