Back in the game
Niblett leading Hornets on quest to ‘Accomplish the Mission’
By KYLE PARMLEY
Tad Niblett has been coaching football for 34 years. He has been a head coach three times and an assistant in many facets before that. He’s worked for his dad and for his brother. He was an offensive coordinator at one of the state’s premier programs and part of four state championship staffs at Hoover.
Each experience has taught him plenty, and now he is more ready than ever for his next shot at leading a program, this time at Chelsea High School.
Niblett was introduced as Chelsea’s new head football coach in January, taking over a program that posted its first winning season in eight years in 2024 under Todd Cassity.
He brings with him a resume that includes two stops as offensive coordinator at Hoover, a four-year run as head coach at Foley and most recently four years alongside his brother Josh at Gainesville High School in Georgia.
It is Tad Niblett’s fourth head coaching job and, by his own account, the culmination of a career path he did not always see coming.
Growing up, he thought he wanted to be a sports medicine doctor. He enrolled at Harding University as a pre-med student in the late 1980s, drawn to the then-emerging field of sports orthopaedics.
“That fascinated me,” he said. “I thought that’s what I wanted to do.”
By JON ANDERSON
The recent decision by the Forever Wild Land Trust and Shelby County Commission to double the size of Double Oak Park is a big deal for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, the president of a metro area mountain bike group said.
The Shelby County Commission on July 13 voted to pay $1.6 million to help the Forever Wild Land Trust purchase 907 acres next to Double Oak Park, doubling the size of the park to about 1,800 acres.
The total purchase price of the land is $6.42 million, with the Forever Wild Land Trust picking up $4.8 million of the cost, county records show. The sellers are Ebsco Industries and Ebsco Development Co.
See NIBLETT | page 24
Chelsea’s new head football coach Tad Niblett during a practice at Chelsea High School.
Photo by Richard Force.
Double Oak Park has about 20 miles of hiking and biking trails in the 900 or so acres purchased by Shelby County in 2021. Photo by Jon Anderson.
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CHELSEA (205) 678-7272
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Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley
August feels like a beginning.
The calendar says January is the new year, but for families in our community, the real reset comes when backpacks get loaded and school hallways fill back up. For some students, that means the comfort of familiar faces. For others, it means a brand-new school and all the nerves and excitement that come with it.
will start filling up soon. The rhythms that define our towns from September through May are cranking back to life. Let us know what’s going on in your part of town. Story ideas, events, new businesses — we want to hear from you. Feel free to shoot me an email at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
And then there is football. The sound of shoulder pads on a practice field means summer is winding down and those special Friday nights are almost here.
August has a way of pulling a community back together. Parents are at pickup lines and open houses. Stadiums
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CITY
HighPointe seeks builder for new subdivision
By CAROLINE MILLER
Developer Connor Farmer of HighPointe Properties said he hopes to move forward with plans for a new 20-home subdivision next to Forest Parks in Chelsea by the end of this year, but the timetable is uncertain.
After the Chelsea City Council approved a rezoning request for the new subdivision on July 7, Farmer said he still needed to get a homebuilder committed for at least half of the lots before moving forward. Farmer said then he had a couple of months left in his contract period.
The request was to rezone 28 acres at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Essex Drive from an agricultural-residential district, which requires lots to be at least 10 acres, to an R-1 single-family residential district, which allows for lots down to 20,000 square feet.
Some Forest Parks residents said they had concerns about traffic on Essex Drive, which is the entrance for Forest Parks and will also be the entrance for the new subdivision.
The City Council voted 3-2 in favor of the rezoning, with Councilmen Scott Weygand, Chris Grace and Arthur Fisher Jr. voting in favor and Council Members Johnna Barnes and Casey Morris voting against.
Council President Scott Weygand said he believes this is a good, low-density use of land that fits well with the neighborhood. He also noted that the homeowners association for Forest Parks reached an agreement with the developer regarding many of their concerns.
Councilman Arthur Fisher Jr. said he carefully considered the concerns raised by residents and believed this will be a reasonable and controlled residential use of the property, particularly with conditions put on the developer.
“The development is limited to a maximum
of 20 homes on approximately 28 acres and includes safeguards such as minimum lot sizes and widths, a 30-foot undisturbed buffer adjoining existing homes, a prohibition on blasting and further subdivision of the lots, and protection against construction-related road damage,” Fisher said.
Barnes said she was concerned about safety at the intersection of Essex Drive and U.S. 280.
“I used to have to drive it a lot when I was on a bus, which brought back thoughts of that, which was years ago, and I can’t imagine that it has gotten any better,” she said.
Mayor Cody Sumners said he discussed safety concerns with the Alabama Department
of Transportation, which controls U.S. 280, and said the state had no plans to add a traffic light there.
Fisher said the traffic and safety concerns are legitimate, and he remains committed to working toward broader solutions.
Morris, in a Facebook post, said he continues to vote against requests to rezone agriculturalresidential property because he believes that zoning exists to preserve Chelsea’s rural character, open spaces, natural resources and lower-density areas.
“Chelsea can continue to grow and prosper without sacrificing the qualities that make our community special,” Morris said. “These areas
play an important role in maintaining the quality of life that attracts people to Chelsea in the first place.
Most importantly, Chelsea already has enough land designated for development to maintain its current growth rate of approximately 2.8% annually for the next seven years — without rezoning additional agriculturalresidential property, Morris said.
“We do not have to choose between growth and preservation,” he said. “We can achieve both by developing the land that has already been approved while protecting the areas intended to remain agricultural and low-density.”
I joined the Shelby County Chamber four months ago, and the return has been immediate. Before I even became a member, I was invited to several events. The warmth and engagement of this community made the decision easy. Most of my work is remote, so having a local professional home base matters more than I expected. Within my first few months I had built genuine relationships, found collaborators, and helped launch a women’s entrepreneur book club through connections made right here. The leadership here is genuinely invested in helping members build real relationships, and good things happen quickly because of that.
The Chelsea City Council meets at Chelsea City Hall on July 7. Photo by Caroline Miller.
1100 Inverness Corners, Ste. 310 Birmingham, AL 35242
BUSINESS
Business Happenings
NOW OPEN
Chelsea Nutrition, at 601 Chelsea Crossroads by Publix, opened in June. The nutrition shop offers items like healthy shakes, teas, snacks and coffee. Chelsea Nutrition is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-834-5107
D-BAT Oak Mountain, an indoor baseball and softball training facility, opened at 5308 Cahaba Valley Road. The facility has 13 batting cages, including four automated pitching machines. They are open to the public, but memberships are also available that offer discounts on private lessons, camps, clinics, lane rentals and merchandise in their pro shop. Founded in 1998 by Cade and Kyle Griffis, the indoor facility started with three locations their first year and now has more than 145. From developmental youth camps to private lessons, D-BAT offers options for a range of ages and ability levels. 205-825-3228, dbatoakmountain.com
1st Card Collectibles opened July 21 at 194 Narrows Drive. With a 360-degree mural design in the store, the collectible card shop features premium cards including football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, Pokémon, Star Wars, Disney, Marvel and more. 1st Card Collectibles is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-249-3421, 1stcardcollectibles.com
Made a la Mode, a Birmingham-based dress shop, opened a pop-up shop in the previous Francesca’s location next to J. Jill at The Summit. The pop-up store will be at 200 Summit Blvd. July through October. They will have hundreds of discounted luxury dresses including bridal, mother of the bride/groom, casual, formal, contemporary, cocktail, sundress, gala, event dresses, pageant, resort wear and more. Made a la Mode offers dresses in a wide range of sizes, and the store also carries dresses for teens and tweens. Made a la Mode is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. 404-941-0001, madealamode.com
Together Healthy Nutrition recently opened in Greystone at 5426 U.S. 280, Suite 7, next to Chuck’s Fish. The nutrition shop offers healthy shakes, loaded teas, protein snacks and more. They are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 205-784-8016, togetherhealthy.org
COMING SOON
Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers Greystone, a physical therapy clinic, will open at 5363 U.S. 280. With locations across the country, Fyzical offers a medically based approach to health and wellness using balance protocols and healthy lifestyle products and services. They will offer balance and fall prevention programs, orthopedic and sports injury rehab, vestibular therapy, personalized wellness and pain management plans. 404-513-4895, fyzical.com
GP6 Wellness is building a dispensary at 541 Cahaba Park Circle and began construction in January. As the first medical cannabis dispensary in the Birmingham area, GP6 is planning to open soon. Though no date has been set yet, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has indicated sales could begin this summer. GP6 also holds dispensary licenses for locations in Attalla and Athens. Under Alabama law, patients will not be able to purchase medical cannabis by walking into the dispensary. They must first obtain a Medical Cannabis Patient ID card from a certified physician before making an approved purchase.
KidsXpress Urgent Care will open Aug. 3 at 300 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 200, in the Lee Branch Shopping Center next to Publix. The pediatric urgent care clinic provides services for common childhood illnesses, injuries and sports physicals to patients from ages 0 to 21 years old. KidsXpress also has on-site laboratory testing, digital X-ray capabilities, school-based health care services and telehealth services. Walk-ins are welcome, and their hours will be Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 844-871-5437, kidsxpressuc.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AmFirst credit union is celebrating its 90th anniversary of serving Alabama. Now with 22 branches and 200,000 members across the state, AmFirst began as the Iron and Steel Workers Credit Union in 1936. As it grew, the credit union evolved from serving only steelworkers and their families to serving a diverse membership. The credit union’s Inverness branch is at 2 Inverness Center Parkway and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-995-0001, amfirst.org
Do you have business news to share? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/ business-happenings
PERSONNEL MOVES
Greystone YMCA added a new Zumba instructor, Renee Collier, who will lead classes at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. A John Carroll High School graduate, Collier is a licensed physical therapist assistant with 18 years of teaching experience. Everyone from seasoned Zumba enthusiasts to those trying it for the first time is invited to attend. The classes are in the small group ex room. Greystone YMCA is at 5414 U.S. 280 and open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-981-0144, ymcabham.org
ANNIVERSARIES
TherapySouth is celebrating 20 years of serving communities across the South with physical therapy care. What started as a single clinic in 2006 has grown to serve communities throughout Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. TherapySouth provides services including orthopedic physical therapy, hand therapy, pelvic health and wellness services. They have locations in places like Chelsea, 100 Chelsea Corners Way, and Greystone, 2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd. 205-408-1713 (Greystone), 205-678-7272, therapysouth.com
O.Henry’s Coffee and Company is celebrating its fifth year at its Dunnavant Valley location at 300 Carlow Lane, Suite 111. They are open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. O.Henry’s began in 1993 and also has locations in Homewood, Brookwood Village, Highland Park, Vestavia Hills and Hoover. 205-729-5423, ohenryscoffees.com
Valley Ridge Family Dentistry is celebrating its seventh anniversary in the Narrows at 13521 Old Highway 280, Suite 229. In addition to offering preventative dental care, husband-wife dental team Dr. David Ray and Dr. Colynda Vu can also perform root canals, extractions, and aesthetic and cosmetic services. They are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-739-2175, vrfamilydentistry.com
D-BAT Oak Mountain
1st Card Collectibles
Chelsea Nutrition
O.Henry’s Coffee
Valley Ridge Family Dentistry
Together Healthy
BUSINESS
Greystone Golf and Country Club marks 35 years as 280 corridor landmark
By AMASICO RAINER
Situated along one of the most traveled corridors in the Birmingham metro, Greystone Golf and Country Club carries itself with the quiet confidence of a place that doesn’t need to announce itself. The gates, the fairways, the manicured landscape — it all says the same thing before a single word is spoken.
For more than three decades, Greystone has been one of the most recognized private clubs in the Southeast, built around two championship courses that have earned national attention and the loyalty of a tight-knit membership community. What began as a vision for a premier residential golf destination has grown into something considerably larger: a landmark woven into the daily life of the 280 corridor.
The Founders Course, designed by Bob Cupp and Alabama’s own Hubert Green, opened in 1991 and quickly established itself as the centerpiece of the property. Since 2016, it has served as the permanent home of the Regions Tradition, one of five senior major championships on the PGA Tour Champions. The Legacy Course, designed by acclaimed architect Rees Jones, rounds out the offering and holds its own national standing, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Courses in the country. Together, the two courses give Greystone a depth that few private clubs anywhere can match.
But the courses are only part of the story.
General Manager Dave Porter, who has led the club for 11 years, describes Greystone as something much bigger than a place to play golf.
“For many residents and members, the club is the social and recreational heartbeat of the community, connecting neighbors and fostering
a strong sense of belonging,” Porter said.
That sense of belonging extends well beyond the fairways. Greystone has become a meaningful civic presence in the Birmingham area — giving back through the Greystone Foundation, supporting the Regions Tradition and building partnerships with local schools, charities and businesses that reach far outside the gates.
“I take great responsibility to make a positive impact on 2,300 families made up of residents, members and employees,” Porter said.
“We want to be the employer, private club and
community of choice in Birmingham.”
It is an ambitious standard and one that Porter’s team has been quietly raising. Under his leadership, Greystone has grown from 600 members and 140 employees to 1,150 members and 250 employees. The club will celebrate its 35th anniversary in September, a milestone that marks not just longevity but momentum.
What Porter has built over 11 years goes beyond rankings and tournament credentials. It shows up in the details — the way the staff
carries itself, the condition of the facilities and the standard applied to every interaction regardless of who is watching.
“The same golf courses, amenities and service team that welcome the world’s best players are available to our members every day,” he said.
Thirty-five years in, Greystone isn’t simply part of the 280 corridor. It has helped define it.
Greystone Golf and Country Club is at 4100 Greystone Drive. For membership information, visit greystonecc.com or call 205-980-5200.
An aerial view of the Greystone Golf and Country Club clubhouse along the U.S. 280 corridor, where the club is celebrating its 35th anniversary in September. Photo courtesy of Greystone Golf and Country Club.
Recently sold homes along US 280 corridor
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SCHOOLHOUSE
Shelby County, Hoover schools announce new leaders
By APRIL COFFEY
Shelby County Schools has announced a number of administrative changes that will occur for the upcoming school year. The new appointments at both the school and district levels are:
Holly Laney, student services supervisor: Laney has been named student services supervisor for Shelby County Schools. Laney has over 20 years of experience as an educator and is currently the principal of Helena Elementary. Prior to her role at Helena Elementary, she worked as the director of student services and special education for Tarrant City Schools. Laney received a Bachelor of Science degree in collaborative education from Troy University. She also received a master’s degree and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Shellie Little, transportation supervisor: Little has been named transportation supervisor for Shelby County Schools. Little has 28 years of experience in education, including 12 years as a middle and high school English and literature teacher. She has served as the assistant principal at Montevallo Middle for the last 16 years. Little received her bachelor’s, master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in educational administration from the University of Montevallo.
Jana Baker, Forest Oaks Elementary School assistant principal: Baker will serve as the assistant principal at Forest Oaks Elementary School. She has 10 years of experience as an educator,
with six of those years being in Shelby County Schools. She began her career as a fourth grade teacher in 2016 in Sylacauga City Schools. She has taught fifth grade at Forest Oaks Elementary School for the past six years.
Jay McGaughy, transportation coordinator: McGaughy will serve as the next transportation coordinator for Shelby County Schools. McGaughy has over 25 years of experience in education. He began his career with Shelby County Schools as an educator teaching world history, coaching various sports and serving as athletic director. He then served as an assistant
principal at Oak Mountain Middle School. Since 2023, he has served as transportation supervisor.
Kasey Hollington, Oak Mountain High School principal: Hollington has 23 years of experience in education, 18 of those as a classroom teacher. She most recently served as the assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. Hollington earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida State University and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Carlyn Duncan, Forest Oaks Elementary School principal: Duncan has over 23 years of experience as an educator in Shelby County Schools. She began her career as a first grade teacher in 2003 before transitioning into instructional coaching and district-level instructional support. Duncan has served for the past seven years as the assistant principal at Forest Oaks Elementary School.
Hoover City Schools has also announced new assistant principals in the U.S. 280 corridor. They are:
Mallory Creel , Greystone Elementary assistant principal: Creel brings 14 years of experience in education and previously served as a math teacher at Berry Middle. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and is known for her commitment to student success and instructional excellence. She has served on the Alabama State College and Career Ready Mathematics Implementation Team, is AMSTI Math and Science trained and OrtonGillingham certified.
Darrius Taylor , Berry Middle School assistant principal: With 18 years in education, Taylor returns to HCS with a strong background in teaching, coaching and school leadership. He previously spent nine years at Spain Park High School as a social studies teacher and assistant football coach and most recently served as an assistant principal at Leeds High School, where he supported daily school operations, student discipline and restorative practices, teacher growth and academic initiatives.
(left)
Oak Mountain sisters win world championship in first year of school’s HOSA program
By APRIL COFFEY
Oak Mountain High School students Maggie Rodgers and Laura Rodgers have earned a world title, capturing first place in the Forensic Science competition at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis.
Competing against top students from across the United States and around the world, the sisters advanced through preliminary rounds before earning the highest overall score in the finals. Their victory comes during Oak Mountain High School’s inaugural year participating in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, making the achievement even more remarkable.
The competition challenged students to apply their knowledge of crime scene investigation, evidence collection, laboratory procedures, legal considerations and forensic science to realistic scenarios.
Sponsored by science teacher Quenta Pollard, Oak Mountain’s HOSA chapter attracted Maggie and Laura because of their shared interest in following their father, Brian Rodgers, into health care careers. Maggie, who graduated a year early in May, will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall, while Laura is a rising junior.
The sisters spent months preparing through independent study, using forensic science textbooks, online quizzes and practice tests as they advanced through county, state and international competitions.
“It was an amazing moment finding out we won the competition,” Maggie said. “Hearing mine and my sister’s names on the awards live stream was something I’ll remember for a long time. Forensic science is a main interest of mine, and HOSA was a great experience to
learn more about the field I plan to go into.”
Laura said sharing the experience with her sister made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“Getting to represent our school was even more special since it was with my sister,” she said. “Winning overall was the best end to a great journey.”
Their championship marks an impressive beginning for Oak Mountain High School’s HOSA program and sets a high standard for future competitors.
Oak Mountain High School students Maggie Rodgers and Laura Rodgers celebrate at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the sisters won a world championship in forensic science. Photo courtesy of Brian Rodgers.
SPORTS
UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Lions lean on loaded senior class in new-look region
By KYLE PARMLEY
Familiarity has never been much of a problem for the Briarwood Christian School football program. This fall, that changes.
The Lions have landed in a reshaped region that stretches across the state, part of the tradeoff for being moved into a new classification under the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s decision to split public and private schools.
Head coach Matthew Forester’s team will spend the next two years facing programs it has rarely, if ever, seen, as part of the Private-AA division.
“We’re used to being the smallest school in our classification,” Forester said. “Now we’re the second largest school in our classification, and we’ve got 140 kids in our grade, and we’re playing against schools that have 70 in their grade. It’s a big difference.”
The unfamiliar slate arrives as Briarwood breaks in one of its largest senior classes in recent memory, 29 strong, a jump from last year’s group of just 15. Those underclassmen soaked up heavy varsity reps a year ago, helping push the Lions to the state quarterfinals before injuries thinned the roster down the stretch.
“We’ve had a great time playing Florence and Saraland and Spanish Fort and everybody in between over the years,” Forester said. “We’ve never played this kind of schedule before, but we’re just focused on these seniors being the best they can be.”
Briarwood has also opened the last two seasons slowly, a trend Forester wants to reverse. The Lions begin this fall against Moody, now coached by former Briarwood assistant Kyle Tatum, before hosting Homewood in Week 2.
“We’re always going to start the season off with a bang,” Forester said. “You’ve got to figure out who you are and what you need to work on.”
Briarwood opens the season on the road against Moody on Aug. 21, then hosts Homewood before starting region play Sept. 4 against Westminster Christian. The Lions travel to LeeScott and St. John Paul II and host Madison Academy, John Carroll and Randolph within
the region, with a road trip to ACA closing out region play. Briarwood also hosts Montgomery Catholic in a non-region matchup Sept. 25 and has a bye Oct. 30.
OFFENSE
Briarwood’s offense will take shape around a new starting quarterback, with junior Jamison Barnes and senior Max Beaumont competing for the job throughout the summer. Forester wants whoever wins the role to protect the football, get the ball to the Lions’ playmakers and be a threat with his legs when the offense needs it.
“When the quarterback can run, we can limit turnovers,” Forester said. “That’s been the key to our success.”
Senior Jackson Reyer takes over at running back after waiting his turn the last two seasons.
Forester praised his ability to read blocks and understand the offense, with juniors Ben Reynolds and Sebastian Locy pushing for carries behind him.
The receiving corps might be the deepest, most senior-laden group on the roster. Sam Canale, an Air Force Academy commit, and John Campbell, who Forester called perhaps the fastest player in program history before a hamstring injury slowed him last fall, headline the group on the outside. Will Butler, Copeland Holley and Zac King add experience as well, while sophomores JH Caldwell and Tory Smith bring speed with room to grow.
At tight end, the Lions have size to work with in Charlie Allen and Rowdy Leonard, who will also play defense, along with Ethan Van Asselt and Luke Irons.
Up front, Briarwood returns three starters in Austin Johnson, Adrian Derico and Hudson Parker, with Wynn Falkner and Morgan Luster stepping into open roles. John Burke Henderson, Payne Harrison and Will Berryman provide depth behind them.
“I’ve got some good backups that would start on a lot of teams,” Forester said.
DEFENSE
Briarwood’s defensive line, long a program strength, took a significant hit last season when
all-state lineman Garrett Witherington tore his ACL in Week 5, an injury that forced Forester to scrap the defensive scheme midseason. The Lions adjusted on the fly amid adversity and still made the playoffs.
The line returns five seniors this fall in Grant Skinner, Brooks Robertson, Tucker McGough, Ken Azar and Nathan Fox, with juniors Noah Cox and Rowdy Leonard and sophomore Callum Williamson adding depth.
Gage Nasworthy returns at middle linebacker off an all-state season, and Forester expects the natural senior-year jump that position tends to produce. Mark Mataya moves down from safety to Sam linebacker, continuing a pattern Forester said has repeated for years, while Radford Andrews shifts over from the line to Will linebacker. Jacob Turner and sophomore Isaac Kerley round out the group.
The secondary returns three starters for the first time in years, with seniors Brandt Aho and Cooper Johnson back at cornerback and Camden Schroeter at safety. Coleson Gooch
and Alex Marshall are candidates for the other safety spot, with juniors Tucker Miller and Will Morris waiting behind them.
“This is the way it should be,” Forester said of his group’s returning experience.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Harrison Hebert and holder Max Beaumont both return, giving Briarwood some stability at specialist. Austin Johnson, Max Watson and McGough, who handled long snapping duties a year ago, are all competing for the job this year, and junior Evan Ballenger will push for time as well.
Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco. de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.
Gage Nasworthy (16). Photo by David Leong.
Sam Canale (26). Photo by Todd Lester.
Jackson Reyer (8). Photo by James Nicholas.
UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Niblett builds new identity from the ground up
By KYLE PARMLEY
Chelsea High School spent the offseason answering a question every new coaching staff has to answer first: who are we. First-year head coach Tad Niblett has spent his first months on the job trying to establish the identity of his new program.
Niblett is entering his 34th year of coaching. He played quarterback at Harding University before getting his coaching start at Shelby Academy, teaching math and coaching multiple sports and both sides of the ball at the small-school level. Niblett said that grinding, do-everything start is where he really learned football.
“You don’t realize how much you don’t know until you start coaching,” Niblett said. “You come out after playing college thinking you know everything, and you find out real quick you don’t know anything.”
Niblett arrived with a staff mix of four holdover assistants and five new hires, including defensive coordinator Jacob Guillory, who came over from Hueytown. Roughly 65% of the roster is made up of freshmen and sophomores, and Chelsea’s senior class is thin. Niblett has spent the summer sorting out not just scheme, but who on the roster is ready to play meaningful snaps this fall.
“There’s a difference between 11 best and your best 11,” Niblett said. “That’s what we’re working on right now.”
The youth on the roster means Chelsea will lean on a small group of experienced upperclassmen to set the tone while a larger group of underclassmen develops behind them. Niblett has used fall camp to sort the roster into tiers, players ready now, players who need a year, and everyone in between.
“Not everybody’s capable of being a starter right now, but everybody has a role,” Niblett said.
Niblett has been coaching for more than three decades and said he’s learned that sustained success starts with dependable first steps rather than promises of overnight results. He also wants his team focused on its own preparation rather than getting caught up in each week’s opponent, a lesson he said he learned the hard way earlier in his career.
“I think you’ve got to start somewhere,” Niblett said. “We want to compete for championships, we want this program to be relevant, and you can’t reach what you can’t see.”
Chelsea opens the season on the road against Southside Gadsden on Aug. 21, then hosts Gardendale the following week before region
play begins Sept. 4 at Calera. The Hornets host Ramsay, Pelham, Helena and Chilton County within the region and travel to Homewood and Mountain Brook. Chelsea has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Bessemer City.
OFFENSE
Chelsea’s offense runs through senior quarterback Logan Strunk, who Niblett said picked up the new terminology quickly and had a strong spring. Niblett wants a quarterback who protects the football and plays within the system, and he called Strunk an intelligent player who picks things up easily.
“He wants to be coached,” Niblett said.
Senior Wyatt Wright takes over at running back after a strong spring of his own. At tight end, Chelsea returns two experienced players in Cohen Jones and Hudson Picklesimer, both of whom Niblett said can line up in the box or split out into space.
The receiving corps is Chelsea’s youngest group by experience, but Niblett said he has seen real improvement from that unit through the offseason and expects it to keep growing. Sophomore Cole Carroll and junior Brock Russell
are still developing, while senior Luke Hairston brings the most experience after playing extensively a year ago.
Up front, Kevin Madrid is the unit’s most experienced returner despite being undersized, and Niblett praised his technique and understanding of the scheme. Cash Piotrowski, Luke Roper at center, Chance Dunnavant at tackle and Chase Morrow round out a line Niblett said is still developing but working hard. Niblett wants seven or eight linemen ready to play by the fall, whether that depth is needed because of injury or simply to keep the offense from losing anything when reserves are in the game.
“It has to start up front,” Niblett said. “The better offensive line you’ve got, the better opportunity you have to throw it and run it when you want to.”
Niblett said an offensive line room tends to be the most cohesive group on any team he’s coached, made up of players who have to communicate and work together more than any other position.
DEFENSE
Niblett said he was initially concerned about depth on the defensive line, but that group has
come along as camp has progressed. Cristian Madrid, Kevin’s brother, brings experience up front alongside Lane Cox.
Linebacker is Chelsea’s deepest position defensively. Seniors River Hill, Austin Kirkland and Brandon Bousman provide leadership, with junior Noah Miller also in the mix.
The secondary returns two senior starters in Carter Johnson and Andrew Long, with underclassmen Ben Christian and Jackson Allison developing behind them at cornerback.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brycen Miller will handle Chelsea’s kicking duties this fall. He and Strunk are competing for the punting job as well.
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Logan Strunk (8). Photo by Todd Lester.
Kevin Madrid (54). Photo by Richard Force.
Wyatt Wright (29). Photo by Richard Force.
SPORTS
UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Kervin builds culture as Eagles chase elusive playoff berth
By KYLE PARMLEY
Oak Mountain High School enters a new era this fall under first-year head coach Jason Kervin, and the rebuild has started with the small tasks. The attention to detail has been present from day one.
“We don’t have custodians vacuum our locker rooms anymore. We’ve got our own vacuums, we vacuum our own locker rooms,” Kervin said. “It takes time for kids to embrace those things and understand that it’s not punishment.”
Kervin said the offseason program ran well from January through spring, though his full defensive staff, including coordinator Michael Brown, wasn’t yet in place. Since that group arrived, Kervin said the coaches have worked daily to reinforce the same language and expectations across the board.
“Everybody seemed to be locked in, they’re eager to learn,” Kervin said. “It’s not just offenses and defenses we’re teaching, it’s culture, how we act, how we behave, how we celebrate, how early we get here, when we leave.”
The program’s goal is straightforward: reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021, something that has been just out of reach for Oak Mountain in recent years.
“First of all, our goal is to get to the playoffs,” Kervin said. “I think the biggest thing is to play in a way that is clean and physical.”
Oak Mountain opens the season at home against Pelham on Aug. 21, then hosts Buckhorn the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Spain Park. The Eagles travel to Vestavia Hills, Prattville and Tuscaloosa County and host Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville and Thompson within the region. Oak Mountain has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Homewood.
OFFENSE
Kervin’s offense runs through junior quarterback Charlie Vacarella, who started as a sophomore a year ago. Kervin coached Vacarella’s cousin, Christopher, at Hoover and said Charlie’s experience last season gave him confidence in what he was getting.
“Anytime you’ve got a quarterback that has experience as a sophomore, that level is going
to pay dividends as a junior,” Kervin said.
The offensive line was an early point of emphasis, and Kervin said the addition of line coach Austin Stidham has made a difference after a spring and offseason together. Senior Luke Kelly returns at center as the group’s vocal leader, flanked by seniors John Bay Whatley at right guard and Jackson Ingle at left guard. Junior Sam Oswalt has emerged at right tackle, and junior Eli Ervin, Kervin’s most highly regarded lineman behind Kelly, returns at left tackle. Charles Larkin is also in the mix up front.
At running back, Oak Mountain returns senior Judson Sachs and junior Kentrell Tolbert, a pairing Kervin called a legitimate
one-two punch.
“Kentrell is as talented a running back as I’ve ever coached,” Kervin said.
Kervin wants to build around two tight ends and a fullback, a group he said didn’t previously exist in the program. Junior Tucker Kelly, a converted lineman and Luke Kelly’s cousin, headlines that group along with junior Brody Hughes, junior Labree Ham and sophomore Silas Allday.
At receiver, senior Okoye Walker brings track speed and physicality on the outside, while senior Jacob Gibbs, a transfer from Pelham, adds another proven target. Senior Blaise Hayes works out of the slot, and junior Isaac Booth, who caught a long touchdown
against Hoover as a sophomore, rounds out the group.
DEFENSE
Oak Mountain’s defensive line will be undersized for the region, but Kervin said the group plays with more toughness than its size suggests.
Senior Peyton Gamble is the unit’s leader, a hybrid edge player who Kervin said had three sacks in the spring game. Junior Zander Pender and senior James McCallister, a wrestler, round out a line Kervin wants to keep moving and disguising.
At linebacker, senior William Yoder led the region in tackles a year ago and anchors the middle of the defense.
“He’s a tackling machine,” Kervin said. “He’s going to be able to master Coach Brown’s defense and get everybody lined up.”
Senior Nolan Lawson and sophomore Aiden Molette are competing at Will linebacker, with junior Keenan Wolf playing a hybrid role at Spur.
The secondary returns only one starter from a year ago in senior Clay Mills, who Kervin called the leader of the back end.
Junior Deacon Brewer and junior Cooper Campbell round out the safety group. Junior Josiah Sachs, younger brother of running back Judson Sachs, starts at one cornerback spot, with senior Matthew Beard, a converted receiver, and senior Paxton Haley providing depth on the other side.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Josh Renfro returns as both placekicker and punter. Sophomore Joe Junkin will push for kickoff and field goal duties and also serves as holder, while sophomore George Ball returns at long snapper.
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Charlie Vacarella (11). Photo by Shawn Bowles.
Judson Sachs (26). Photo by Todd Lester.
William Yoder (10). Photo by Barry Stephenson.
UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Jaguars lean on culture and new pieces as they jump back into bigger classification
By KYLE PARMLEY
Spain Park High School enters 2026 with a small senior class, just 23 players, but what head coach Tim Vakakes describes as a program culture that’s been fully embraced by a group that has watched it be built by the classes before them.
“I think our kids understand our culture going into year five,” Vakakes said. “This group loves each other. It’s a close group.”
The Jaguars move back up into the state’s largest classification and region this fall, a jump Vakakes said his players are ready for given the atmosphere those bigger Friday nights bring.
Class 6A, Region 3 will have many familiar foes that will test the Jags on a weekly basis.
“I think that’s going to be the difference from last year to this year, just the atmospheres,” Vakakes said. “I think our coaches will have our kids prepared, and they’re excited about every Friday night.”
Vakakes called last season rewarding despite a disappointing finish, a 35-31 defeat at eventual state runner-up Saraland in the second round of the playoffs. He said that senior class set a standard he expects to carry into this season without the current team feeling like it has to live up to specific individual comparisons.
“Those kids have won 21 games the last two years,” Vakakes said. “I think that shows this group they can do it, too.”
Spain Park opens the season on the road against Sparkman on Aug. 21, then hosts Bessemer City the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 against Oak Mountain. The Jaguars host Thompson and Tuscaloosa County and travel to Vestavia Hills, Prattville, Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville within the region. Spain Park has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season at home against James Clemens.
OFFENSE
Junior Nash Davis takes over at quarterback after serving as the backup a season ago. Vakakes said Davis has the talent to be a major college recruit but is coming off arm surgery and should be cleared to practice a few weeks before the season opens.
At running back, CJ Davis transfers in from Hewitt-Trussville, and senior Hudson Hibbard, last year’s backup quarterback, moves into the backfield as well.
The receiving corps is led by junior Barrett Price, who Vakakes said has already earned
multiple offers this offseason through his work ethic at camps. Senior tight ends Connor Greb and Landrick Hallman and junior Sawyer Scott give Spain Park size in an offense that uses multiple tight ends, while senior Brody Smith, the son of an assistant coach, is expected to step into a leadership role at receiver.
Up front, senior Sammy Camargo returns at center, and junior Sawyer Pearson, who arrived last year from Florida, has grown into a 285pound lineman. Junior Isaac Harris returns as a starter, and Eli Barry, a transfer from Helena, and Deonta Pickett, a transfer from Hewitt-Trussville, add depth to the group.
DEFENSE
Spain Park’s secondary returns significant experience in seniors Tristan Hill and Jaylen Mosley, with junior Dwight Beckford also back
after playing extensively as a sophomore. Sean Sigler, a transfer, adds size at cornerback.
At linebacker, Tyler Wilson and Jonathan Roberto anchor the group, with Roberto in his third season as a productive player at the position. Junior Israel Anders, junior Hudson Dees, senior Kam Lewis and Malachi Pitts round out the group.
Vakakes said the defensive line has a chance to be the team’s strength, led by MJ Evans, a heavily recruited lineman who recently committed to Auburn. Senior Jaylen Bates and his younger brother, sophomore Jacoby Bates, add size, and junior Wyatt Baty and junior James Jones round out the front. Senior Nic Hendrix moved over from the offensive line this spring to add strength inside.
“That D-line group has a chance to be a strength,” Vakakes said. “It’s got some speed,
it’s got some length, and they’re tough.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Garrett Hoffman and sophomore Aiden Holloman will compete at kicker, while Zach Jones-Van Pelt returns as punter. Junior Elijah Blair and junior Asher McBride are among the candidates competing for the long snapper job.
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Barrett Price (7). Photo by Todd Lester.
Tristan Hill (12). Photo by Todd Lester.
Nash Davis (13). Photo by Richard Force.
Jaylen Mosley (1). Photo by Richard Force.
Save the Date
MT LAUREL FARMERS MARKET
► Where: Manning Place
► When: Every Saturday through mid-October, 8 a.m. to noon.
► Cost: Free admission.
► Details: Spend Saturday mornings shopping fresh, local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, flowers and specialty foods at the Mt Laurel Farmers Market. Featuring growers and makers from across Shelby and Chilton counties, the open-air market has become a beloved community tradition. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, live music, and the shops and restaurants throughout the Town of Mt Laurel.
► More Info: mtlaurel.com
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
► Where: City Hall Lawn, 11611 Chelsea Road
► When: Aug. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
► Cost: Free admission; food available for purchase.
► Details: Celebrate the final Food Truck Friday of the season on the City Hall Lawn in downtown Chelsea. Grab lunch or dinner from a rotating lineup of local food trucks, relax under the shaded picnic tables and enjoy lawn games in a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to support local food vendors while spending time with friends, neighbors and family in the heart of the community.
► More Info: cityofchelsea.com
CHELSEA CAR SHOW
► Where: Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Road
► When: Aug. 15
► Cost: Free admission.
► Details: Spend the day admiring classic cars, custom builds, trucks and specialty vehicles during the annual Chelsea Car Show. Hosted by Chelsea Lodge 886, the familyfriendly event features a variety of automobiles, food vendors, music, awards and opportunities to meet fellow car enthusiasts.
► More Info: cityofchelsea.com
SUMMER SHINDIG AT OLD BAKER FARM
► Where: Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road
► When: Aug. 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
► Cost: Contact Old Baker Farm for additional information.
► Details: Celebrate the season with an evening of family fun at Old Baker Farm’s Summer Shindig. Enjoy hayrides, sunflower fields, farm animals, artisan vendors, food trucks, live music and a fireworks finale. The event is a favorite late-summer tradition for families throughout Shelby County.
► More Info: oldbakerfarm.com
OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Aug. 15: Burrows & Biodiversity: Gopher Tortoise Program & Encounter, 1 p.m.
Aug. 22: Tiny But Mighty Raptors, 11 a.m.
Aug. 29: Junior Ranger Program — Forest Detectives, 11 a.m.
For registration information and park admission fees, visit alapark.com.
LIBRARIES
Aug. 10: Mt Laurel Needle Arts Group, 2 p.m. (Mt Laurel Library)
Aug. 10: Novel Horizons Book Club, 6 p.m. (North Shelby Library)
Aug. 13: Color Therapy, 5:30 p.m. (North Shelby Library)
Aug. 20: Library Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (North Shelby Library)
► For more events news, connect with 280 Living online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
WATER WONDERS: CREEK EXPLORATION
► Where: Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center, 200 Terrace Drive
► When: Aug. 8, 10 a.m.
► Cost: Program is free with paid park admission.
► Details: Discover the hidden world beneath the water’s surface during this guided creek exploration led by Oak Mountain State Park naturalists. Participants will search for aquatic insects, fish and other fascinating creek creatures while learning how healthy streams support Alabama’s diverse wildlife. Wear shoes that can get wet and prepare for a hands-on outdoor adventure that’s perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages.
► More Info: alapark.com
KNOW YOUR H2O
► Where: Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center, 200 Terrace Drive
► When: Aug. 9, 1 p.m.
► Cost: Program is free with paid park admission.
► Details: Celebrate Water Quality Month by learning what makes Alabama’s waterways healthy during this interactive educational program. Park naturalists will explain how scientists monitor water quality, why clean water is essential for wildlife and people, and how simple actions can help protect local streams and lakes. It’s an engaging program for families, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in conserving Alabama’s natural resources.
► More Info: alapark.com
Chelsea to host End of Summer Smash farmers market
By EMILY REED
The city of Chelsea will wrap up its first year of hosting the Chelsea Farmers Market on Aug. 1 beginning at 9 a.m.
The End of Summer Smash market will feature many of the favored vendors this summer.
“We have had a great response to the market this year,” said event coordinator Brandy Pate. “People have enjoyed coming to the market each week, and we have really loved seeing all of the vendors come.”
Pate said the idea for the market sprang from a conversation about how the city of Chelsea should have a farmers market.
“The idea kind of came about, we put things into action, and the first market we had, we had one vendor sell out of their products really quickly,” Pate said. “It has been fun to see how the market has grown this summer and the people that come out regularly to enjoy what there is to offer.”
Pate said seasonal produce from local farmers has been a popular item as well as locally made bread vendors.
“The sourdough seems to go really fast,” Pate said. “People really seem to love the bakers that come to the markets.”
There has also been a variety of artisans and makers who have come and shared things to sell.
The Summer Smash will feature live music from Jonathan Alan Stephens and his band the Stoplights. Stephens is a local, self-employed musician who is originally from Leeds and played at the market earlier in the season.
“He was super popular so we decided to
have him come back,” Pate said.
The market grew over the summer to roughly 55 vendors.
“We love adding new vendors each week,”
Pate said. “There is usually a really unique variety of things offered at the market each week.”
The Summer Smash will be held at the
End of Summer Smash Farmers Market
► Where: Chelsea Splash Pad at Melrose Park, 11101 Chelsea Road ► Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ► Web: cityofchelsea.com
Chelsea Splash Pad at Melrose Park, 11101 Chelsea Road.
Pate said the larger location will provide additional parking, plenty of room for families to spread out and the perfect setting to enjoy a fun-filled summer day together.
The Discover Shelby Stage will be set up for Stephens to play music throughout the event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets or umbrellas and celebrate the end of summer.
There will also be additional food vendors serving lunch for those who want to stay longer at the event.
“I think our market has grown this summer because the vendors are not just a number here,” Pate said. “We really get to know everyone and the city works to support them the best we can. We are all neighbors here. This is not a big governing entity allowing a market to happen. This is neighbors helping neighbors and having fun while doing it.”
For more information, visit the city of Chelsea’s website at cityofchelsea.com. There is also a Facebook event with details.
Chelsea’s End of Summer Smash will be Aug. 1. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Farmers Market.
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He changed his major to education after his freshman year. When his eligibility ran out, he stayed on as a graduate assistant and has been coaching ever since.
“I probably subconsciously knew I would end up being a coach one day,” he said.
His early career took him through smaller programs, where he was asked to do a little of everything. He coached both sides of the ball and special teams, building a foundation that he said most coaches never get.
“The smaller the school, the more hats you wear,” Niblett said. “You can’t be a good offensive coach if you don’t understand defensive concepts. I am blessed and thankful that I had that opportunity.”
His first coaching job in the high school ranks was at Shelby Academy before he joined his dad’s program in Selma at Meadowview Christian in 1995. He continued coaching with his dad at Central Christian a few years after that before taking over as head coach for the first time in 1999. He then moved to Springwood in Lanett from 2000 to 2005 before landing at Hoover, where he spent seven years as offensive coordinator under Josh Niblett and was part of state championship teams in 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014. He took the head coaching job at Foley in 2015 and spent five seasons there before returning to Hoover for a second stint as offensive coordinator. When Josh left for Gainesville, Tad followed.
“I had been a head coach for five years, about to start my sixth year,” he said of the decision to join his brother. “We [Tad and his wife] prayed about it, and the more we prayed about it, the more we felt that’s where God was leading us.”
The Gainesville run produced results on the field, as the team won 45 games over that four-year span. Josh Niblett stepped down to become the tight ends coach at the University of Colorado, where he will serve on staff with Deion Sanders.
Tad Niblett took the opportunity to move back home. The U.S. 280 corridor is not unfamiliar territory for Niblett. His mother is from Sylacauga, and he grew up traveling the corridor, watching the area develop over the decades. When the Chelsea job came open, the community aspect of it was as much a draw as anything else.
“That was real big for both of us,” he said of conversations with his wife, Paige. “The Chelsea community is a special community, and everything has confirmed that since we’ve been here. It’s about community. Not about this team.”
Chelsea Principal Brandon Turner said the hire was about more than what Niblett has accomplished on the field.
“Not only is he an accomplished football coach, but he also possesses a strong sense of character that is fundamental to our purpose as a school and community,” Turner said.
“We look forward to seeing him help grow and develop our program to new heights.”
Athletic Director Michael Stallings pointed to Niblett’s track record as the reason for optimism.
“His coaching foundation is built on success,” Stallings said. “He understands what it takes and has a plan for bringing that style of football to Chelsea.”
Now running his own program again, Niblett said the biggest adjustment has been the scope of the job.
“A lot of days, the coaching is just a small part of it,” he said. “As an assistant, you have a smaller unit of guys and you spend more time with them. As a head coach, it takes a lot more intentionality to connect with every kid.”
Building the right staff, he said, is as important as any scheme or system.
“You’ve got to be surrounded by good men first and good coaches second,” Niblett said. “I don’t want our kids to just see us as coaches. Guys on our staff are husbands and fathers, and we want players to see how they are as husbands and dads.”
On the field, Niblett’s approach is grounded in fundamentals. He wants his offense to dictate tempo and his defense to align, execute assignments and get the ball back. Spring practice, he said, was an early indicator that the players are buying in.
“Football is won by tough people,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what offense or defense you run; it comes down to blocking and tackling. Every good offense I’ve been a part of, they could block. Every good defense I’ve been a part of, they could tackle.”
The program’s framework runs on what Niblett calls the 3 Cs: connect, contribute and compete. Every practice breaks down on “ATM,” which stands for “accomplish the mission.”
“Our mission is chasing our best — getting better every day,” he said. “Everything matters — from making sure your locker is arranged how it’s supposed to be, to classwork, to how we dress, to how we talk to other people. Everything’s got to be connected.”
His four pillars for the program, listed in order, are person, student, athlete and player. The order is intentional.
“If all you get out of this program is football, I’ve done a poor job,” Niblett said. “Ten years from now, when they leave our program and become husbands and fathers, is there something they can tap back into that they learned from being in our program? That’s my philosophy.”
Four months into the job, he said the foundation is there.
“We want to be a program, not just a team, from top to bottom, from our oldest kids to our youngest ones,” Niblett said, “so that the community can say they’re proud to be part of Chelsea.”
Chelsea will begin its football season Aug. 21 at Southside-Gadsden.
NIBLETT
Chelsea’s new head football coach Tad Niblett during a practice at Chelsea High School on June 22. Photos by Richard Force.
Double Oak Park covers about 900 acres between Shelby County 41 and Shelby County 43 — about 1.8 miles off U.S. 280 — and this new addition to the park is just northeast of the existing park, next to Shoal Creek.
“The county’s had great foresight in working on this,” said Chase Draper, president of the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers.
What makes the Birmingham metro area stand out from others in the Southeast is the large tracts of land with trails, Draper said.
Shelby County is particularly blessed to have multiple parks with close to 1,000 acres and Oak Mountain State Park with 12,000 acres, he said.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Shelby County’s continuing drive to expand those parks,” Draper said.
There are a lot of people who enjoy the outdoors in the metro area, and “to continue to ensure that we’re not all crammed into one space, I think it’s hugely impactful to continue to build on what we have.”
A lot of other metro areas probably wish they could travel back in time and have this foresight to preserve land for outdoor use instead of developing it, Draper said. “You can put it further out on the perimeter, but you can’t make more of it,” he said.
The bulk of Double Oak Park was purchased by Shelby County in 2021, and the county developed hiking and biking trails throughout the property and held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the park in late 2022.
The first phase of Double Oak Park has been wildly successful, and protecting additional land in that area from development is very important, especially with it being atop a ridge, Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins said.
“We have over 22,000 acres of public land in Shelby County, which is unheard of for a county our size,” Scroggins said. “This continues to protect areas that also allow some of our most densely populated areas to have recreational opportunities. We’re looking for
other opportunities. We always are, but this one is one you just can’t pass by because you’re only paying for 25% of the total value of the property.”
The Forever Wild Land Trust should close on the sale of the property by mid-August to mid-September, and at that point, the county will move its boundary gates for Double Oak Park to include the new acreage, Scroggins said.
That likely will happen the next day, opening up old Jeep trails already on the 907 acres for public use as pedestrian and mountain bike trails, he said.
“It’ll be a great addition,” said Scroggins, who as a mountain biker himself is familiar with the trails in the existing Double Oak Park. “You can escape the world between those two valleys.”
Shelby County will maintain the park, and there will be an opportunity to expand the existing trail network, he said. There shouldn’t be a need to add more parking lots because the existing parking lot for Double Oak Park has plenty of space, and there is another parking lot at nearby Dunnavant Valley Park, which is connected, Scroggins said.
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Shelby County Commissioner Lindsey Allison said Scroggins did a great job getting this approved by the Forever Wild board of trustees, even gaining support from one board member whom she said rarely votes in favor of anything.
Scroggins said the Forever Wild board has been a good partner and trusted Shelby
County because of the successful previous partnership with the Cahaba River Park. County Commissioner Josh Sisk said this project is a massive win for the county. “We’ve been wanting to do it for a long time,” he said. “There’s a lot of growth along that corridor, and to be able to keep green space as public land is great.”
The area in pink is the nearly 900-acre Double Oak Park between Shelby County 41 and Shelby County 43. The area in green is the 907 acres being added to Double Oak Park, and the tan area to the right is Dunnavant Valley Park. Map courtesy of Shelby County.
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people the layout of trails in Double Oak Park. Photo by Jon Anderson.
