Key Insights
- Live HealthSmart Alabama, an initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, celebrated the completion of community revitalization projects in Birmingham’s Druid Hills, Fountain Heights and Norwood neighborhoods on Nov. 13.
- The projects added 51 high-visibility crosswalks, 110 trees, improved sidewalks and ADA access, enhanced parks and walking trails, installed lighting and public art, and expanded recreational amenities.
- The work was completed through partnerships among residents, local organizations, the City of Birmingham and private-sector supporters.
Thanks to a public-private collaboration, the projects added high-visibility crosswalks, planted 110 trees, improved parks, trails and sidewalks, installed lighting and public art and expanded recreational amenities. Live HealthSmart Alabama, an initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, celebrated the completion of neighborhood revitalization, pedestrian safety, park enhancement and walkability projects in Birmingham’s Druid Hills, Fountain Heights and Norwood communities during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 13.
Across the three neighborhoods, the completed improvements include:
- 51 high-visibility crosswalks
- 110 trees planted
- 700 linear feet of repaired sidewalks
- Three new ADA-accessible ramps
- 20 new streetlights
- 63 solar-powered light bollards
- 6 miles of restored walking trail
- New public art installations, wayfinding signage, benches, landscaping and recreational amenities
The projects reflect Live HealthSmart Alabama’s mission to make good health simple by reducing barriers to healthy choices where people live, work, learn and play.
“We are excited to join our community and corporate partners to celebrate the progress made in Druid Hills, Fountain Heights and Norwood,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “These achievements reflect the success of the Live HealthSmart Alabama model and the strong partnerships that drive our work. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue creating healthier communities in Birmingham and throughout Alabama.”
Live HealthSmart Alabama is a statewide initiative of UAB that works with communities to improve health by addressing social, environmental and structural barriers to healthy living.
Through its built environment efforts, the organization collaborates with residents and partners to create safer, healthier and more connected neighborhoods through improvements that promote walking, recreation, accessibility and community engagement.
“Meaningful change happens when residents, community organizations and local partners work together,” said Live HealthSmart Alabama CEO Mona Fouad, M.D. “At Live HealthSmart Alabama, our goal is to make healthy choices easier where people live, work, learn and play. The progress achieved in Druid Hills, Fountain Heights and Norwood demonstrates how community-driven solutions can create lasting improvements in health and quality of life.”
Community improvements at a glance
Druid Hills
In Druid Hills, improvements focused on pedestrian safety, accessibility and neighborhood beautification.
Completed projects include:
- 15 high-visibility crosswalks
- Three ADA-accessible ramps
- 700 linear feet of repaired sidewalks
- 20 streetlights
- 65 newly planted trees
Enhancements at Barker Park included new public art murals, improved signage, and landscaping upgrades designed to create a more welcoming and vibrant community gathering space.
Norwood
In Norwood, improvements focused on pedestrian safety, recreation, accessibility and neighborhood connectivity.
Completed projects include:
- 22 high-visibility crosswalks
- 88 galvanized steel bollards to improve pedestrian protection along Norwood Boulevard
- Restoration of approximately 1.6 miles of walking trail
Upgrades at Norwood Boulevard Park and Walking Trail included:
- Interactive children’s pavement murals
- Two basketball court murals
- Three trail maps and wayfinding signs
- 12 decorative pole banners
- 10 new benches
- Three trash receptacles
- A new tennis court net
- Basketball court repairs and fence improvements
Fountain Heights
In Fountain Heights, investments focused on increasing walkability, pedestrian safety, neighborhood connectivity and access to outdoor recreation.
Completed projects include:
- 14 high-visibility crosswalks
- A quarter-mile paved walking loop
- 45 newly planted trees
- 63 solar-powered light bollards
Additional park enhancements included:
- Five new benches
- Four trash receptacles
- Landscaping improvements throughout Fountain Heights Park
Building healthier communities through the built environment
The completed projects represent a comprehensive approach to community health infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization. By improving sidewalks, trails, lighting, parks, public spaces and pedestrian safety features, the projects are designed to support physical activity, improve access to recreation, encourage social connection, and create healthier environments for residents.
The community improvements being celebrated were advanced under the leadership of the late Fouad H. Fouad, Ph.D., who led Live HealthSmart Alabama’s built environment team from its inception. His vision, dedication to community-driven solutions, and commitment to creating environments that support health and well-being helped shape projects across Birmingham and throughout Alabama.
His legacy continues to guide the organization’s work today.
Community and corporate partners
Live HealthSmart Alabama recognizes the many partners whose support helped make these improvements possible, including Protective Life, Dunn Construction, Alabama Power, Birmingham Parks and Recreation, Representative Neil Rafferty, Trust for Public Land, Cool Green Trees and Blank Space Birmingham.
The organization also extends its appreciation to the City of Birmingham and its departments, including Transportation, Public Works, Planning, Engineering & Permits and Community Development, for their partnership in planning and implementing neighborhood improvements throughout Birmingham.