CITY PREPARES FOR GRAND RE-OPENING OF LOCAL PARK

Eileen Lewis is a longtime resident of the Monte D'oro neighborhood located in the center of Hoover. 

"This neighborhood began in 1964 and it was created prior to the City of Hoover," she says.

"There was a spring there that was used by animals to graze. It's located near the back of the park and still feeds the lake today."

Lewis has lived here thirty years and says the three-acre lake nestled within the neighborhood has been here as long as she has.

"It’s like a pocket park. There are fresh fish in that pond. There was a TV show years ago and it showed one of the biggest goldfish ever came out of that lake," she recalls.

The lake also has a playground, gazebo and lighted walking track. Lewis can recall many children playing in the park over the years. And while, at one time, it faced problems with drug activity, Lewis says she hasn't seen much of that lately.

"I think it’s a very safe park. It has improved a good bit," she says.

Within the last few months, it's improved even more, as the City of Hoover has pumped nearly $70-thousand dollars worth of upgrades into the land.

Those improvements include new decking around the park, new lumber on the gazebo, and refurbished benches. There are also plans for a new fountain for the lake.  That's in addition to lighting upgrades that took place a while back.

To celebrate the changes, the City will hold a grand re-opening event for the community next week. The event will be held inside the park on Wednesday, September 14th beginning at 5:30. Dignitaries are expected to speak and refreshments will be offered.  The entire city is invited. Comfortable shoes are advised.

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