Crestwood Park

Sports and Recreation

Spread across 12.11 acres, this local favorite features a fenced football-sized field complete with concrete bleachers and a field house on the north side. If you're looking to get your steps in, a jogging track wraps around the field - great for a quick run or leisurely walk. The paved path is gentle on the knees with minimal inclines and is fully accessible. Complete the circuit a few times and you've knocked out nearly 2 miles!

The athletic facilities see regular use by youth football programs and amateur leagues including the Liga Latinoamericana de Fútbol and the Magic City Lacrosse Club. Tennis enthusiasts will find courts available, while the dedicated pickleball courts are popular, attracting players across all skill levels.

Amenities

When summer heat hits, the swimming pool becomes the place to be. It's surprisingly affordable at just $1 per person and comes with the peace of mind of lifeguard supervision. Got little ones? The playground area features safety-minded padded ground where kids can climb, swing and make new friends. During those scorching Alabama days, a thoughtful shade tarp helps keep the playground equipment from becoming too hot to handle.

Crestwood Park offers several spots to gather with friends and family. You'll come across a barbecue pit with a picnic shelter for those weekend cookouts, plus a second larger pavilion with picnic tables near the pool. The picnic areas benefit from generous tree coverage, offering welcome relief from the sun.

A drainage swale and steep slope create a natural boundary between the park and Crestwood Boulevard, with access available via a footbridge opposite 54th Street South. Some of the park stairs have been upgraded with solar-powered lighting - a nice touch for evening visits.

Accessibility and Parking

The park shines when it comes to accessibility, featuring fully paved pathways throughout that accommodate wheelchairs with ease. The paved lot includes several handicap parking spaces. During popular events, you might need to resort to street parking, which can make the surrounding roads a bit congested.

Dog lovers, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, provided they stay leashed and you clean up after them. Note that while restrooms are available in the park, they're sometimes locked when special events aren't taking place.

History and Improvements

Crestwood Park got a serious upgrade in 2009 when Birmingham allocated $2.4 million for enhancements. Construction kicked off in December 2011, with the renovated park making its debut in September 2012 - investments that have helped cement its place as a community cornerstone.

The Friends of Crestwood organization deserves a tip of the hat for their maintenance efforts, including installing solar panels that power the tennis court lights and adding patio furniture in select areas. History buffs will appreciate the informational signs scattered around the park that tell the story of the area's development.

The playing field holds special significance - on May 12, 2007, it was rededicated as the Claud Cotten III Memorial Field, honoring a Crestwood North neighborhood activist who championed organized sports for decades and served on the board of the Crestwood Colts.

Surroundings

One of the park's understated perks is its location. You're just a stone's throw from local favorites like Seasick Records, Thank You Bookstore, Crestwood Tavern, True Story Brewing, and The Filling Station - making it easy to turn a morning at the park into a full day of neighborhood exploration.