City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) Parks can transform lives. Studies show that spending time in nature can promote both your physical wellbeing and your mental health. It is also worth noting that parks often increase property values by attracting homebuyers, workers and retirees. Given the many benefits of adding green spaces to a community, City of Talladega leaders are thrilled about developing a downtown pocket park on East Street next to the old Lee’s Laundry building.

In conjunction with its plans to open the new park by fall 2023, the city invites individuals, families, businesses and organizations to leave a lasting legacy; honor or remember an individual; or expand the visibility of a business or organization by contributing to the Together Talladega downtown pocket park naming campaign.

Names will be attached to furnishing in the beautiful new green space, which will be seen and appreciated by thousands as residents, shoppers, tourists and others gather in the pocket park to enjoy outdoor activities and entertainment or simply pause and reflect.

City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr. said, “From the time I stepped into this position, one of my chief priorities was to restore a sense of pride in the community by making Talladega a better place to live, work, invest in and visit. The creation of a downtown pocket park is one of numerous changes implemented to help transform Talladega.”

“We’ve opened over 30 new businesses in the past year; recruited developers for over 200 new homes; reduced blight by demolishing 36 abandoned buildings; gained admission into Main Street Alabama; launched a road paving campaign; and reduced crime,” he added.

Downtown merchants are excited about the positive changes taking place in the community, and look forward to the opening of the new pocket park.

“The pocket park will add charm to the community and be a great benefit to our downtown merchants.  People will be able to pick up food at Sherry’s or Tina’s Home Cookin’ and walk over to the park to eat alfresco before a performance at the Ritz Theatre.  Downtown shoppers will able to sit in the park and enjoy a coffee and chat,” said Tena Turner, whose T.B. Turner Design shop has been open for over 14 years in Talladega.  “I know the park will definitely benefit my business.”    

April Clark, owner of Miss April’s Workshop, which sells toys, clothing and accessories for children; offers sewing lessons, fashion design classes and other activities for children and adults; and provides rental space for parties and events, agrees.  

“I’m excited to have a park in the heart of downtown. As people gather I hope they’ll peek in our businesses and shop,” said April Clark, owner of Miss April’s Workshop, which offers sewing and fashion design lessons; children’s clothing; toys and other pro  I’m optimistic that the park will increase property values, and enhance the health and well-being of the community. This is just one more step to building a stronger downtown and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Talladega is the home of the renowned Amistad Murals, Talladega Superspeedway, TOP Trails OHV Park, Talladega College, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Historic Silk Stocking District, Hall of Heroes Museum, CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park, Heritage Hall Museum, Historic Ritz Theatre, Davey Allison Memorial Park, the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art, Central Alabama Community College and other noteworthy institutions, businesses, organizations and tourist attractions.  The Talladega Courthouse, constructed in 1836, is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in Alabama.

Talladega residents and visitors who go downtown to view tourist attractions, shop, dine, or conduct business will soon be able to enjoy the new pocket park.  Those who participate in the Together Talladega naming campaign will have the added benefit of leaving a lasting legacy by having their names or the names of loved ones attached to benches, tables, chairs or other furnishing in the park.

For more information or to make a donation, please email Mary Sood at msood@talladega.com.