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Executive Director Carlee Sanford explains the
need for the commission and its goals. "Jefferson
County has no parks and recreation department
at a county level, which made funding and
maintaining these three parks challenging. It's a
huge effort to keep public places clean, safe and
enjoyable," she says. These regional assets are used
by visitors and residents of Birmingham, Trussville,
Irondale, Homewood, Hoover, Pinson, Vestavia
and other cities; creating the commission allowed
for collaboration and a unifi ed approach. "We
needed a regional solution," Sanford says.
The Alabama Power Foundation is among the
commission's original supporters, and there are
more good things to come. "The commission will
also allow us to acquire more land and natural
spaces for public access," Sanford says. She
stresses why existing and future parks are vital to
quality of life. "They give everyone in the area –
no matter their background or fi nancial situation
– access to activities amid nature; that's key to
physical and mental health," she says. Tate echoes
the sentiment and speaks to the positive economic
impacts. "Our beautiful public greenspaces are a
highlight of our area, providing so much value to
community members and attracting businesses
looking to locate here," she says.
Photography includes Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
(HABD) Summer Program Participants
