KultureCity secures $3.5M from Jefferson County for new accessibility park in Birmingham

Today, the Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved a $3.5 million investment to help develop the KultureCity National Accessibility Park, the world’s first national accessibility park. Led by local nonprofit KultureCity, the Park will be located at the historic Powell Steam Plant site and is expected to open in 2028.

Jefferson County Commission approves $3.5M commitment to KultureCity National Accessibility Park

Earlier this year, KultureCity inked an $11M deal with Alabama Power to purchase the historic Powell Steam Plant, an 80,105 square-foot former steam plant dating back to 1895. Located next to Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham, the steam plant is the future home of KultureCity’s National Accessibility Park—an exciting redevelopment of the structure that will include a museum, technical college, outdoor amphitheater and more.

Founded more than a decade ago in Jefferson County as a local effort to support individuals with autism and sensory needs, KultureCity has since grown into an international movement active in 40 countries in five continents.

“When we started KultureCity 11 years ago, we had a very simple mission: to ensure that everyone—regardless of their ability—can belong and have access to our community. If they’re given the opportunities, they can all truly excel and be the very best versions of themselves.”

Dr. Michele Kong, co-founder, KultureCity

According to KultureCity, the nonprofit has already secured commitments from several private donors, the city of Birmingham and the state of Alabama to help fund the $60 million National Accessibility Park project. Today, the Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved a motion to commit an additional $3.5 million from the County’s Economic Development Fund.

“This is truly an investment in our community. It’s going to create jobs, strengthen families and be a long-lasting economic asset for people in Jefferson County.”

James A. “Jimmie” Stephens, Commission President, Jefferson County Commission

According to Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens, 13% of working-age people within Jefferson County have some form of disability; of those people, only 43% are active in the workforce. The resources provided by the KultureCity National Accessibility Park—such as the workforce training provided by the technical college—will help many of those individuals enter the workforce and create a better quality of life for themselves and their family.

“Jefferson County is opening a new chapter today with its pledge of significant support for the steam plant project, adding a meaningful chapter to the legacy that this county is writing. On behalf of KultureCity, our board and the communities this work will ultimately serve far and wide, we are deeply, deeply grateful for that commitment and honored to return it through an extraordinary partnership.”

Stephen Kunken, Actor/Director and Board Member of KultureCity

KultureCity National Accessibility Park set to open in 2028

Designed to be a national model for accessibility, workforce development and economic growth, the KultureCity National Accessibility Park aims to transform the Powell Steam Plant into the world’s first fully integrated accessibility campus, complete with: 

• A technical college and workforce training center 
• Real-world job training through retail and culinary spaces 
• A museum and navigation center focused on accessibility and inclusion 
• An inclusive outdoor amphitheater and public gathering space 

Once completed, the project is projected to attract approximately 250,000 visitors annually, generate $45 million in total annual economic activity, and produce an estimated $900,000 in annual Jefferson County tax revenue.

Construction on the new park is expected to begin next year, with a goal of opening in 2028.

Excited to see the new KultureCity National Accessibility Park project take off? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!