Bessie Estell Park

Location and Layout

Bessie Estell Park is a 5.2-acre public park located in Birmingham's Glen Iris neighborhood, Alabama. The park is situated adjacent to EPIC Elementary School and faces 8th Street South, across from St Elias Maronite Catholic Church, south of I-65.

The park features several circular landscaped plazas, providing visitors with areas for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors. A key feature of the park is an unfenced youth soccer field, offering space for recreational activities and sports.

Accessibility and Amenities

Named in honor of Bessie Estell, a long-time educator and two-term Birmingham City Council member, the park was designed with accessibility in mind. The entire park is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive space for visitors of all abilities.

In 2014, the City of Birmingham contracted for improvements to the park's playground. Further enhancements were made in 2018 when the city received funding from the National Recreation and Park Association's "Meet Me at the Park" program. This grant, matched by city funds, allowed for the installation of additional play equipment specifically designed for children with developmental and other disabilities.

Community Connections

The park has seen various community initiatives over the years. In December 2010, the Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority planted a Bald cypress tree in the park as a memorial to Bessie Estell and fellow alumna Dorothy Height.

In 2013, a UAB Community Garden was constructed near the park.

Events

Bessie Estell Park has also been a venue for sporting events. On July 12 and July 13, 2022, the park hosted the boules sports competition of the 2022 World Games.