Updated redesign plan for Adams Park okayed

By Kevin Elliott

Long-stalled plans to update Adams Park received fresh life on Monday, November 8, as the Birmingham City Commission approved a new concept plan that includes new play areas and playground equipment, fencing, landscaping and improved track and field facilities.

The city of Birmingham purchased Adams Park from The Roeper School in 2006 with funding from the 2001 parks and recreation bond. Under the purchase agreement, the city is required to provide park elements and maintenance, while Roeper is permitted to use the park, said Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood.

Wood said a concept plan for the park wasn’t developed and approved until 2016. While the city commission approved that concept plan, it had languished until voters approved a new parks millage in 2020, which included updating Adams Park.

The concept plan was recently updated by Michael J. Dul & Associates and presented to the city commission on November 8.

“Basically, the park was open space and some play area, and facilitates Roeper for their field portion of track and field practice,” Dul said. “The improved version is much of the same elements and is reorganized and thoughtfully placed with better enhancements.”

The concept plan includes a cost estimate of $1 million, not including professional fees. That amount is not based on actual bids or final design elements. Further, Wood said the final design will have alternatives that could raise or lower the total cost.

Newly elected commissioner Andrew Haig asked whether the park’s existing playground equipment could be re-used at another park in order to reduce the $10,000 disposal fee. However, it was determined the equipment wasn’t desirable or safe and would be recycled.

Commissioner Clinton Baller stressed the importance of maintaining public input during the process to ensure residents' needs are heard and incorporated into the design.

Commissioners unanimously approved accepting the concept plan.