Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park: A Tribute to a Motown Legend

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A Birmingham park honoring Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations, featuring sculptures, music, and a celebration of his Motown legacy.

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Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park

A touching tribute to Eddie Kendricks, lead tenor of The Temptations, this park in Birmingham's historic Fourth Avenue District features bronze sculptures, lush greenery, and the group's classic hits playing in the background [3, 5]. It's a soulful celebration of his legacy and the community that shaped him [3].

A brief summary to Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park

1727 4th Ave N, Birmingham, Fountain Heights, Alabama, 35203, US
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

Visit during the day to fully appreciate the sculptures and inscriptions, and to enjoy the park's tranquil atmosphere [3].
Take a moment to listen to the music playing in the park, which adds a special dimension to the experience and honors Kendricks' musical legacy [3].
Check out the nearby 4th Avenue Historic District to learn more about Birmingham's African-American history and culture [3].

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Getting There

Walking

From the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, walk north on 16th Street North, then turn right onto 4th Avenue North. Continue for two blocks. The park will be on your left at the intersection of 4th Avenue North and 18th Street North. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes. No cost involved.
Public Transport

From Central Station, several bus routes will get you close to the park [3]. Check the BJCTA website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules [3]. A one-way fare is $1.50 [6, 7]. From the bus stop, walk west on 4th Avenue North to reach the park [3].
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham [3]. A ride from downtown hotels or the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to the park will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and distance [3].

Discover more about Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park

Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park, located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, is a tribute to Eddie Kendricks, the famed lead tenor of the legendary Motown group, The Temptations [3, 11]. Born in Union Springs, Alabama, but raised in Birmingham, Kendricks' connection to the city is deeply personal, making this memorial a celebration of his artistic legacy and the community that shaped him [3, 11]. The park, dedicated on October 16, 1999, sits on the corner of 18th Street and 4th Avenue North, on the site of the former Brock's Drugs building in the historic Fourth Avenue District [3, 5, 10]. It features bronze sculptures by Tuskegee artist Ron McDowell, immortalizing Kendricks and the other Temptations [3, 5, 11, 14]. The sculptures are set against a granite wall, inscribed with the titles of their hit songs like "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination" [3, 14]. Visitors can stroll through the park while listening to The Temptations' classic hits played through discreetly placed speakers [3, 14]. The singers' cuffs on the sculptures even spell out "BHAM" from left to right, a nod to Birmingham [3, 5]. Informative plaques share stories about Kendricks' life, from his early days in Alabama to his rise as a Motown icon, providing historical context and enriching the visitor experience [3, 11]. The park provides a serene escape within the urban landscape, with lush greenery, shaded benches, and meandering pathways perfect for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation [3]. Well-maintained gardens and open spaces offer a welcoming environment for picnickers and families [3, 11]. Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park operates daily from 6 AM to 10 PM and is free to the public [3, 11]. The memorial is a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 100,000 tourists since its opening [4].