UAB Students Help Salvage Native Plants for New Inclusive Designed Park
This workday is part of a larger vision for Jefferson County Greenways to transform South Roebuck’s East Side Park, which was once a private swim club and is now an overgrown lot, into a unique, inclusive designed greenspace for people of all ages and abilities.
A Vision for Inclusivity and Sustainability
The East Side Park project is a bold step toward enhancing Birmingham's greenspaces, with a focus on inclusivity. Darryl Washington, CEO of JCG, emphasized the broader goal of creating a universally accessible nature experience for everyone: “As we build East Side Park, we’re not just creating trails, we’re building a nature escape where people of all ages, regardless of ability or background, can connect to nature and Alabama’s native habitat and wildlife.”
One of the key features of the park will be wheelchair-accessible trails designed to suit different levels of physical challenge, allowing visitors to explore diverse ecoregions of Alabama. This effort is backed by the American Rescue Plan Act, the City of Birmingham, and Councilor Hunter Williams, as part of a larger initiative to revitalize the community’s public spaces.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Birmingham
The partnership between UAB students, Jefferson County Greenways, and community organizations showcases the power of collective action. The workday provided a meaningful opportunity for students to actively engage with nature and make a positive impact on their local environment to build a more nature-rich, inclusive, and healthy Birmingham.
Jefferson County Greenways organized this volunteer workday. JCG unites three formerly independent organizations: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Through regional management, JCG is equipped to provide long-term care for these greenspaces as sanctuaries for our neighbors, native plants, and animals. The event showcases how resource sharing and strong partnerships build a more sustainable community.
Help Make East Side Park a Reality
“Our dream is to provide a welcoming nature space that mirrors the diversity of our community,” said Janet Simpson, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director at Jefferson County Greenways. “This is a space for families: people who use wheelchairs, parents with strollers, seniors looking to spend more time in nature, kids ready to explore - Nature experiences should be accessible to everyone.”
As East Side Park continues to take shape, the community is invited to support this transformative project. While significant progress has already been made, the park is currently in its fundraising phase.
Learn more about the East Side Park project and/or donate.
Together, we can ensure this exciting new park will become a hub for community connection, wellness, and environmental education for generations to come.