Parks & Recreation

Open Swim Hours:

Saturday, September 12: 11am-6pm
Sunday, September 13: 1-6pm

Saturday, September 19: 11am-6pm
Sunday, September 20: 1-6pm

Saturday, September 26: TBD
Sunday, September 27: TBD

Aquatic Complex FAQs:

How long with the Aquatic Complex be open this fall? The current plan is to open each weekend in September. This may be extended into October, but will depend on the availability of lifeguards.

What are the hours of operations? The Aquatic Complex is anticipated to be open each weekend in September – Saturday and/or Sunday only. Open swim will not be available during the week. Operating times for each weekend will vary depending on the availability of lifeguards. The schedule will be posted on the Parks & Rec page of the City website and on the Parks & Rec Facebook page on the Friday morning preceding the weekend.

Are residents able to reserve the pool pavilion for events? We are not hosting parties this fall, but plan to offer reservations opportunities beginning spring 2021.

Is there a dedicated space for lap swimming? Yes! There are dedicated lap lanes in the competition pool.

What is the membership cost? Vestavia Hills residents are invited to use the Aquatic Complex this fall for FREE! The membership fees for the 2021 season have not yet been determined by the Parks & Recreation Board, but will be published as soon as they are available.

May I bring a guest that does not live in Vestavia Hills? For the month of September, Aquatic Complex access is for Vestavia Hills residents only for the duration of this fall swim season. Beginning Memorial Day weekend 2021, Vestavia Hills residents will most likely be able to bring a non-resident guest by paying a small fee. The fee structure is TBD by the Parks & Recreation Board.

May I bring my own food and/or drinks? No outside food is allowed, but each person may bring one water bottle. If you have a special need that requires consideration, please click here to contact Aquatic Complex staff.

How do you determine residency? Driver’s license or other state-issued photo I.D. required for proof of residency. If your I.D. does not list current Vestavia Hills address, you may bring your photo I.D. along with a current utility bill bearing your name and accurate address.

May I drop my children off at the pool? For the fall season, children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 16 years and older will be required to provide a driver’s license or other state-issued photo I.D. for entry. Beginning summer 2021, children 11 years and older may be dropped at the pool, as long as they have a membership.

Are restrooms, locker rooms and showers open? Restrooms will be open, but locker rooms and showers will be closed, per state order.

What COVID-19 precautions are in place? Per state health order, residents are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear a mask when not in the pool. Aquatic Complex capacity will be maintained at 50% until further notice. Restrooms are open, but locker rooms and showers are closed.

How will residents know if the Aquatic Complex has closed early due to weather, etc.? Aquatic Complex hours and capacity limitations may be affected for a variety of reasons, including weather, lifeguard/staff availability, etc. Check pool status online at https://statusme.com/fs-alabama or call the status hotline at 205.978.0220.

Where can I park? Parking is available in the lots at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex, Board of Education, West Elementary and the Civic/Recreation Center.

Any certified lifeguard interested in working weekends during the month of September should contact Jeff Corley at jcorley@vhal.org.

COVID-19 Parks and Recreation Guidelines

The mission of the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation department is to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Vestavia Hills. Whether it’s a pocket park for small children, a community space for seniors, or a world-class athletic facility for competitive sports, we are committed to meeting the recreational needs of the community. The Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation department is governed by the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board and is well supported by the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Youth & Adult Recreation

Youth Athletics

In Vestavia Hills, we offer a wide range of athletic programs. Each league handles its own registration and operations, so those interested in participating in a sport should contact the league directly. The City is happy to help if you experience any difficulties accessing the information or contacting the leagues. For assistance, call 205.978.0166 or email Parks & Recreation Superintendent Jason Burnett. For field conditions, call 205.978.0220. Also you may register at www.statusme.com for instant alerts of our field conditions.

Adult & Youth Recreation

Pickleball
Pickleball combines the elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It was created for all ages and skill levels, Pickleball is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Games are played using paddles to volley a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffleball), on a badminton size court with a modified tennis net.

– All levels and ages of players are welcome.
– No experience necessary; clinicians/instructors will be on-site to teach you the game.
– Players will be matched based on skill level.
– Don’t have equipment? Don’t worry. Equipment is available for check out at the Rec Center.

When and where?
– Tuesdays* & Thursdays, 6:30-9pm and Saturdays, 8-11:30am at Vestavia Hills Rec Center Gym, 1973 Merryvale Road, 35216
*Exceptions: Play will take place at Vestavia Hills Elementary-Central Gym, 1289 Montgomery Highway, 35216 on the following dates: September 22 & 29 and October 6 & 13.
– Wednesdays & Fridays, 10am-12:30pm at Vestavia Hills Elementary-Central Gym, 1289 Montgomery Highway, 35216 (Park in front of the school and enter through the middle set of doors, next to the ramp.)

Cost? Vestavia Hills residents – FREE! Non-residents – $10

Need More Information? Call Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation at 205.978.0166 or email Jeff Corley at jcorley@vhal.org.

Parks & Facilities

The City of Vestavia has many parks available for public recreation including many with playgrounds, picnic tables, trails and much more! Click here for Park Rules & Reservations information or contact our Parks & Recreation office at 205.978.0166. You may also CLICK HERE view park and facility availability online.

Boulder Canyon Nature Trail  |  1289 Montgomery Highway, 35216

Boulder Canyon Nature Trail is a beautiful wooded hike tucked away along U.S. 31. The trail begins at the Library in the Forest (1221 Montgomery Highway, 35216) and features a nature trail, bridge and waterfall. The trail was preserved through the volunteer efforts of Keep Vestavia Green in partnership with the City of Vestavia Hills. Reservations are not available.

Byrd Park  |  2109 Tyson Drive, 35216

Byrd Park features a walking track and a playground. There are also picnic areas in the park. Reservations are not available.

Cahaba Heights Park  |  4401 Dolly Ridge Road, 35243

In addition to open green space, the newly renovated park features multiple turfed baseball fields and an inclusive playground. The next phase of construction will include a new New Merkel House, along with a dog park. For more information regarding Cahaba Heights Park, call 205.978.0166.

Community Building  |  1090 Montgomery Highway, 35216

The Community Building (formerly Gold’s Gym) is under renovation and slated to open fall 2021. Amenities will include meeting spaces, basketball courts and much more!

Liberty Park Sports Complex  |  4700 Sicard Hollow Road, 35242

Features two playgrounds, soccer fields and softball fields. Reservations are not available.

McCallum Park  |  3332 Rosemary Lane, 35216

A passive park with pavilions, trails, restrooms and a large, open green space. There are grills to cook over open flames (personal grills not allowed in parks), and Little Shades Creek meanders through the park. It is located at the end of Rosemary Lane (off of Rocky Ridge Road). Reservations are not available, but groups planning to utilize this park should notify Parks & Recreation by calling 205.978.0166. McCallum Park can not accommodate groups larger than 50.

Meadowlawn Park  |  4041 Dolly Ridge Road, 35243

This small pocket park in the heart of Cahaba Heights officially opened in May 2017 and features a pavilion and walking trail, along with a small amount of playground equipment – swings, slide and play climber. Please note that this park does not provide restroom facilities.

New Merkel House  |  4405 Dolly Ridge Road, 35243

The former New Merkel House opened in 1994 as a center for community gatherings and, lately, was used primarily as a senior center. A new New Merkel House is currently under construction and slated to open spring 2021. For more information regarding New Merkel House, contact Melanie Perry at 205.967.5977

Recreation Center  |  1973 Merryvale Road, 35216

Business Office
Open Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
– Room Rental Information
– Non-Profit Info

Recreation Center
Hours of operation, March through October: Monday-Thursday: 7am-9pm; Friday: 7am-5pm; Saturday: 8am-4pm; Sunday: 1pm-6pm
Hours of operation, November through February: Monday-Friday: 7am-9pm; Saturday: 8am-6pm; Sunday: 1pm-6pm

Rules & Regulations
– The minimum age for the inside jogging track is 12 years.
– The Recreation Center is not responsible for money lost in the vending machines. Refunds cannot be made.
– Help keep the facility clean by placing all trash in the proper receptacles.
– No smoking on the premises.

Membership
Membership is free for Vestavia Hills residents. Membership badges are issued at the Park and Recreation Office (1973 Merryvale Road). To obtain a badge, bring your ID and 2 forms of proof of residency. Residency information must be renewed annually from date of acquisition. Non-residents wishing to access the Recreation Center must be accompanied by a resident and pay a fee of $5/day. No more than 2 non-resident/guests per member per day allowed. Members must present their badge and pay non-resident visitor fees at the office window upon arrival.

Shallowford Park  |  3334 Shallowford Road, 35216

Shallowford Park is a small, neighborhood pocket park and playground with no parking and no restroom facilities. Reservations are not available.

Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex  |  4851 Sicard Hollow Road, 35242

Open 6:30am to sunset; Playground is adjacent to the SHAC athletic complex.

BCBS Walking Trail: Blue Cross Blue Shield is the sole sponsor of the trail system, which also connects to the SHAC athletic fields. Looping the entire park, including the athletic fields, is approximately 1.3 miles. Looping just on the trail in the new park is approximately 0.8 miles.

Pavilion: A beautiful covered area that includes six picnic tables and a small room which may be utilized as a receiving line for food and drinks. Restrooms are located on back end of pavilion. For information regarding pavilion reservations/rental, call 205.978.0166.

Playground (ADA Accessible): The community park at SHAC boasts Vestavia’s first ADA accessible playground with features specifically designed for autistic children. Adult fitness stations can also be found at this location.

Splash Pad: Hours 9am to Sunset; May 1 – September 30. Hours will be adjusted seasonally. Water sprays are controlled by a button on the black stand. Once activated, water will run for approximately 15 minutes and turns off automatically. To continue playing, press the button on the black stand and water comes back on. The splash pad can not be reserved/rented.

Wald Park & Aquatic Complex  |  1973 Merryvale Road, 35216

Wald Park will be CLOSED FOR EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS beginning July 29, 2019. Click here for project information and activity updates. In addition to open green space, the newly renovated Wald Park will feature multiple baseball fields (including a Miracle League Field), a walking track, aquatic complex (including competition and leisure pools), picnic areas, a dog park, walking trails, tennis complex and community playgrounds. For more information regarding Wald Park, call 205.978.0166.

Aquatic Complex:
The new Aquatic Complex, including competition and leisure pools, is opening Saturday, September 5, 2020!

Policies

Contact Us

Mailing Address: 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
205.978.0166  |  Fax 205.978.0174

Public Services Director
Brian Davis | 205.978.0150 | bdavis@vhal.org

Superintendent I (Athletics and Recreation)
Jason Burnett | 205.978.0177 | jburnett@vhal.org

Superintendent I (Seniors and Programming)
Sandi Wilson | 205.978.0163| swilson@vhal.org

Business Office Manager
B.J. Dubose | 205.978.0167  | bdubose@vhal.org

Administrative Assistant
Kim Evans | 205.978.0171  | kevans@vhal.org

Office Clerk – Reservations
Cricket Parker | 205.978.0166  | mparker@vhal.org

Office Clerk – Reservations
Shirley Johnson | 205.978.0166  | sjohnson@vhal.org

Athletic Programs Coordinator (Pool)
Jeff Corley | 205.978.0166  | jcorley@vhal.org

Recreation Leader
Jim Treest | 205.978.0166  | jtreest@vhal.org

Maintenance Superintendent
Bobby McDaniel | 205.978.0166  | bmcdaniel@vhal.org

Wald Park Maintenance
205.999.8238

Liberty Park/Cahaba Heights Maintenance
205.999.8237

Parks & Recreation Board
Parks & Recreation Foundation