Is this a City Park or does it belong to Roeper?

    Adams Park is a city park open to the public.  The City of Birmingham purchased this property in 2006 and established a shared use agreement as part of the sale. Roeper does have the ability to use it for school related activities such as recess and after school sports.  

    Is Roeper paying for the improvements?

    Parks and Recreation Bond Dollars are allocated toward this project.  Like with other city parks, Birmingham often seeks and obtains additional funding to support desired elements.  Roeper School will contribute funding toward improvement of the track and field elements and they will be available for use by all park users.

    What is the shared use agreement/purchase agreement?

    The agreement allows Roeper students to share the use of the park during the school year for activities currently undertaken by the school such as recess and after school sports.  As a city owned and maintained park, these activities do not preclude public use of the park.  Roeper uses the facilities for practice purposes only.  School related track and field meets will not be held at Adams Park.

    Who will be responsible for maintaining the park?

    Adams Park is part of the City's parks and recreation system and will be maintained by City staff.

    What are the next steps with improving Adams Park and the anticipated schedule?

    The Parks and Recreation Board received public input at its September 14, 2021 meeting and has recommended the concept plan be forwarded to the City Commission for approval- slated for October.  Upon City Commission acceptance, the city will enter the final design phase considering public input.  The goal is to have construction drawings prepared by fall/winter for bidding purposes, and construction would begin in summer 2022.

    Why is there a soccer field on the plan?

    The area shown on the concept plan as a soccer field is there to represent the area that may be used for soccer along with other field activities.  The use of this space by any organization requires a permit through the City, just like any other open space area in the park system.

    How will the amenities be chosen for the park? (i.e. benches, playscapes, etc.)

    Members of the Parks and Recreation Board Capital Projects Sub-Committee will review all public input in consultation with staff and the architect and make recommendations using an established criteria.  The criteria will be based upon the public input received, context for classification as a 'neighborhood park', material costs and availability, ADA accessibility, maintenance considerations and sustainability.

    Could a splash pad or pickleball be incorporated into the design?

    Not at this location, as space is limited.  The city is currently in the process of reviewing and narrowing down proposed locations, based on priority locations received from public input, and will make a recommendation for pickleball location(s) this Fall.  A splash pad is currently being explored at other locations that would be more suitable at a Community Park in relation to parking and the proximity to other community assets.

    What is the total estimated construction costs?

    Total (actual) costs will not be determined until final designs and contractor bids are received.  Preliminary cost estimates for 2022 are around $1 million.  Actual costs will be determined based on availability of materials and site amenities.

    What is the timeline for construction?

    Construction drawings and specifications will be finalized in Fall 2021, bids prepared in early 2022.  Pending City Commission approval, it's expected construction will begin Summer 2022.