Bessie Estell Park: Building Inclusion Through Accessible Design

abetterbham
6 days ago
3 min read

In October 2025, Birmingham celebrated a major step forward in equity and community design with the opening of its first all-inclusive playground at Bessie Estell Park. This project represents far more than new play equipment. It is a clear example of how accessible, people-first public spaces can strengthen neighborhoods, promote belonging, and redefine what mobility and inclusion look like in our city.

Why It Matters

At its heart, the new playground at Bessie Estell Park reflects a simple truth: when public space is designed for everyone, the community grows stronger.

Inclusive design as social infrastructure: The playground began with one mother’s vision for her daughter and for children of all abilities to play together. By removing physical and social barriers, the park fosters connection across age, ability, and background.
Access beyond vehicles: True mobility means being able to move freely, whether on foot, by wheelchair, or with sensory support. A park that is accessible to everyone reminds us that mobility includes green space, not just roads or transit lines.
Health and equity: Studies show that quality parks improve physical and mental health. When more people can use a park, more people benefit from those positive effects.
Community value: Investing in neighborhood parks sends a message that residents matter. The Bessie Estell improvements are part of a larger effort by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board to upgrade local parks through ARPA and surplus funds.

The Bessie Estell Upgrade

Located at 901 8th Street South in the Glen Iris neighborhood, the park’s new playground officially opened on October 16, 2025. Funded through city initiatives that prioritize inclusion, this project is being celebrated as a reflection of what can happen when compassion and

community come together.

Impacts Worth Noting

Access for all children: The design supports children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or sensory aids. It embraces true universal play.
Connections across generations: An inclusive playground draws families, grandparents, and caregivers together. Over time, these repeated interactions help build trust and social ties.
Neighborhood revitalization: Improvements like this increase community pride, encourage walking, and show residents that their neighborhood is valued.
Public health benefits: Accessible parks support physical activity, mental well-being, and social interaction. They create space for movement and connection that benefits everyone.
A model for future planning: The Bessie Estell playground raises the bar for all public spaces in Birmingham. Accessibility should not be an afterthought. It should be part of every design from the beginning.

Lessons for Urbanism and Mobility

For Better Birmingham and similar advocates, this project provides several key lessons:

Parks as mobility anchors: Parks are part of the city’s mobility network. They connect neighborhoods and provide safe, people-centered destinations.
Design for the margins: When design meets the needs of those with disabilities, it improves the experience for everyone, from parents with strollers to older adults.
Community-led design: Local advocates helped make this project happen. Their involvement builds long-term ownership and trust, the same approach that strengthens housing and transit projects.
Funding alignment: The city’s strategic use of ARPA funds shows how policy and budget decisions can make inclusion a reality.
Equity as foundation: Accessible parks communicate a simple message—everyone belongs here. That message is essential for a healthy and connected city.

A Call to Action

Replicate and expand: Every new park, transit stop, and public space should meet this same inclusive standard.
Share success stories: Show what inclusion looks like. When people see families enjoying the space together, they understand its value.
Measure the impact: Track how use, visitation, and engagement grow over time to build support for more inclusive investments.
Center lived experience: Keep listening to families and individuals who rely on accessibility to make design choices that reflect real needs.

The transformation of Bessie Estell Park is a milestone for Birmingham. It proves that accessible design is not only possible but powerful. When we create parks that welcome everyone, we build stronger communities, healthier people, and a city that truly puts people first.