The Nesmith Park renovation plan got the green light from the Cullman City Council Monday night.

The 14-acre park will undergo a complete makeover, with work scheduled to begin in 2019. A federal Land Water Conservation Fund grant is available for $350,000, which would have to be matched by the city for up to the same amount.

The council voted unanimously to move forward with the grant.

Among the features will be a splash pad, regulation baseball field for high school, pickleball and tennis courts, a soccer field, and a lighted walking path among other amenities.

“The grant application is going through Friday. We feel really good about the project,” said Nathan Anderson, director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism. “We’ve gained a lot of input to move forward with the renovation.”

Nesmith Park is located at 3rd Street SW and 311 McNabb Drive SW and sits on about 14 acres of land. Anderson said the park will continue to be open sunrise to sundown, except in the future when evening ballgame or events are planned.

The City Council and mayor also recognized firefighters Brandon Dawson, Wade Miller, Kelsey Taylor, Matt Wade, and Johnathan Wilson who were promoted to fire engineers. Fire Chief Brian Bradberry conducted the ceremony. 

“They worked hard for these promotions and went through some tough tests. You should be very proud of them,” Bradberry said.

The council also approved Resolution No. 2019-27 to authorize the mayor to enter into a professional services contract for fleet management.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.