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Home arrow City Hall arrow City Council Green-Lights Fair Park Plan
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City Council Green-Lights Fair Park Plan
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Langford said he planned to ask the Birmingham School Board to put $10 million toward the project. “They can use some of the interest off the $350-plus million I sent to them when I was on the County Commission,” he said.

Like other school systems in Jefferson County, Birmingham City Schools received millions for capital and technology improvements from the commission's billion-dollar bond issue, funded by a penny sales tax increase he helped orchestrate in 2004. The money sits in escrow until the schools need it.

Langford said he hasn't yet approached the school board about the proposal, but was optimistic they would agree, since its students and coaches would have first right to use the facilities – for free.

The facilities would include an indoor swimming facility with an Olympic-sized pool, indoor and outdoor tracks and playing fields, an equestrian center for horseback riding, an area for go-carts, and

Image
Picture of a natatorium, an inside swimming complex featuring an Olympic-sized pool.
man-made lakes. The complex also includes a family fun center, and new mixed-use buildings with sports and other retail shops on ground floors, and affordable housing units on top floors. On-site programs will include sports psychology and health training, among others, for schoolchildren and the community.

The plan also include upgrades to the existing Bill Harris Arena and the Birmingham International Raceway. Across the street, the old circular parking deck would be turned into a spot for skateboarders and roller skaters.

Langford said the center could host track and swim meets not just for Birmingham schools, but for the entire region. He also said the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) has already expressed interest in using the facilities for their future track meets.
 
He didn't know when the item would come up for a formal vote before the Council. But if he could get started soon, key components of the park could be up and running within 24 months, he predicted. He also said the complex could become self-sustaining, with half of its revenues set aside in an escrow fund to maintain the complex over time.

Image
An indoor track similar to one proposed for the sports complex planned for Fair Park's
“This is so doable, it's a crying shame,” he said. Later he added, “The whole world is moving forward; they don't sit around nitpicking things to death.”

City Council President Carole Smitherman praised the total concept, envisioned by staffer Renee Kemp-Rotan, and Langford for his leadership. “You have been able to tap into what people want, not only our hopes and dreams for now, but in the future.”




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