Friends of Jemison Park

Overview

Friends of Jemison Park is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural attractions of Robert Jemison Park in Mountain Brook, Alabama. The organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the park as a community green space and model for streamside preservation.

History and Activities

Established with the goal of enhancing and preserving Jemison Park, the Friends of Jemison Park have been instrumental in several key projects. In the early 1990s, they contributed to the restoration of three stone bridges on Mountain Brook Parkway. This restoration included returning the bridges to their original stone appearance after they had been modified with iron pipe railings decades earlier. The project was funded in part by the Friends, who raised $55,000 towards a total construction cost of $110,000, with additional support from the City of Mountain Brook and key donors[1].

The organization has also been involved in trail developments and enhancements. Following a Jefferson County sewer project, the Friends negotiated with the county to ensure that a trail along Watkins Brook was designed with tree protection in place. This effort expanded the trail network within the park[1]. Additionally, they have supported various community projects, including improved drainage and the installation of memorial benches along the stream[1].

In recent years, the Friends of Jemison Park have continued their commitment to preserving the park's natural beauty. They have funded yearly maintenance to remove invasive non-native plant species, allowing native plants and wildflowers to thrive again[1]. The organization's efforts have also inspired other community projects, such as the development of the Flora Johnston Park in Birmingham and the Shades Creek trail in Homewood[1].

Recent Developments

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Jemison Park, the City of Mountain Brook, together with the Friends of Jemison Park and other donors, invested over $2.7 million in trail renovations. A significant construction project led to the temporary closure of the Jemison Trail, anticipated to last six months, to allow for comprehensive renovations and improvements[2].

Mission and Impact

The mission of Friends of Jemison Park is centered on preserving the natural beauty of Robert Jemison Park, ensuring it remains a vibrant community space for activities such as walking, jogging, bird watching, and more[4][5]. Their work not only preserves the environment but also fosters community engagement through collaborative projects and fundraising efforts.

References Not Available

Due to the restrictions on providing external links or contact information, specific references or citations are not included here. However, the information is based on available data about the Friends of Jemison Park.