Avondale Park: Difference between revisions
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'''Avondale Park''' is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of [[Red Mountain]]. It overlooks and is named for the City of [[Avondale]], which was annexed into [[Birmingham]] in [[1910]]. | '''Avondale Park''' is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of [[Red Mountain]]. It overlooks, and is named for, the City of [[Avondale]], which was annexed into [[Birmingham]] in [[1910]]. | ||
Originally the park enshrined the natural spring which put the area on the map before Birmingham was built. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time [[Jefferson County]] Sheriff [[Abner Killough]]. He sold it to [[Peyton King]], who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the [[Avondale Land Company]] in 1887. | Originally the park enshrined the natural spring which put the area on the map before Birmingham was built. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time [[Jefferson County]] Sheriff [[Abner Killough]]. He sold it to [[Peyton King]], who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the [[Avondale Land Company]] in 1887. | ||
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Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor [[George Ward]]. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In [[1911]] cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later become the [[Birmingham Zoo]]. The star attraction was "[[Miss Fancy]]", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city. | Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor [[George Ward]]. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In [[1911]] cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later become the [[Birmingham Zoo]]. The star attraction was "[[Miss Fancy]]", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city. | ||
An amphitheater was constructed for the spectacular [[Pageant of Birmingham|pageant]] in celebration of Birmingham's [[ | An amphitheater was constructed for the spectacular [[Pageant of Birmingham|pageant]] in celebration of Birmingham's [[Semi centennial of Birmingham|50th Anniversary]] in [[1921]]. | ||
In [[1931]], a secluded pavilion called "The Villa" was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. Through the efforts of the [[Friends of Avondale Park]] the deteriorating structure was restored in [[2006]]. | In [[1931]], a secluded pavilion called "The Villa" was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. Through the efforts of the [[Friends of Avondale Park]] the deteriorating structure was restored in [[2006]]. | ||
During the 1960s the park became a popular hangout for young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals. The | During the 1960s the park became a popular hangout for young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals. The amphitheater hosted frequent free concerts by [[List of Birmingham bands#1960s|local bands]], as well as occasional performances by touring bands like the Allman Brothers, who drew a huge crowd to Avondale in [[1969]]. | ||
In [[2008]] the "Compound Folk Festival" moved from [[Hoover]] to Avondale Park for its third year and changed its name to the [[Birmingham Folk Festival]]. | In [[2008]] the "Compound Folk Festival" moved from [[Hoover]] to Avondale Park for its third year and changed its name to the [[Birmingham Folk Festival]]. | ||
Revision as of 12:18, 10 January 2009
Avondale Park is a 40-acre wooded park on the slopes of Red Mountain. It overlooks, and is named for, the City of Avondale, which was annexed into Birmingham in 1910.
Originally the park enshrined the natural spring which put the area on the map before Birmingham was built. The property was part of a large grant of land given to two-time Jefferson County Sheriff Abner Killough. He sold it to Peyton King, who built a house next to the spring. King, in turn, sold his holdings to the Avondale Land Company in 1887.
Whether by agreement with King at the time it was purchased, sentiment for preserving open green spaces, or the mere fact that the steep hillside and spring-fed basin would be unsatisfactory for building, the expansive 40 acre park gave Avondale a true recreation spot. Upon Avondale's annexation into Birmingham in 1910, it became the city's largest park.
Many landscape improvements, including a nationally-renowned rose garden, were pursued by Mayor George Ward. Over time athletic fields and gravel walkways were added. In 1911 cages were erected for a small menagerie of animals that would later become the Birmingham Zoo. The star attraction was "Miss Fancy", an erstwhile circus elephant purchased by the city.
An amphitheater was constructed for the spectacular pageant in celebration of Birmingham's 50th Anniversary in 1921.
In 1931, a secluded pavilion called "The Villa" was constructed on the hill at the rear of the park. Through the efforts of the Friends of Avondale Park the deteriorating structure was restored in 2006.
During the 1960s the park became a popular hangout for young people, especially those leaning toward counter-cultural ideals. The amphitheater hosted frequent free concerts by local bands, as well as occasional performances by touring bands like the Allman Brothers, who drew a huge crowd to Avondale in 1969.
In 2008 the "Compound Folk Festival" moved from Hoover to Avondale Park for its third year and changed its name to the Birmingham Folk Festival.
References
- "Avondale Villa to open soon." (February 8, 2006) Birmingham News
- Haden, Courtney (July 31, 2008) "Friendly folk: Local music lovers get a BFF." Birmingham Weekly