Gardendale has been recognized as the Fall 2023 Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) honoree. Established in 2002 and officially becoming a League program last year, ACE offers free tools and resources to smaller municipalities, helping them leverage unique community assets for growth and prosperity.
Gardendale's Path to ACE Designation
Founded in 1955, Gardendale, with over 16,000 residents, applied for the ACE program in 2019 and achieved designation in 2021. Bill Casaday, Gardendale's ACE local coordinator, led the city's participation, attending ACE training workshops and working closely with ACE leadership to meet program requirements. A key requirement was establishing a strategic plan, developed by a committee of 20 community leaders, including elected officials, business owners, and educators. This plan allowed Gardendale to assess its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging citizen participation and creating measurable action plans.
Significant Impacts of the ACE Process
The ACE process has significantly impacted Gardendale's economic development, marketing, education, and recreation opportunities. The most notable accomplishment since joining the program is the completion of the $34 million Bill Noble Park. This state-of-the-art facility features all-turf fields for football, nine baseball/softball fields, 11 pickleball courts, eight tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, an event center, a putting green, two half-sized basketball courts, and a cutting-edge playground. The park has enhanced local quality of life and transformed Gardendale into a destination for families across the Southeast.
Enhancing Education and Community Engagement
The city has also made strides in education, investing millions through a 5-mill property tax to improve its four schools, part of the Jefferson County School System. Efforts to highlight positive developments in schools through social media, websites, and a local news campaign led to the creation of the Rocket Education Enrichment Foundation. Gardendale also launched two new websites, cityofgardendale.com and mygardendale.com, to share city information, events, and marketing content.
Leadership and Vision of Mayor Hogeland
Mayor Hogeland, a lifelong Gardendale resident, played a pivotal role in the park's development. Having worked for the city's Parks and Recreation Department since age 14, he recognized the need to modernize the outdated Municipal Park. The new complex, opened in March 2023, eliminates the need for separate parks for boys' and girls' baseball and softball, uniting families during game nights. The facility has hosted over 50 athletic tournaments, becoming a major economic driver and marketing tool for the city.
Economic Growth and New Developments
Gardendale's partnership with The Retail Coach recruitment firm has attracted new businesses, contributing to developments like Magnolia Crossings, featuring popular establishments such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Chipotle. Mayor Hogeland emphasized the city's momentum in new business openings and the continued efforts to facilitate business growth.
Advice for Other Communities
Casaday advises other cities interested in the ACE process to secure buy-in from local leaders and involve a broad section of the community in strategic planning. The citizen involvement in Gardendale's ACE process was instrumental in aligning city goals with community needs, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
Future Plans and Continued Excellence
Looking ahead, Gardendale will maintain regular follow-up meetings with strategic planning committees and establish an ACE program page on their city website. As new graduates of the Economic Development Academy, the city's engagement with retail recruitment firms stems from ACE and EDA program insights, demonstrating the value of these initiatives.
Commitment to Quality of Life
Gardendale's Bill Noble Park has put the city on the sports tourism map, but Mayor Hogeland ensures that quality of life remains the priority. The park's motto, "Maximize usage while protecting the rights and expectations of local residents," reflects this commitment. Gardendale invites everyone to experience the park firsthand, promising a warm welcome and possibly a golf cart tour.