Highland Park has three parks nestled in the curves along Highland Avenue. From west to east they are as follows:
Caldwell Park
Located at 26th Street South and Highland Avenue adjacent to the Virginia Samford Theatre, the park was named for Dr. Henry Martyn Caldwell, 1836-1895, one of the earliest founding fathers of the city, and president of the Elyton Land Company, which developed early Birmingham, from 1875-1895.
He gave Highland Avenue its name and was responsible for its development. He was also responsible for the development of Lakeview Park, which is now known as Highland Golf Course.
It is the site of many cultural events, including the annual Do Dah Parade and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Series. It was extensively renovated in 2006.
Rhodes Park
Located at 28th Street South and Highland Avenue, the park was named for Rufus Napoleon Rhodes, the founder of what is now The Birmingham News. The mansion he built and lived in on Rhodes Circle is no longer standing. The park was the first neighborhood park to be restored and was a highly successful example of a public-private partnership between the city, public and private groups, and the neighborhood association.
Rushton Park
Located 31st Street South and Highland Avenue adjacent to the Independent Presbyterian Church, the park was named for William Rushton, a prominent early family. It has a large fenced play area for children as well as a basketball net at the south end of the park. The neighborhood has drafted a master plan to renovate the park and is currently seeking funding to implement the plan.
All three parks are off-limits to vehicles except for occasional city maintenance vehicles. There is also a city ordinance mandating that dogs be kept on leashes at all times. Also, neither glass containers nor alcohol may not be brought into any city park. All parks are closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.