Over the last three years, a common question united the leadership and staff of Turkey Creek, Red Mountain Park, and Ruffner Mountain:
How can we better serve our community together?
This question provided a foundation of trust allowing us to collaboratively develop a solution to care for large-acre greenspaces that serve multiple municipalities, districts, and citizens.
Last month, Governor Ivey signed HB336, a bill led by Representative Rolanda Hollis and Senator Merika Coleman, and supported by the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation, officially establishing the Jefferson County Greenways Commission.
The Jefferson County Greenways Commission will oversee the maintenance and day-to-day operations at all three sites through a centralized approach, with shared staff, equipment, knowledge, expertise, and resources. This marks a significant shift in how Jefferson County cares for its parks.
Thank you to the additional partners who joined in this effort to make an unprecedented investment in the future of regional greenspaces: The Jefferson County Commission and Jefferson County Department of Health; along with the cities of Birmingham, Homewood, Irondale, and Pinson; the State of Alabama; the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham; the Alabama Power Foundation; and EBSCO Industries.
However, this culmination of effort, stakeholders, priorities, and resources is not our finish line. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish when we move in the same direction together.
From all of us,
Carlee Sanford
Executive Director, Ruffner Mountain (and Turkey Creek) Nature Coalition
Interim Director, Red Mountain Park Foundation
T.C. McLemore
Public Affairs Manager, Peritus Public Relations
Former Director, Red Mountain Park Foundation
Roald Hazelhoff
Director, Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham Southern College