Parks & Culture

24-1138 Parks & Leisure Update

Change order: Southeastern Sealcoating, $240,888 for soil replacement

City approves additional $240,888 to fix soft, wet soil issues discovered during a parks or infrastructure project. The extra cost is being paid to the contractor to complete the work safely.

City pays $5,000 to Birmingham Public Library for assistance services

City commits $5,000 to Birmingham Public Library for unnamed assistance services under a new agreement.

Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival gets special events license for Linn Park

Empowerment Incorporation can now host the Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival at Linn Park on June 16–17, 2023. The public had a chance to comment on the event's impact on the park and neighborhood.

Special Events License approved for Birmingham Folk Festival at Avondale Park

Mom's Birmingham, LLC can now hold the Birmingham Folk Festival on May 6, 2023, at Avondale Park. The license allows the organizer to stage a public event in this popular neighborhood gathering space.

City partners with Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative

City commits to supporting a new arts education system with Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative. Full details on scope and funding not available in the agenda item.

City funds Tuxedo Junction Park Association with $12K grant

City commits $12,000 from general funds to support Erskine Hawkins Tuxedo Junction Park Association's operations or programming.

Council approves $1,200 for Woodland Park neighborhood meeting signs

Funds four meeting signs for the Woodland Park Neighborhood Association to support community gatherings and civic engagement.

HBCU SpringComing special event approved for Linn Park, March 18

HBCU SpringComing LLC gets permission to hold a special event at Linn Park on March 18, 2023. This allows the event to proceed with proper city licensing and oversight.

Friends Foundation gets special liquor license for Central Library events

Allows alcohol service at Birmingham Central Library's public meeting spaces, enabling fundraising and social events. Can draw more visitors and revenue to the library facility.

Ensley Recreation Center gets $1,500 for new chairs

Neighborhood association funds buy furniture for the Ensley Recreation Center, improving the facility for residents who use it.

City vacates 0.8 acres of unopened right of way near Lakeshore Parkway

Clearing unused right-of-way can free land for development or public use. Public hearing set for March 21, 2023 to allow community input.

City awards $81,000 to WAS Design for Lavretta Park improvements

Lavretta Park gets new playground, court, and site upgrades. The $81,000 contract covers design and planning for recreational improvements in the neighborhood.

Museum of Art exterior repairs: $14,375 change order with Del-Con LLC

Change order adds $14,375 to repair the Museum of Art's exterior, keeping a key civic cultural space in good condition for residents and visitors.

Parks Dept. contracts Fruit of the Spirit Athletics for $100K/year

City commits $100,000 annually to outside vendor for Parks and Recreation services. Sole-source procurement means no competitive bidding process.

Noise waiver approved for Lyons Park event, Sept 3–14

Carrie Coats gets permission to exceed noise limits at 180 Lyons Park Avenue for a 10-day event (5:00–6:30 p.m. nightly). Neighbors in District 2 may notice increased sound during that window.

Council approves $110K HVAC contract at Harmon Recreation Center

City commits $110,000 to upgrade HVAC systems at the Harmon Recreation Center, ensuring reliable heating and cooling for residents using the facility.

Hayley Van Antwerp appointed to Museum of Art Board

New board member joins the Museum of Art's governance, helping shape the museum's operations, exhibitions, and community programming.

Noise waiver approved for Langan Park event, April 14

Susan McKinnell receives permission to hold a one-time event at Langan Park with relaxed noise rules on April 14, 7:00–8:30 p.m. Residents near the park may notice louder activity than usual during that window.

Graduate social workers can volunteer for city programs

City partners with Alabama A&M University to bring graduate-level social work students into local programs, expanding service capacity at no direct cost.