Welcome to Shadow Lake! :: In & Around Birmingham

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Shadow LakeSometimes my little ones need more room to roam outdoors than we have in my backyard. However, some days Mommy doesn’t feel like making the 30-40 minute drive to their requested park or playground. I’m then left with deciding where to take them to burn energy without my van burning too much gas. Thankfully we have a “new” community space in the Bessemer/McCalla area that has been a perfect solution for those days!

Shadow Lake

Shadow Lake is located at 5911 Old Tuscaloosa Highway. This family friendly 60-plus acre space is located near the Jefferson County/Tuscaloosa County border and is open from dawn to dusk. The property was once a dairy farm, but it is now owned by Grace Life Baptist Church. Since construction wrapped in Spring 2022, Shadow Lake has quickly become a treasured community destination. 

The Playground

The playground and swings are located in the lower fields. The swing set has standard swing seats, bucket seats, and a tire swing. If your little ones enjoy climbing and sliding, expect to spend lots of time at the playground structure. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables or log seats under the shade trees. Enjoy your picnic lunch or snacks, and when you are ready to clean up there are trash cans available for disposal. If you don’t mind the kids getting their feet wet, they will love walking or jumping in the streams and rocks under the playground bridge. 

The Lake

Sunset is my favorite time to look across the water, but any time of day is great for beholding this lake’s beauty. I usually drown out the sounds of the nearby interstate while daydreaming as I gaze. The pier and bridges are popular for standing to fish. I have seen others use buckets or camping chairs to sit, waiting for bass or bream to take the bait. The walking path around the lake is serene. I am able to get in a 20-30 minute walk while the kids greet the geese, say hello to the cows, or chase butterflies. We also collect small sticks, acorns, and pine cones along the path for craft projects to complete later. 

The Exercise and Sports Areas

Kickball, football, baseball and other team sports can be played in the lower fields. The upper parking level has the Outdoor Exercise Area, basketball court, and restrooms. There are several pieces of outdoor fitness equipment guaranteed to give you a full body workout. (Adult supervision is recommended for any young children using the equipment.)

Recently the kids introduced me to GaGa ball. Similar to dodgeball, the game is played in an octagonal shaped pit and gets lively! My preteen’s preferred place to be is the basketball court. Whether he is doing shooting drills, playing H.O.R.S.E. with my husband, or playing a pick-up game with friends, it’s hard pulling him away from there. Other activities played near the court include 4-square in the air and bean bag toss. 

The Gathering

Although anywhere at Shadow Lake is ideal for meeting with others, there are 2 intentional areas for groups to assemble while overlooking the water. There is a circle of adirondack chairs with a fire pit in the center that offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups.

The pavilion has several picnic tables, a grill, and trash cans. Electrical outlets are also available. You can sit, catch up with family and friends, and cook-out while taking in the lake view. (Can you tell I really like looking at the water?) As of this writing, reservations are not required for use. Unless a ministry event is going on, the facilities are on a first come first serve basis.

 

When all members of my family agree on where to go for an outing, I consider that a win! Shadow Lake is on our list of favorite places to visit. Conveniently located for us on the west side of Jefferson County, it is hard to beat in the no-cost outdoor adventures category. I hope your family can spend time together experiencing all there is to offer here. This area is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Birmingham. After you go, be sure to let me know how much you enjoyed it! For additional information in planning your trip, visit the website or follow Facebook page.