Alden C.
Yelp
Fantastically renovated urban space in a formerly undesirable neighborhood.
That is Avondale Park in a nutshell. But let's crack that nut! A gorgeous wrought iron sign beckons you to come explore the hilly landscape that waits inside. Then, a lake comes into view, reflecting the trees, clouds, setting sun and rising moon, making for some excellent photo opportunities. All of the standard park features are there: benches, picnic tables, large grassy expanses, trees, clean air. But while this park might be tiny compared to Kensington Gardens or Central Park in NYC, it becomes mighty when all of its extras come into view.
An outdoor, stone amphitheater provides an excellent setting for small concerts, choral performances, plays, and entertainment during charity events. During the recent Magic City AIDS Walk benefiting Birmingham AIDS Outreach, which was held at Avondale Park, several varieties of musical acts performed to the delight of the thousands of attendees and dozens of vendors that lined the road winding behind the stadium-style seating. The multitude of paved, stone and gravel pathways allowed hardcore event walkers and casual supporters alike to move throughout the venue with ease. During the release of 100s of red balloons in front of the lake during sunset to honor those who battle or were lost to AIDS was beyond breathtaking - the sun, clouds and balloons reflecting on the water was picture perfect.
For those seeking physical fitness, the changes in elevation, stone steps in the amphitheater, and expansive green areas (perfect for yoga) create an outdoor gym from heaven. There is a lodge for indoor portions of events, bathrooms, and even some shaded areas for sunny day picnics.
All in all, this is an excellently renovated park, next to a library (thank goodness we still have those!!!), in a quickly re-gentrifying area of Birmingham. It thrills me to see this park as a central feature of so many fantastic charity events and to have a green space near all of the fantastic bars, shops and galleries that are filling up 41st St South. Viva la Avondale!
ps- minus 1 star for the sometimes quite sketchy folks who hang out in the park, the real potential of having your car broken into and/or being mugged, and the lack of non-parallel parking in the area (that one is personal for me... I'm terrible at parallel parking!!!)