Montgomery Parks and Gardens

(Montgomery, Alabama - AL, USA)

Alabama's capital is not all about downtown shops and government buildings, there are actually a number of green spaces spread around the city. In total there are approximately 60 different parks, gardens and community spaces scattered around Montgomery, and these often come with picnic tables, playgrounds, BBQ grills, tennis courts and ball fields.

In Montgomery city center, it is Oak Park that provides the principal recreation space. Oak Park serves as the home of the City Planetarium, as well as mature oak trees, a themed Biblical garden, various plaques with history information and a duck pond. Interestingly, this was the city's very first public parkland and it opened in the year 1886, when it was named Highland Park and was purchased by the city the following decade.

Oak Park is certainly a convenient place to stop off in downtown Montgomery for a picnic, or simply to eat some fast-food on a bench. There is a playground area for children, trails for strolling or jogging along, and plenty of room for ball games or kite flying. Of note, the campus of the Alabama State University is close by and separated by Interstate I-85.

General Information

The Riverwalk park development makes the most of Montgomery's scenic setting alongside the Alabama River. Comprising many attractions, including a dock for boats, an amphitheater and a stadium / ballpark, this space has helped to revitalize the downtown district and is close to the convention center.

Lying on the southern side of Montgomery city center is Bellingrath Park, which is located on West Edgemont Avenue / Edgar D. Nixon Avenue, and is conveniently close to the Faircourt Shopping Center. A children's playground is onsite, along with a sports field often used for American football games.

If you only have time to visit one green space while you are staying in Montgomery, then the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park on Vaughn Road would certainly be a good choice. Sited on the eastern side of the capital, the Blount Cultural Park covers an area of approximately 100 hectares / 250 acres and is where you will find the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, as well as ponds, fountains, picnic tables and shelters, an area for dogs, a natural amphitheater and many miles of trails, suitable for both walking and jogging. Of note, it is here where the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is staged each year.

Other parks of note around Montgomery include those of Diffly, Ida Bell Young, Sheridan Heights and Western Hills, amongst many, many others.