Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department

The Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department serves the City of Gardendale, north of Birmingham, with a population of nearly 14,000.

The department was established in March of 1970 with the hiring of Gene Cornett as Director. Our first truck was purchased from Ed Mollison Chevrolet on July 18, 1972 for $2,410.

The department has had four directors. Mr. Cornett from March 1970 to September 1975, John Brigham from December 1975 to February 2005 (John moved to Civic Center Director), Stan Hogeland from February 2005 to October 2012 and Dale Hyche from November 2012 to present.

In August of 1994, under then Mayor G. William Noble, a beautification division was created within the department with a strong emphasis in beautifying the 2 major roadways (US Highway 31 and Fieldstown Road) within the city limits of Gardendale. Former Mayor Kenneth A. Clemons continued this emphasis.

In 2007, the City of Gardendale purchased the old Oakwood Cemetery office building and converted it into the Parks and Recreation Offices. This building also houses the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce office and the Gardendale Tennis Association office.