Red Mountain Park: Difference between revisions
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The '''Red Mountain Park''' is a proposed 1,108-acre nature park on 4.5 miles of the western section of [[Red Mountain]] in [[Jefferson County]]. The location of the park can serve as a connector to a 64-mile network of [[List of trails and greenways|greenways]] under development. The overall scheme of linear parks along streambeds and ridges is similar to a 1924 design for [[A System of Parks for Birmingham]] by the Olmsted Brothers. | The '''Red Mountain Park''' is a proposed 1,108-acre nature park on 4.5 miles of the western section of [[Red Mountain]] in [[Jefferson County]]. The location of the park can serve as a connector to a 64-mile network of [[List of trails and greenways|greenways]] under development. The overall scheme of linear parks along streambeds and ridges is similar to a [[1924]] design for [[A System of Parks for Birmingham]] by the Olmsted Brothers. | ||
The property on which the park would be built is owned by [[U. S. Steel]] and was the site of the [[Wenonah Mine|Wenonah]] and [[Ishkooda Mine|Ishkooda]] ore mines. On January 28, 2005 the [[Freshwater Land Trust]] announced that they were raising funds to purchase the property for $7 million and hopes to raise $30 to 40 million for development of the park. U. S. Steel has pledged $1 million in development funds once the land is purchased, for nearly $9.5 million less than its appraised value. The total $10.5 million gift is the largest contribution ever made by the corporation. The [[Friends of Red Mountain Park]] are also gathering support for development. | The property on which the park would be built is owned by [[U. S. Steel]] and was the site of the [[Wenonah Mine|Wenonah]] and [[Ishkooda Mine|Ishkooda]] ore mines. On January 28, 2005 the [[Freshwater Land Trust]] announced that they were raising funds to purchase the property for $7 million and hopes to raise $30 to 40 million for development of the park. U. S. Steel has pledged $1 million in development funds once the land is purchased, for nearly $9.5 million less than its appraised value. The total $10.5 million gift is the largest contribution ever made by the corporation. The [[Friends of Red Mountain Park]] are also gathering support for development. | ||
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In late 2004 conceptual planning for the site indicated a potential for as many as 16 soccer/football fields, 5 softball/baseball fields, a 20-acre artificial lake, an open-air exhibit venue, several scenic overlooks, a meadow, 18 miles of bicycling and hiking trails and access to historical mine sites. | In late 2004 conceptual planning for the site indicated a potential for as many as 16 soccer/football fields, 5 softball/baseball fields, a 20-acre artificial lake, an open-air exhibit venue, several scenic overlooks, a meadow, 18 miles of bicycling and hiking trails and access to historical mine sites. | ||
In 2006 the Alabama legislature designated the project as part of the Alabama State Parks system and created the [[Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Commission]] with the duty "to own, preserve, restore, maintain and promote the park." | In 2006 the Alabama legislature designated the project as part of the Alabama State Parks system and created the [[Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Commission]] with the duty "to own, preserve, restore, maintain and promote the park." The commission did not form in time to execute the purchase by the December 31, 2006 deadline, so it was extended by one month by agreement with U. S. Steel. As of January 15, [[2007]], the 15-member commission only has seven members, two short of the quorum needed to complete the purchase. It is expected that the commission will be filled and be able to meet to make the purchase, perhaps as early as January 24, during the presentation of the final draft of the park's master plan. | ||
Philadelphia landscape architects Wallace, Roberts & Todd have been contracted, with local associates [[Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon]], to conduct stakeholder meetings and further develop design plans. | Philadelphia landscape architects Wallace, Roberts & Todd have been contracted, with local associates [[Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon]], to conduct stakeholder meetings and further develop design plans. | ||
Revision as of 23:23, 15 January 2007
- Note: This article is about the proposed park, for the early park, renamed in 1934, see Lane Park.
The Red Mountain Park is a proposed 1,108-acre nature park on 4.5 miles of the western section of Red Mountain in Jefferson County. The location of the park can serve as a connector to a 64-mile network of greenways under development. The overall scheme of linear parks along streambeds and ridges is similar to a 1924 design for A System of Parks for Birmingham by the Olmsted Brothers.
The property on which the park would be built is owned by U. S. Steel and was the site of the Wenonah and Ishkooda ore mines. On January 28, 2005 the Freshwater Land Trust announced that they were raising funds to purchase the property for $7 million and hopes to raise $30 to 40 million for development of the park. U. S. Steel has pledged $1 million in development funds once the land is purchased, for nearly $9.5 million less than its appraised value. The total $10.5 million gift is the largest contribution ever made by the corporation. The Friends of Red Mountain Park are also gathering support for development.
In late 2004 conceptual planning for the site indicated a potential for as many as 16 soccer/football fields, 5 softball/baseball fields, a 20-acre artificial lake, an open-air exhibit venue, several scenic overlooks, a meadow, 18 miles of bicycling and hiking trails and access to historical mine sites.
In 2006 the Alabama legislature designated the project as part of the Alabama State Parks system and created the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Commission with the duty "to own, preserve, restore, maintain and promote the park." The commission did not form in time to execute the purchase by the December 31, 2006 deadline, so it was extended by one month by agreement with U. S. Steel. As of January 15, 2007, the 15-member commission only has seven members, two short of the quorum needed to complete the purchase. It is expected that the commission will be filled and be able to meet to make the purchase, perhaps as early as January 24, during the presentation of the final draft of the park's master plan.
Philadelphia landscape architects Wallace, Roberts & Todd have been contracted, with local associates Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, to conduct stakeholder meetings and further develop design plans.
Fund-raising for the realization of Red Mountain Park's master plan is being coordinated as a "parknership" with the campaigns to create the Railroad Reservation Park and expand Ruffner Mountain Park. Together, the three parks would give residents of Birmingham more public green space than in any other American city.
See also
- 3D at Number 11 Mining Camp, a trail cleared by West Goldwire resident Ervin Batain.
References
- Bouma, Katherine (January 28, 2005) "U.S. Steel gives for large park Offers $1 million, land discount for plan." Birmingham News.
- Bouma, Katherine (May 14, 2006) "3 New Urban Parks May Make City Greenest." Birmingham News.
- Brown, Melissa. (March 15, 2006) "Bobby Humphrey, Wendy Jackson, & John Cobbs: Red Mountain Park" Portico
- Jordan, Phillip. (May 18, 2006) "A bridge across the Great Divide: The promise of Red Mountain Park." Birmingham Weekly.
External links
- Friends of Red Mountain Park website
- Photos of the site on Flickr.com