Caldwell Park: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Caldwell Park.jpg|right|thumb| | [[Image:Caldwell Park.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Caldwell Park on May 19, 2006]] | ||
'''Caldwell Park''' is one of three small parks occupying low-lying basins along [[Highland Avenue]] in the [[Highland Park neighborhood]] of [[Birmingham]]. The parks were designed along with the avenue as collection areas for rainfall, unsuited for building but ideal for aesthetic and recreational use. | '''Caldwell Park''' is one of three small parks occupying low-lying basins along [[Highland Avenue]] in the [[Highland Park neighborhood]] of [[Birmingham]]. The parks were designed along with the avenue as collection areas for rainfall, unsuited for building but ideal for aesthetic and recreational use. | ||
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In 2005 the park underwent extensive refurbishing with new sewer mains, paths, lighting, and an outdoor stage area. The stairways down into the park bowl were partially reconstructed with new code-required handrails and guardrails. The park reopened in early May, 2006, just in time for that year's Do Dah Day. | In 2005 the park underwent extensive refurbishing with new sewer mains, paths, lighting, and an outdoor stage area. The stairways down into the park bowl were partially reconstructed with new code-required handrails and guardrails. The park reopened in early May, 2006, just in time for that year's Do Dah Day. | ||
In July 2006 former [[Birmingham City Council|City Councilor]] [[John Katopodis]] proposed renaming Caldwell Park in honor of long-time councilor [[Nina Migliodico]]. He suggested that Dr Caldwell's prior history as a slave-owner made him less deserving of the honor than Migliodico who courageously championed progressive social issues in a turbulent period in Birmingham's history. The [[Park and Recreation Board]] has tabled the proposal pending input from the Neighborhood Association. | In July 2006 former [[Birmingham City Council|City Councilor]] [[John Katopodis]] proposed renaming Caldwell Park in honor of long-time councilor [[Nina Migliodico]]. He suggested that Dr Caldwell's prior history as a slave-owner made him less deserving of the honor than Migliodico who courageously championed progressive social issues in a turbulent period in Birmingham's history. The [[Birmingham Park and Recreation Board]] has tabled the proposal pending input from the Neighborhood Association. | ||
[[Category:Highland Avenue]] | [[Category:Highland Avenue]] | ||
[[Category:Birmingham parks]] | [[Category:Birmingham parks]] | ||
Revision as of 21:18, 10 July 2006
Caldwell Park is one of three small parks occupying low-lying basins along Highland Avenue in the Highland Park neighborhood of Birmingham. The parks were designed along with the avenue as collection areas for rainfall, unsuited for building but ideal for aesthetic and recreational use.
The park is named for physician and former president of the Elyton Land Company, Henry Caldwell, who participated in the design of the avenue.
The park has been home to many cultural events, including performances of the Park Players, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's Sounds for Summer program, and Do Dah Day. Adjacent to the park on Naizuma Avenue is the Virginia Samford theatre and the offices of the Metropolitan Arts Council. Across Niazuma is the former site of the Otto Marx residence, now demolished with signs up for 2600 Highland, a condominium development. Other sites facing the park include First Lutheran Church and Highland Crescent, on the former site of John Carroll High School.
In 2005 the park underwent extensive refurbishing with new sewer mains, paths, lighting, and an outdoor stage area. The stairways down into the park bowl were partially reconstructed with new code-required handrails and guardrails. The park reopened in early May, 2006, just in time for that year's Do Dah Day.
In July 2006 former City Councilor John Katopodis proposed renaming Caldwell Park in honor of long-time councilor Nina Migliodico. He suggested that Dr Caldwell's prior history as a slave-owner made him less deserving of the honor than Migliodico who courageously championed progressive social issues in a turbulent period in Birmingham's history. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board has tabled the proposal pending input from the Neighborhood Association.