Edgewood residents push for new park
Edgewood could soon be home to a new park and community gardens.
The proposed Broadway Park would be the main focus of a project that would modify the area between Carr Avenue and Broadway Street in the Edgewood community.
Park supporters Katherine Bailey and Elizabeth Beeler tout that one of the primary benefits of the park and gardens would be an added aesthetic quality to the area, which in turn would increase the surrounding property values.
Current residents of Broadway, Carr and Saulter Roads could benefit from the project not only through increased property values but also because of the park’s proximity to their homes.
“A lot of people walk in Edgewood,” Bailey said. “Sure, you can walk to Homewood Park, but it takes a good 30 minutes to get there. I think having another spot where we can walk to as a group can encourage people to stay right here in Homewood and Edgewood.”
Supporters said businesses along Carr and Broadway, such as community favorite Gianmarco’s Restaurant, could receive a revenue boost along with the property value bump.
While Homewood City Council recognizes the benefits of constructing a park in the location, the Council must first overcome logistical hurdles before the project can move forward. Likely obstacles the park faces include an Alabama Power easements on the site and part of the location being in the area’s floodplain.
“Since it is still a concept park, the council is investigating options,” council member Heather Reid said. “Most of the discussion [has been] regarding the easement and the value considering said easement.”
Plans for the park have been drafted by a group of Edgewood residents and include a picnic area with a gazebo for families to enjoy outdoor lunches. The community gardens are an addition that was inspired by a growing trend of community gardens across the nation. Beeler hopes eventually the gardens could provide locally-grown produce for Gianmarco’s and other area restaurants.
“Gianmarco’s currently works with Jones Valley [Urban Farm],” Beeler said. “If we can get our community gardens rolling, we can share fresh vegetables with the restaurants.”
The plans also call for reconstruction on Saulter and Carr Roads. The park proposal looks to straighten out Carr’s route and disconnect Saulter, turning it instead into a cul-de-sac. The re-routing of the streets would also allow more room for the park and gardens.
“Residents feel that a lot of people use Saulter as a cut-through street, and people speed through going either direction,” Beeler said.