Bessie Estell Park

History

Bessie Sears Estell Park is a 5.2-acre public park in the Glen Iris district of Birmingham, Alabama. It is adjacent to EPIC Elementary School and overlooks 8th Street South across from St Elias Maronite Catholic Church, which lies south of I-65.

The park has three circular landscaped plazas, a playground, an arbor, and a restroom pavilion, in addition to an unenclosed youth soccer field. The whole park is meant to be wheelchair accessible.

Bill Foisy of the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization led the planning process for the park's design. It was named in memory of two-term Birmingham City Council member Bessie Estell, who served as a long-time educator.

The City of Birmingham, in 2014, awarded a contract to renovate the park's playground. The city received funding from the National Recreation and Park Association's "Meet Me at the Park" initiative in 2018 to add additional play equipment suited for children with developmental and other impairments.

The city matched the donation, allowing for the completion of the first phase of a larger "inclusive playground" design developed by J. A. Dawson & Company.

Bessie Estell Park was an advocate for peace and used her estate’s money to make it possible for the community garden at Bessie Estell Park to be built. Today - Bessie Estell Park is a popular spot for family gatherings and events. Bessie Estell Park.

Bessie Estell was donated to the city of Columbus in 1979 by the estate of Bessie Estell. The park also has two memorials: A Vietnam War Memorial and the Bessie Estell Peace Garden. Now - Bessie Estell Park is a popular spot for family gatherings and events. The park was recently renovated, with new playground equipment, basketball courts, and a softball field. The pavilion has also been refurbished and is now available for rent.

Amenities and Accessibility

The park's facilities are available to youngsters with special needs. The entire park is wheelchair accessible. A soccer field, three circular landscaped plazas, a playground, an arbor, and restrooms are all available. Bessie Estell Park's location is also relatively easy to reach. Buses that run along Bessie Estell Road, including the No. 18 Bessie Estell bus stop and Route 31 Bicycles on Board route offer convenient access for commuters using public transportation.

Where to Eat and Drink

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Bessie Estell Park. The options include fast-food chains, sit-down restaurants, and bars. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, there's a McDonald's, Burger King, and Popeye's right next to each other on the east side of the park.  If you're in the mood for some Mexican food, there's a Taco Bell and a Chipotle nearby. If you want to eat somewhere a little more upscale, there's an Outback Steakhouse and a Chili's Grill & Bar within walking distance of the park. And if you're looking for a cold drink or a place to have a few drinks, there are several bars in the area, including a Dave & Busters and a Hooters. So, no matter what you're in the mood for, Bessie Estell Park has something to offer.

It is difficult to find a place that offers both the amenities and accessibility you need where we’ve given thoughtful consideration to every detail so your needs are met. Call us today!