Archive for the ‘General’ Category

I wanted to share a couple of photos from the work going on at the property lately….shovel tests done by Jack Bergstresser, Marty Schulman, and helpful students from UAB.  Photos courtesy of Eric McFerrin.

Marty, Sarah Clarke, and Kelly Jackson

Jack and Chrystel Carlisle

You never know who you’ll meet.  Or at least I never seem to.

Oxmoor Neighborhood Association Meeting: January 11, 2010

Each time I present the park to a group, I end up leaving with new information about Red Mountain and Birmingham.  I always meet someone who provides another piece to the puzzle.  At last night’s gathering with the park’s Oxmoor neighbors, I met a room full of people with park knowledge.  There were 4 people who had very strong connections with the park’s history: 2 women who had valuable information about the Oxmoor and Mount Olive mining cemeteries,  a woman who tragically lost her father in a mining accident on Red Mountain, and a man who worked underground in the number 14 mine.

Oxmoor Neighborhood Association Meeting: January 11, 2010

Their personal ties to the mountain made the Oxmoor Neighborhood Association a special group to talk to.  It was fun to let them know about the latest plans for the park’s arrival.  I presented the park’s master plan and talked about 2 things: how we are building the park into the community, and how we are building the community into the park.

We are back at it with our public tours–it is a fun way to preview the park pre-construction.  You will get some fresh air, good exercise, and a remarkable Birmingham history lesson.  That’s this Sunday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m.

We will start in our usual meeting place, the Frankfurt Drive cul-de-sac.  Frankfurt Drive is off of Lakeshore Parkway.  Heading West on Lakeshore from I-65, Frankfurt Drive is 1.4 miles past its intersection with West Oxmoor Road.  Across the street from the Frankfurt turn is a small shopping center with a Subway and nail salon. Park along Frankfurt.

Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departs to sign waiver forms and to meet your tour guides.  I will see you there.  Remember that dogs are welcome, too!

As we approach the new year and I reflect on 2009, I realize how thankful I am for such a successful year in the park’s development.  I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way at all- every single piece of effort has made a difference.  

I’m so happy that 2009 has been a year of beginning to get to know the community.  We’ve spent wonderful time with countless groups- neighborhood associations, scouting organizations, garden clubs, students, Red Mountain miners and their families, churches, volunteers, and many others.  All of your excitement and willingness to help has made this project even more special.

I believe I speak for both the staff and the commission when I say that this year contained some epic moments when we realized the importance of the job we have in building this park.  We look forward to many more great moments in 2010.  Have a safe and happy new year, everyone!