Landscape Architect Articles

Full-Service Alabama Sports Park09-18-25 | Feature

Full-Service Alabama Sports Park

All Ages Play
by HNP Landscape Architecture

Set on 46 acres, the Bill Noble Park in Gardendale, Alabama, was redesigned by HNP Landscape Architecture from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Formerly known as the G. William Noble Athletic Complex, the site is now home to 11 pickleball courts and eight tennis courts (both with Plexipave by California Sports Surfaces), nine ball fields, covered batting cages, a football field, a beach volleyball court, an event center, a playground, and a putting green. There is also a walking trail that weaves through the site.

Shade structures were specified above 8-foot-long, square perforated steel picnic tables that were placed around the complex. Twenty-eight U-bike racks were added along the pathway for security. On the baseball fields, a 10-inch Beam Clay pitching mound and batting mats were added.

Designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, the entrance sign features powder-coated steel lettering with a cast stone base, while in-ground LED uplighting provides visibility. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) was specified for depth.

Aluminum seating along the sidelines overlooks the synthetic turf football field. Two field goal post pads feature custom graphics. A pavilion serves as added shade.

Twenty-three Adirondack chairs made of recycled, high-density polyethylene were specified as an accent to the party deck field viewing area between fields. The space also includes three benches, three rotating chairs, picnic tables, ten coffee tables, and 15 party deck cubes. String lights were added for a softer lighting effect. A removable outfield safety fence lines the perimeter while black vinyl-coated fencing is set into the curbing.

Just outside the Stan Hogeland Event Center, the pavilion area features a fire pit, a synthetic turf putting green, picnic tables, benches, open top grills, and trash receptacles.

The 11 plexipave pickleball courts by California Sports Surfaces include terraced seating, a pavilion with picnic tables, lighting, and fencing. Eight tennis courts - resurfaced by the same manufacturer - now have new black vinyl-coated fencing. Lower Bros Tennis Courts - a Birmingham, Alabama local construction company that specializes in construction and mainentance of courts - built both sites.

Featuring play spaces for 2-5-year-olds and 5-12-year-olds, the 36,000-square-foot playground was designed in partnership with Landscape Structures and features two spinners, a large structure, merry go-rounds, and sensory play such as a dome, table, see-saw, bells, drums, and chimes. Climbers, bridges, slides, and swings complete the playground that runs into the multi-sport half-court for basketball, foursquare, hopscotch, shuffleboard, pickleball, and more. Picnic tables were placed under the pavilions.

The site plan displays the entire 46-acre park, including 267 parking spots found to the north and south.

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For decades, Bill Noble Park (formerly known as G. William Noble Athletic Complex) served as a cornerstone for youth sports and community gatherings with its football and baseball fields, tennis courts, and kiddie park. Recognizing the need to upgrade and expand the park, the city of Gardendale launched a major revitalization effort in 2020 to reimagine the hub of the community. The city committed to creating a destination for sports and recreation that would serve its residents and visitors. A team of professionals was formed in partnership with the city to execute a meticulous plan. Site design for the 46-acre, multi-faceted sports and recreation complex was led by HNP Landscape Architecture. Williams Blackstock Architects and representatives of LBYD Engineers joined the team to create an unforgettable venue for Gardendale.

Planning and Collaboration
Within 14 months, the comprehensive design was complete, thoughtfully integrating a wide range of athletic fields and courts with passive recreational elements, creating a balanced environment for both active play and relaxed enjoyment. Careful attention was given to layout, sightlines, and material selection to enhance the visual appeal and overall guest experience.

Beyond the overall site design, HNP's responsibilities included playground design, field and court layout, trajectory studies and fencing plans, site furniture and amenity specifications, landscape design and irrigation coordination, estimation, grading, drainage, and overall construction observation. The event center, grandstands, concession buildings, and maintenance facilities were designed by other consultants. The project went to bid in January 2022, and Stone Building Company was selected as the general contractor to execute the extensive site work.

Bill Noble Park was a complete rebuild of the former site. Grading and infrastructure improvements required moving more than 300,000 cubic yards of earth and rock. New utilities, roads, drainage systems, and facilities were installed. Only the original tennis courts remained, which were fully renovated during construction.

The project team addressed several challenges, including complex grade changes, ensuring ADA accessibility across diverse terrain, and maximizing spectator sightlines and comfort. Solutions included major grading and rock removal, strategic placement of bleachers and retaining walls, and the integration of accessible routes and shaded gathering areas.

Bill Noble Park was completed in mid-2023 and opened most fields for play during the 2023 spring baseball season. The $32 million park includes fields and courts for baseball, softball, football, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. While sports are the mainstay of the park, the amenities and attention to detail make Bill Noble Park a destination for more than 170,000 visitors a year.

Inclusive Playground Design
At the core of the park is the 36,000-square-foot inclusive playground designed by HNP in partnership with Landscape Structures. Selections were made to serve different age groups - 2-5 and 5-12 - so that the playground encourages imaginative, sensory-rich play and social interaction for all abilities.

The playground features full ADA access, synthetic turf surfacing, interactive play panels, and musical instruments. A multi-sport half-court allows for basketball, foursquare, shuffleboard, hopscotch, and pickleball just beyond the playground. Other special features include misting poles, a gaga ball pit, a wall ball zone, ample shaded seating, and family-friendly gathering areas. The thoughtful placement of picnic areas, grills, and pavilions integrates seamlessly with the overall site design, offering purposeful moments of rest and connection within the active landscape.

Sports Fields and Courts
Beyond the playground, Bill Noble Park offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for all ages. The park includes nine synthetic turf baseball and softball fields with eight covered batting cages and six bullpens. A synthetic turf field lined for football and soccer offers a flexible play space. The decision to use synthetic turf on the fields assists with maintenance and helps shorten weather-related delays to keep games and tournaments on schedule.

Eight original tennis courts were fully renovated and eleven new pickleball courts were added, including one championship court with terraced seating. A pavilion with picnic tables and a restroom building sits between the tennis and pickleball courts. These courts invite players of all skill levels to enjoy the park. Adjacent to the courts is a basketball half-court and a beach volleyball court for recreation.

While most of the sports fields are utilized for youth baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, and soccer, numerous adult softball and kickball leagues now call Bill Noble Park home.

Design Highlights
The design focused on accessibility, community connection, and user experience. Special features enhance the overall park experience, including the Stan Hogeland Event Center with a fire pit and putting green, nine rentable pavilions, grilling areas, shaded structures, event lawns, and landscaped green space corridors. Sidewalk loops and future nature trails further connect visitors to the outdoors. One standout feature is the "party deck" located among the athletic fields. This spectator-focused area offers Adirondack chairs, rotating chairs, and other portable seating. This, alongside shade structures, tables, and string lighting on a synthetic turf platform, creates a relaxed, elevated viewing experience.

While it is notably a "sports complex" for games and tournaments, the amenities make Bill Noble Park a year-round draw.

A north-south greenspace corridor links the non-sports amenities, creating cohesion throughout the park. The layout supports community events that are open to the public, including summer camps, art and cooking classes, adult softball and kickball leagues, farmers markets, Christmas Village, Pumpkinfest, and "I Love America Day."

A Regional Destination
Thanks to thoughtful planning, inclusive design, and a wide range of amenities, Bill Noble Park has become a vibrant community hub and regional destination. With the design team at the helm of the site design, the project successfully blends athletics, recreation, and universal accessibility into one unforgettable public space. Since its opening in 2023, the park has been recognized with awards for the pickleball courts and overall athletic fields by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA). Accolades include the 2023 Outdoor Pickleball Facility of the Year, the 2024 Multi-Field Facility of the Year, and the ASBA Award.

As seen in LASN magazine, September 2025.