Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. Addresses City Improvements at Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens Roundabout
BIRMINGHAM, AL – On Wednesday, July 1, City of Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. will address the Birmingham City Cahaba Road project at a ribbon cutting ceremony to highlight the recent improvements to the Cahaba Road roundabout connector between the Birmingham Zoo (the “Zoo”) and Birmingham Botanical Gardens (“The Gardens”). In addition to Mayor Bell, attendees will include members of the Birmingham City Council, community leaders from the Birmingham vicinity, representatives from Sain Associates, Alabama Department of Transportation, Veteran’s Landscaping Company, Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This project was made possible by Mayor Bell, the City of Birmingham, Representative Spencer Bachus and Nimrod Long. The ceremony will be located at the new roundabout between the two attractions, beginning at 10 a.m.
“This project connects two great attractions, making them one ultimate destination. This work symbolizes a great partnership between the City of Birmingham, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo. Working closely together, we are continuing to make the City of Birmingham better for all of its residents and for all of our visitors,” states Mayor Bell.
The recent improvements to Cahaba Road include a new roundabout, bike paths, new and wider sidewalks, additional lighting, a new entrance to the Zoo and to The Gardens, among other updates. These updates are expected to create a safer entry to the two attractions, ease of traffic flow, more convenient pedestrian accessibility and improved aesthetics for the surrounding community. The new improvements create an instant connectivity between The Gardens and the Zoo, allowing guests of the Zoo and The Gardens to enjoy both attractions with a single park of their car.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Executive Director and CEO, Frederick R. Spicer, Jr., states, “We at The Gardens are certainly fortunate to have the Birmingham Zoo as across-the-street neighbors on Cahaba Road. Now, thanks to a federal SAFETEA grant, former U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus’ efforts and matching funds from the City of Birmingham, that road is much safer and much more beautiful. These improvements will enable the pedestrian connectivity in our neighborhood that we have long sought.”
About Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama’s largest living museum with more than 12,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens’ 67.5 acres contains more than 25 unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths. The Gardens features the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house. Education programs run year round and more than 11,000 school children enjoy free science-curriculum based field trips annually. The Gardens is open daily, offering free admission to more than 350,000 yearly visitors.
About Birmingham Zoo
Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under two-years-old receive free regular admission.
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