Orr Park’s latest tree carvings by Tim Tingle. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Orr Park in Montevallo has always had a touch of magic, thanks to the whimsical tree carvings of local legend Tim Tingle. Now, that wonder is leveling up with fresh carvings and a freshly built performance stage—each marked by Tingle’s signature imagination.

Read on to discover the latest ways Orr Park is enchanting this charming town just 45 minutes or less from Birmingham.

Tim Tingle brings magic to Montevallo’s trees

I first discovered the magic of Tim Tingle’s carved trees during my college years at the University of Montevallo, and I’ve been enchanted ever since.

Back in the ‘90s, when Orr Park was dotted with storm-damaged cedar trees, Tingle had a spark of imagination: he saw a chance to turn those battered trunks into playful works of art—carving birds, faces and other whimsical figures that seem to bring the trees to life.

Today, these carvings continue to be one of Montevallo’s most unique and cherished attractions, delighting visitors of all ages.

Orr Park’s new additions

Orr Park is becoming even more magical, thanks to recent tree carvings by local artist Tim Tingle. City officials worked with Tingle to bring fresh designs to the park’s landscape.

“Tim Tingle is the carver who does all of the work on the faces in the trees and we were running out of trees for him to carve. So, he began to harvest cedar logs that we had in the area, our city crews cemented them into the ground and then Tim once again started carving.”
Steve Gilbert, City Clerk, City of Montevallo

Gilbert noted that Tingle had taken a bit of a hiatus, but in the past year, he’s created another 15 to 20 pieces—and he’s not stopping there.

“Tim’s goal is to reach 100 carvings in the park. He’s in the upper 80s right now.”
Steve Gilbert, City Clerk, City of Montevallo

There are currently several recently carved trees to discover including faces, squirrels, dragons and gnomes.

A freshly-built performance stage is another exciting addition to Orr Park, born out of festival needs. Orr Park hosts an art festival every third Saturday in April and the Tinglewood Festival on the first Saturday every September. With these events drawing performers and crowds, the park needed a larger stage to accommodate groups during the festivals.

Gilbert explained how the stage came together:

“I applied for a grant with the Alabama State Council on the Arts through our local arts collaborative, and we were awarded the grant. I designed the stage with Tim, and he carved the faces into each of the four roof supports.”
Steve Gilbert, City Clerk, City of Montevallo

Plan your visit to Orr Park in Montevallo

If you haven’t visited recently (or ever), now is the perfect time. With new carvings and stage, Orr Park is ready to surprise and inspire anyone looking for a little enchantment just a short drive from Birmingham.

Check it out at 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115.

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