Avondale Park Renovations

KPS Group, Inc. was retained by the City of Birmingham to provide landscape architectural services and lead a team of consultants in the renovation of Avondale Park. KPS Group prepared a plan that would carefully blend today's needs while celebrating the historic legacy of the park.

Avondale Park, dedicated in 1886, was one of Birmingham's earliest parks. The park site was chosen because of its natural spring, which was a popular attraction with local people, as well as a favorite stopping point for weary travelers along the old Huntsville Stagecoach Road. With its natural beauty, rolling topography, and natural spring, the park quickly became a gem for residents all over Birmingham and the region. The park hosted the Birmingham Zoo for several years, and has long served as the home for Avondale Amphitheater.

A grand new gateway at the park entrance features ornamental metal artwork with playful cutouts of the park's features such as ducks, catfish, theatrical masks, treble clef, musical staff, and guitar.

Massive stone columns support the metal work, with floral leaflets and ornamental lights at the top of each column. A new playful fountain features a bronze elephant representing “Miss Fancy”, a beloved elephant who resided at the park when it was home to the Birmingham zoo.

The historic amphitheater has been restored, with new arbors, festoon lights, and accessible restrooms. The original spring and grotto, which had been closed and hidden for many years, has been “unveiled”, and features a new waterfall and pool.

The park also includes three new baseball fields, and a new concession building with restrooms. A plaque near the ballfields commemorates the 1953 Little League World Series Champions, whose home field was Avondale Park. A walking trail circles the lake and play areas, and winds along the wooded hillside.

Play areas are nestled within the shade of the park's existing trees, and are designed to accomodate children of different age groups. Benches and picnic pavilions are located conveniently nearby for parents.

inquiries:
Amy G. Smith, ASLA, LEED AP
asmith@kpsgroup.com

Landscape Architect: KPS Group, Inc.
Architect: Jim Waters; KPS Group, Inc.
Civil Engineer: Dynamic Civil Solutions
MEP: Khafra Engineering
Electrical Design: Cater Reddington Staub
Graphic Design: Objective Design
Irrigation: Irrigation Consultant Services, Inc.