Recreational Areas

Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail): Generally considered an easy route, Shades Creek Greenway takes an average of 1h 30 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open all year. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The Homewood Soccer Park is located off South Lakeshore Drive near Homewood High School, and Samford University. It contains multiple soccer fields, a field house, and multiple parking lots.

Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Local Floodplain

Floodplains and wetlands offer many advantages to both human communities and natural environments. In our local floodplain, flood control and water quality stand out as paramount concerns. Wetlands and floodplains play a crucial role by absorbing excess water during heavy rains or floods and gradually releasing it downstream, thereby mitigating flood-related damages. Moreover, wetlands and their vegetation act as natural filters, absorbing and cleansing harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Within the City of Homewood, numerous undeveloped floodplain areas have been identified, serving as vital spaces for recreation, education, and research that contribute significantly to the local economy. The city has undertaken various successful initiatives to safeguard its precious wetlands and floodplains, such as the Homewood Soccer Park, Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore trail), and Homewood Central Park.