Acknowledging the draw of recreation tourism, the City of Cullman made a big push in 2021 to expand its parks offerings.

Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism was at the forefront of some of the city’s biggest projects.

Returning to tackle the responsibility of directing those projects is former director Nathan Anderson. After holding the position for five years, Anderson opted to join the private sector in September of 2019. After two years in Nashville directing logistics for 46/Entertainment, Anderson resumed his position over a significantly expanded department in December.

“We are proud to have Nathan back, but boy, Nathan: You better hang on, because just in the short time that you’ve been gone, a lot has happened,” Jacobs joked during a December meeting, “…Some of the projects that we’re taking on will take a lot of management.”

“There’s still the amazing team intact, and I’m super excited to get back to work with those guys,” Anderson replied, “They have done an amazing job continuing to push, moving forward and improving Cullman’s quality of life through its park facilities. I’m looking forward to getting started.” 

With its first warm weather season approaching, the Palomino RV Resort drew vacationers and local day guests to the park with a new water feature… an inflatable aquatic obstacle course. It was the first of many new attractions city leaders hope will bring more out of town dollars to the area. 

In December, the City of Cullman announced the acquisition of Terri Pines golf course and country club after the facility was donated by the family of the late Bert McGriff, the course’s original founder. Under its new ownership, the property will be managed by Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism.

Also in December, mayor Woody Jacobs announced the construction of a new skatepark. Jacobs, who had been serving as the city’s liaison with local skaters said “I know that a lot of people have been hearing about it for a long time, but I can tell you it’s official now: Cullman’s gonna build a skatepark.” The park, which will be situated on the city-owned land between Depot Park and the city’s police headquarters would be designed in conjunction with the Los Angeles based skatepark design firm Spohn Ranch, Inc.

“Community input is gonna be big on this park,” Jacobs said. “We want the skaters to be a part of this project. We don’t have it ‘designed’ per se, yet. It’s going to be open to discussion. We’ve also been working with Jacqueline Keller at Riderz skate shop on First Avenue to get their input.”

Funding for the park would come from the city matching locally-generated contributions toward its cost. Which has inspired local artists, musicians and skateboarders to hold fundraisers since the announcement in order to meet the goal.

The council approved a $30 million bond for the design and construction of a new civic center complex. The new facility would be replacing the previous one, sold to Desperation Church in 2019, and would have 100,000 as opposed to the 30,000 square feet of the previous facility.

City leaders said the project would host six courts with space for large regional and national tournaments as well as rooms that could be configured to accommodate a variety of civic functions.

The Cullman Aquatics and Wellness Center is getting a major expansion that will more than double the size of the complex. In addition to adding a wave pool and more water slides to the Wild Water play area, a massive tower will be added to house at least four additional slides. Officials hope this estimated 14-16,000 square foot expansion will be open in time for Memorial Day weekend.

After a year of canceled festivals due to COVID-19, several events returned to downtown.  

One of the city’s longest standing traditions, the Strawberry Festival returned to its yearly takeover of the Cullman Festhalle Market Platz. Guests were treated to a craft fair, puppy “pawgeant,” magic show, music throughout the day and, of course, farmers sharing their prized strawberries.

A portion of 1st Street in Cullman’s Warehouse District was closed in May for the picturesque “Dinner on 1st.” The addition of string lights as part of the First Street streetscape project only added to ambiance of the event.

Downtown Cullman also welcomed back 2nd Fridays. From June through September local businesses from the Festhalle to the Busy Bee Cafe stayed open late, while vendors and entertainers lined the sidewalks.

Rock the South returned in August with Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert and Nelly. Lynyrd Skynyrd had to cancel due to a band member contracting covid.

Cooler weather brought the return of Oktoberfest and a variety of holiday events including the annual Christmas in Cullman Parade and Tree Lighting and the new Christkindl Market that was modeled after a traditional German Christmas market.