What is East Side Park?
On the east side of Birmingham, in South Roebuck, lies a park brimming with possibilities for the community. The park opened in the 1950s with youth athletic fields. During the 1960's, the park's pool was constructed by selling $200 bonds to white neighborhood residents, and the park became a physical representation of our city and our state's transgressions in segregation, renamed East Side Swim Club. The club closed in the 1980s, & the next iteration, East Side Park, hosted families for play with the addition of a ballfield. After closing in the late 1990s—the property fell into disrepair & was left abandoned. Later, Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition acquired the land. The Coalition began a years-long process to discern how the land could most positively impact the community, removing not only the historical social barriers of the park but also creating a truly inclusive space.
What is the Coalition doing?
Located in Roebuck-Springs & South Roebuck, & close to Ruffner Mountain trails, a new dream is emerging for East Side Park as an ADA-accessible gateway to nature. A renewed park that centers accessibility to nature for all.
Our community deserves more places where people of all abilities can enjoy the native habitat of Alabama.
With major support from the American Rescue Plan Act and the City of Birmingham, the Coalition seeks support to build an ADA-accessible nature preserve in the defunct park.
How can I help?
Share a funding opportunity
Is there a grant opportunity we should know about, or a funder you can connect us with? Email samantha@ruffnermountain.org.
Make a Donation
Volunteer
Great turnout for the first East Side Park work day
Timelapse from the first East Side Park work day
Pull, don’t plant, invasive plants
Pull, don’t plant, invasive plants. Part of East Side Park’s revitalization will include removal of invasive plants infesting the park. If you live around the park (or anywhere!) you can help by pulling invasive plants from your yard and planting native plants.
Learn common invasive plants
Learn about Alabama’s native plant species
Plant native alternatives to invasive species
Learn why native plants are important
Join us for our native plant sales every Saturday in April and October
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