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Avondale Park Historic District: A Birmingham Treasure

Discover historic architecture, vibrant green spaces, and a rich cultural heritage in Birmingham's charming Avondale Park Historic District.

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Step back in time in Birmingham's Avondale Park Historic District, a 200-acre gem anchored by the vibrant Avondale Park. Established in 1887 around a natural spring, the district showcases diverse architecture and a rich history, including Birmingham's first zoo and a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement [3, 4].

A brief summary to Avondale Park Historic District

  • 3839 5th Ave S, Birmingham, Forest Park, Alabama, 35222, US

Local tips

  • Explore the park's rose garden, featuring a gazebo and diverse plant species [3, 4].
  • Attend an event at the WPA-era outdoor amphitheater [3, 9].
  • Enjoy a picnic by the duck pond or stroll along the walking track [3, 9].
  • Admire the diverse architecture, including Queen Anne, Tudor, and Craftsman styles [3, 4].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Birmingham, the most convenient way to reach Avondale Park Historic District is via Bus 5, 25, or 100 [3, 10, 14]. These routes run directly from downtown to Avondale, with stops along 5th Avenue South near the park [3]. A single ride fare is $1.50 [3, 7]. Check the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information [3].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Birmingham to Avondale Park Historic District typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand [3, 5]. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes [3]. Direct your driver to 5th Avenue South and 41st Street to arrive at the park's main entrance [3].

  • Parking

    Parking is available on the streets surrounding Avondale Park, with free parking after 5 PM on weekdays and all weekend [17]. There is also a paid parking lot a couple of blocks away from the park [17]. The Birmingham Parking Authority (BPA) operates a surface lot at 109 41st St S, with weekday rates of $2 for the first hour and a maximum of $5 per day [16, 20]. Night and weekend rates are $5 [16].

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Discover more about Avondale Park Historic District

The Avondale Park Historic District, a 200-acre area in Birmingham, Alabama, invites visitors to experience the charm of a bygone era while enjoying the contemporary energy of the Avondale neighborhood [3]. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998, the district's heart is Avondale Park, a 40-acre green space with a rich and layered past [3, 27]. The story of Avondale Park begins with a natural spring, known as "Big Spring," which served as a resting spot for travelers in the mid-19th century [3, 11]. In 1887, Peyton King sold his land to the Avondale Land Company, stipulating that the area around the spring be preserved as a public park [3, 4]. This marked the birth of Avondale as a suburb of Birmingham, with the park as its centerpiece [3]. The park quickly became a popular destination, accessible via a mule-drawn streetcar line [3]. As the area developed, Queen Anne residences, Tudor cottages, and Craftsman bungalows sprung up around the park, creating a diverse architectural landscape that defines the historic district today [3, 4]. In 1910, Avondale was annexed into Birmingham, and the park became the city's largest [3, 4]. From 1913 to 1934, it was home to Birmingham's first zoo, featuring Miss Fancy the elephant [3, 4]. In 1915, a formal rose garden was established, complete with a lattice-work gazebo [3, 4]. The park also featured a wading pool, sports courts, and picnic pavilions, making it a hub of community activity [3, 4]. During the Great Depression, Avondale Park underwent significant improvements thanks to municipal works programs [3]. The WPA-era outdoor amphitheater, designed by Rubee Pearse, and the French Normandy-style Villa, designed by Burnham & Greer, were constructed, adding to the park's architectural appeal [3, 4]. Avondale Park played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, opening to all residents in 1964 [3]. In recent years, Avondale Park has experienced a revitalization, with renovations and new amenities added to enhance its appeal [3]. Visitors can explore the park's rose garden, attend events at the amphitheater, enjoy a picnic by the duck pond, or simply stroll through the tree-lined streets and admire the historic architecture [3].

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