Depot Park is currently the subject of an evolving redesign plan, which aims to expand the site while accommodating public recreational events on a larger scale.

The growing popularity of downtown Cullman as an event venue and shopping destination is leading to a reconsideration of how to make the best use of public property.

At the center of recent discussions is Depot Park, which rests conveniently near the Festhalle Market Platz and the Warehouse District that spans about two blocks into downtown. The heavily visited park is a one-block area where people enjoy walking, playing Pokemon Go and enjoying the vendors who arrive for the Strawberry Festival and other events.

With assistance from Renta Urban Land Design and long discussions among City of Cullman departments and merchants, Depot Park is poised to undergo a major reworking that will expand its scope and possibilities.

The plan on the table is to extend the park from Arnold Street, north to the Cullman Police Department. The expansion will require closing one street and creating a multi-use park that can hold large crowds for concerts and festivals, and provide a daily setting for strolls and other activities.

Expanding the park is an excellent idea for Cullman. The growth of the Strawberry Festival, 2nd Fridays, Celebrate Cullman, the continued appeal of the farmer’s market and the shopping opportunities are solid foundations for reinventing Depot Park. For local residents or visitors, the plan will bring a more useful and appealing green space in close proximity to the downtown.

Money will not be in the budget next year for the project. Instead, 2018 will be a time for gathering more public input and consideration of the features that will make up the new Depot Park.

Thinking in this direction is what makes Cullman a notch above many cities. Many of the public parks are undergoing changes to better suit public demands and needs. That’s progress.

Cullman rests in a great location for drawing visitors along the busy Interstate 65 corridor. Creating the spaces needed to hold crowds for events, or just to make the area more aesthetically appealing, are smart and competitive moves.

We applaud city leaders for seeing the need for a positive change that makes better use of public land. We believe the community and visitors, alike, will soon enjoy the expansion and changes coming for Depot Park.