Alabaster features a diverse community full of families who have been here for years as well as a quickly growing number of new arrivals who are moving to the city thanks to the new school system and its successes.
Tim Hamm is the director of the Parks and Rec Department. He pointed out that the Parks program touches every member of the community in some form or fashion. “We have a wide range of activities, sports and leisure opportunities for people to come visit and participate in. We pride ourselves on being able to offer things that hit every part of this diverse community.”
Considering the significant impact of the many parks in the city – Buck Creek Park and Trail, Heroes Park, Municipal Park, Limestone Park, Warrior Park, Willie B. Arrington Park, Veterans Park, Abbey Wooley Park, and the newly developing Patriots Park – Hamm’s department has their hands full! “We’re always doing some quality control in our parks. We’re making sure the playgrounds are up to date and safe.”
In addition, the City has made some major renovations to two parks in particular: Abbey Wooley Park and Veterans Park.
Revamping Abbey Wooley Park
If you don’t know where Abbey Wooley Park is, you’re probably not alone. Referred to as a ‘pocket park’ that attracts more foot traffic attendance than a full parking lot like Veterans Park, this park has admittedly needed some attention for quite some time.
After securing grant funding and a financial investment from the City, Abbey Wooley Park has undergone a complete overhaul! “It now has a new bathroom, a repaved and extended walking trail, a new pavilion, and a brand-new playground combined with a swing set,” Hamm enthused. “This is a really nice update for the city.”
Improvements to Veterans Park
The previous entrance to Veterans Park had a notably short turn lane off Highway 119 and turned back into the park at an odd angle between the first parking lot and the ball fields. Thus, a new entrance has been constructed at the southernmost corner of the park and 119 to allow for a much longer turn lane as well as a turn lane for northbound traffic. “We were also able to add a lane as you’re leaving the park, so there’s a lane you can get in to turn either direction.”
Hamm indicated a noticeable change in the amount of time it takes to empty out the parking lot during a big event, such as a tournament. “Everyone says it’s really nice. Plus, it’s much safer, which is good for people at the park and also for our Public Safety Department. It’ll take a bit of the stress off them when we do big events.”
But they’re not done yet. “We’re going to have two full-size synthetic soccer fields and another area that same size of natural grass that can be painted into whatever field we want, whether flag football, lacrosse, or whatever we need,” says Hamm.
In addition, the walking trail will be extended out around this new area to add almost another half mile to the existing track. Power pedestals will also be put into service to support the food trucks that come for the big events. “Increasing parking capacity will be big for us as well, because we’re bursting at the seams when we have a tournament or big event.”
It’s not only the large events that prompted the updates to the park. Veterans Park has been even busier than normal during 2020 as people were seeking a place where they felt safe out in the open air. Families and groups chose to visit Veterans Park to play on the equipment, walk the track, visit the dog park, play disc golf, enjoy the skate park, and compete in city sports on the fields.
“A lot of people just come hang out in the open play meadows for picnics during nicer weather, too,” Hamm pointed out. “It’s a very multi-use space!”
Creating Patriots Park
The former Kingwood School football field, bleachers and fieldhouse were purchased by the City in 2020. Although still in the early planning stages of the park, the space is intended to serve multiple functions to benefit the community and the City’s needs.
“We haven’t decided specifically what will go into that park yet, but it’ll benefit especially the north and east parts of the city,” Hamm pointed out. “Feedback has been positive so far. We often hear, ‘I’m glad you got that because I have to take my kids to Helena to go a closer park,’ so we’re in the process of thinking everything through and making that a really attractive feature for the whole city, but especially that part of town.”
When the City Council started talking through possible name options, they wanted to remain along the lines of Veterans Park and the name ‘Patriots Park’ came to the top of the list. Similar to Veterans Park uses, summertime movies will be hosted at both Veterans and Patriots Parks this summer.
“It already has existing concrete bleachers there to serve purposes like that,” Hamm said. “The existing fieldhouse is also helpful, as we can store equipment there to help maintain the park.”
The fieldhouse is also serving the Alabaster Fire Department’s needs as a training center. “During COVID shutdowns, it has been hard to get access to training places like the YMCA, so they were able to transform the fieldhouse space for that purpose, as well.”
The possibilities for Patriots Park are exciting and endless, so the City Council and the Parks and Rec Department are intending to take their time to figure out what will best benefit the community the most. However, in the meantime, it is already being used for various purposes, such as a location for the Warrior Lacrosse Club to practice or play on while developments in Veterans Park are underway.
Safely Enjoying the City’s Parks
Hamm continued with a kudos to the other departments in the city who are doing stellar work ensuring citizens’ abilities to enjoy the great outdoors and community activities in comfort and safety, “I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t mention our Senior Center location, as well. Their team does a wonderful job of reaching out to our seniors during this time to make sure they have what they need during this time. It’s been a real struggle for that portion of our community because the Senior Center building has been closed. But the Senior Center team has been calling people every day, checking on their members, providing curbside pickup, and delivering food.”
So, no matter your age, as you’re out and about with family or friends in the city’s many parks and making the most of the activities offered throughout the year, you are encouraged to follow the state health departments guidelines. “When we have an event, we encourage people to wear their masks and social distance when possible,” Hamm reminded. “As we go, we’re still disinfecting and cleaning constantly and making sure everything is as safe as it can be for everyone when they show up to use what we provide in the city.”