Birmingham City Schools will receive new and renovated athletic courts after the City Council approved a $4.1 million improvement project.
32 Schools Included in the Improvement Project
The Birmingham City Council approved the funding during its August 25 meeting. The project will upgrade athletic courts at 32 elementary and middle schools across the city.
Fourteen schools will receive brand-new outdoor courts, while 18 schools will have their existing courts renovated. The improvements include VersaCourt playing surfaces, new basketball goals, updated court markings, and safer perimeter edging.
Part of a Larger $45 Million School Investment
The athletic court project is one piece of a broader $45 million investment in Birmingham City Schools. Earlier this year, city leaders approved funding for several education initiatives supported by Jefferson County ad valorem tax revenue.
The larger package also includes $40 million for the Future Ready Career and Innovation Center, $1 million for the Junior Achievement Economic Education Center, and funding for playground improvements at James Rushton Early Learning Center.
Which Schools Will Receive New and Renovated Courts?
The city plans to build new courts at J.H. Phillips Academy, Charles A. Brown Elementary, Central Park Elementary, EPIC Alternative Elementary, Glen Iris Elementary, R.C. Hemphill Elementary, Huffman Academy, Martha Gaskins Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Sun Valley Elementary, West End Academy, Wylam Elementary, Booker T. Washington K-8, and Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School.
Meanwhile, renovations will take place at Barrett Elementary, W.J. Christian K-8, Avondale Elementary, Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary, Norwood Elementary, Inglenook K-8, Richard Arrington Jr. Elementary, L.M. Smith Middle, Malachi Wilkerson Middle, Jones Valley Middle, Putnam Middle, Minor Elementary, Oxmoor Valley Elementary, Hayes K-8, Hudson K-8, South Hampton K-8, Bush Hills STEAM Academy, and Oliver Elementary.
City leaders said the upgrades will create safer, more durable spaces where students can exercise, play, and participate in team sports throughout the school year.
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