City of Clay Alabama

All work and no play will make a boy- and a city- dull. That certainly isn't the case in the City of Clay. The City has many venues for people to enjoy their leisure time. The choices vary from the spirited to the passive.
 

City-owned Facilities

Clay City Park- The Clay City Park is still under construction at 7257 Old Springville Road, but it already has state-of-the-art ballfields and an upscale concession stand. Currently, four baseball fields and one soccer / football fields are the main place for little league sports. Additionally, an adult soccer team uses the soccer field.

Recently, the city restructured the management of the park and the concession stand through the City of Clay Park and Recreation Board. The city works with directors of each sport.

Click here for little league sports information.

The plan for the park includes a walking path along the creek in the center of the park, along with more fields and a bicycle motorcross track.


Community Center- The Clay Community Center at 6415 Clay-Palmerdale Road, constructed in 2005, is a perfect place for your perfect reception, party or reunion. It is also currently used for the Clay City Council meetings. The cost to Clay residents is $200, and it is $250 for anyone who lives outside the city limits.
 
The Usage Agreement  and deposit must be turned into Clay City Hall a  week before the event. Anyone who rents the center is responsible for the clean-up after the event.



Senior Activity Center- Under the leadership of Director Linda Love, the Clay Senior Activity Center at 6415 Clay-Palmerdale Road attracts mature people in Clay and many from neighboring communities. The very lively group enjoys games, trips, music performances and other events. The center also offers low-cost meals to its members. People can also rent the center for functions as long as they abide by the Rental Agreement and pay $75 for three hours. Contact the director at 681-0238.

Cosby Lake Park- In 2008, the city purchased property at 6275 Old Springville Road, wich includes the historic Cosby Lake, to be used as a passive park. The city received financial assistance toward this purchase from the Freshwater Land Trust. In turn, the city agreed to grant a conservation easement, permanently protecting this beautiful lake and the natural habitat that thrives there.

At no cost, people can have a picnic, walk along the walking path or throw a Frisbee. Prominently in the geographic center of Clay, the park provides beautiful views, especially in the fall when the leaves on the mountain behind the lake are reflected in the water. A mini-wetland area has attracted beavers and a variety of birds. The Canada geese are often seen feeding on the grass or crossing the street.




Historically, the lake has attracted fisherman of all ages, and experts report that the lake is still full of bass, crappie, catfish and brim just waiting to be taken home for dinner. Anyone wanting to fish at the lake must get an Alabama Fishing License. The rules include that no motors, except trolling motors, are allowed on the lake.

A building at Cosby Lake Park, vacated in early 2009, will soon be available for public use.

mall building. During wrestling season, the little league wrestlers use the building.

after the school was built,  the mighty Cougars won the state title.

Clay's athletes have brought home a championship title by not only playing well on the gridiron, but playing on the diamond has also led to a 2003 state championship for the baseball team.

In addition to football and baseball, the school has produced winning softball and girls basketball teams, creating a lot of community pride and a state-wide claim to faim.


Track- Clay-Chalkville Middle School has a state-of-the-art track built in 2008. Clay residents enjoy walking around the track and along Cougar Drive in front of the schools.


Playgrounds- The sound of children playing - what could be sweeter? Clay Elementary, right next to City Hall, has two playgrounds used by elementary students, a day care and anyone who wants to allow their children to expend some energy.

Privately-owned Facilities

Just outside the city limits are other recreational opportunities in horseriding, swimming and fishing.

Dreamweaver Stables- Clay's history includes a love for horseriding. Clay's mountain views and convenience to the Birmingham metropolitan area attract many who want to experience a little country life, while living in the city or suburbia. Dreamweaver Stables offers riding lessons, camps and shows.

Mountain View Stables- A family business, also located right outside the city limits, Mountain View Stables offers boarding, riding lessons and other horse-related agricultural services.

Zamora Park- For camping, fishing and swimming, as well as geese-watching, people go to Zamora Park on Cedar Mountain Road. This is a private park for Shriners and their guests.

Annual Opportunities

Parade- The City of Clay sponsors a Christmas parade that has tremendous support. Spectators line the streets to see the stellar Cougar Band, catch some flying candy and see many floats.

Participation in the parade is free. Prizes are awarded to the best entries.

The 2009 Clay Christmas Parade will be on December 12. 

Clay May Days- In honor of our namesake, the clay soil, the City and Clay Area Chamber of Commerce work together to have a fun festival in May every year, called Clay May Days.  The free event includes many activities and artists using clay. Potters, clay facials, painting clay pots were just a few of the events in 2010.