Booth Park moves ahead with new improvements

By Mark H. Stowers

Trail improvements and a new entry park to Booth Parkwere discussed at the August 12 Birmingham City Commission meeting, with Scott Zelinski, director of the department of public service providing an update of the project which has a budget of $900,000, but a design for $1.5 million dollars.

Zelinski noted there are opportunities for donations to be made for the project, along with pursuing state funding that would require a city match. He also asked if there are thing that could be held off on until later, such as planting new trees.

Constraints at the park have given those working on the project a challenge in its design. After much commission discussion, a resolution was passed unanimously by commissioners to direct staff to proceed with a finalization of drawings for construction for final review. Commissioners approved a design to incorporate all elements of the landscape plan, including selecting the custom “bespoke” option for the restroom facility and eliminating four spaces for parking.