Work on One Pratt Park continues, aims to be ‘front yard’ of the community
City officials believe the continuing development of a new park for Pratt City signals an opportunity to tap into that community’s potential.
“By tapping into the rich cultural heritage and the strong sense of community, a revitalized Pratt Community can emerge,” said Nigel Roberts, director of community development for the city of Birmingham.
After years of delays, One Pratt Park received a boost last fall when the Birmingham City Council approved $6.4 million for the project.
In the past 50 years, Pratt community has struggled with many of the same market conditions that have stymied the growth of many Birmingham neighborhoods, including declining populations from shuttered industry, the lack of capital investment required to maintain a community and damage from the 2011 EF-5 tornado, Roberts said.
Creating a new community center is key to Pratt’s revival, Roberts said, with One Pratt Park serving as the centerpiece.
The project, set to be completed in September, will feature open space that fosters civic engagement and recreation; the use of natural systems and ecology; and amenities that will give Pratt a sense of identity.
“It will be the front yard for this community,” Roberts said.
