WC Patton Park

W.C. Patton Park is a 21.1-acre city park located in the North Avondale neighborhood of East Birmingham, Alabama. The park is situated between Coosa Street and Sipsey Street, and between 12th and 14th Avenues North.

Originally part of a flood-prone area, the park underwent significant improvements as part of the Village Creek Linear Park and Retention System Master Plan. The redeveloped park was dedicated on March 11, 2016. The park's design, commissioned from Birmingham's GreenView Studio, incorporates features to address the area's flooding issues while providing recreational spaces for the community.

A central feature of W.C. Patton Park is a small artificial lake created in the park's low-lying areas to help manage flood waters. A walking trail encircles this lake, offering visitors an opportunity for exercise and enjoying views of the water. The park also includes an amphitheater, which can be used for outdoor concerts and community events.

W.C. Patton Park is named in honor of William C. Patton, a former educator and NAACP official who played a significant role in Birmingham's civil rights movement. The park serves as both a recreational space and a tribute to this important figure in the city's history.

The park is a popular destination for local residents, particularly on weekends. It's often crowded on Sunday afternoons with picnickers enjoying the open spaces and facilities. However, it's worth noting that large gatherings in the park have occasionally been disrupted by incidents of violence, prompting increased security measures.

As part of the ongoing development of Birmingham's green spaces, W.C. Patton Park is set to connect with the East Lake Boulevard Trail, which will run up Coosa Street to East Lake Boulevard and around the north of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. This connection is part of the broader Village Creek Greenway project within the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System.