One Pratt Park

History and Development

Situated in the North Pratt neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, One Pratt Park spans a cozy 6 acres of urban green space. This park was developed following the April 2011 tornado outbreak that severely impacted the Pratt City community.

Completed in 2019, the park represents an important part of the area's recovery after the disaster.

Design Features

The park features a dramatic 40-foot grade change from one end to the other. Rather than leveling the terrain, the design works with this natural slope to create varied landscapes and interesting spaces throughout.

There's a thoughtful nod to local history here too. At the park entrance, you'll come across a striking magenta and white map embedded in the paving that shows the area's former mining facilities - once the lifeblood of this community's economy.

Bright colors pop throughout the park, creating a cheerful vibe as you wander along the winding paved paths that connect all the different areas.

Recreational Amenities

Kids have plenty of options with both upper and lower playground areas designed for different age groups. The play spaces feature cushioned surfaces and some areas even have synthetic turf for safer romping around.

When the Alabama heat cranks up, the splash pad becomes the place to be for cooling off. If you're looking for entertainment, the spacious amphitheater hosts community performances and gatherings.

Hungry? The well-maintained picnic area comes equipped with tables and barbecue grills - fantastic for family lunches or weekend get-togethers. Within the park, you'll also find outdoor chairs where you can relax with a good book or simply watch the world go by.

Fitness and Walking Opportunities

The network of paved paths makes this spot ideal for a morning jog or leisurely evening stroll. For those wanting to kick their workout up a notch, two sets of stairs in the middle of the park offer a natural way to get your heart pumping.

Importantly, the park is fully wheelchair accessible, with gentle inclines and paved surfaces throughout. If you're looking for some structured exercise, drop by on Tuesdays and Thursdays when fitness classes bring the community together for a collective sweat.

Community Connection

You'll find One Pratt Park right next to the Pratt City Library, which became an essential hub for community workshops during the post-tornado recovery process.

The park's design incorporated input from community conversations, helping to address local needs and preferences.

The park's event center features practical glass roll-up doors that open to create an indoor-outdoor flow, making it adaptable for all kinds of community functions regardless of weather.

Environmental Elements

The landscaping showcases native plants alongside salvaged materials - a thoughtful blend of sustainability and heritage preservation.

There's some clever environmental engineering at work too. Stormwater doesn't go to waste; instead, it's collected and used to irrigate a shady streambed decorated with recovered brick and granite blocks from the area.

A generous open grassy area gives you plenty of room for impromptu games or just spreading out a blanket. While trees do provide some relief from the sun, you might find yourself wishing for more shade during those hot summer months.