$4.19M Project Brings Upgrades to Some Birmingham City Schools Athletic Courts

By Emily Cundiff | ABC 33/40

Birmingham is investing $4.19 million in new and upgraded athletic courts at city schools, a project officials say is meant to create more opportunities for students to be active, learn sports fundamentals and spend time outdoors.

The Birmingham City Council approved two items Tuesday tied to the project, which calls for new outdoor courts at 14 schools and refreshes at existing courts.

The city has described the investment as covering 34 schools, with 20 receiving upgrades. However, the school district’s current list identifies 14 schools for new courts and 18 schools for court refreshes — a total of 32 schools. The district has not yet identified the remaining two campuses or explained the difference.

The work will use VersaCourt, a modular, snap-together tile surface commonly used for multipurpose sports courts. According to the district, each court will feature school colors and logos, as well as striping for basketball, other sports and playground games. The courts are expected to have a 20-year life cycle.

Council President Wardine Alexander said the investment addresses varying conditions at courts across the city.

“Right now those courts, again, are in very various state conditions, but it does not allow for the good playing up fields and opportunities,” Alexander said.

Mayor Randall Woodfin said in a Facebook post that the city will cover the cost and Birmingham City Schools will own the completed courts.

“Our children notice what we choose to invest in,” Woodfin wrote. “Birmingham is choosing them. … These courts are where students exercise during the school day, meet their friends after class and learn how to compete as part of a team. They should be safe, well-maintained and built to last.”

Officials say the courts are intended to provide students with more chances for physical activity, reduce screen time and support healthier school communities. The spaces could also be used by coaches and educators to teach sports fundamentals, sportsmanship, safety and conflict resolution.

The project is part of a $45 million capital improvement package for Birmingham City Schools, funded through a dedicated portion of Jefferson County ad valorem tax revenue.

Schools planned for new courts

• J.H. Phillips Academy
• Charles A. Brown Elementary School
• Central Park Elementary School
• EPIC Alternative Elementary School
• Glen Iris Elementary School
• R.C. Hemphill Elementary School
• Huffman Academy
• Martha Gaskins Elementary School
• Robinson Elementary School
• Sun Valley Elementary School
• West End Academy
• Wylam Elementary School
• Booker T. Washington K-8 School
• Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School

The district said specific locations for the new courts on each campus have not yet been determined.

Schools planned for court refreshes

• Barrett Elementary School
• W.J. Christian K-8 School
• Avondale Elementary School
• Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School
• Norwood Elementary School
• Inglenook K-8 School
• Richard Arrington Jr. Elementary School
• L.M. Smith Middle School
• Malachi Wilkerson Middle School
• Jones Valley Middle School
• Putnam Middle School
• Minor Elementary School
• Oxmoor Valley Elementary School
• Hayes K-8 School
• Hudson K-8 School
• South Hampton K-8 School
• Bush Hills STEAM Academy
• Oliver Elementary School