by: Nadia Shaw

Orr Park is a public park located in Montevallo, Alabama, that is famous for its unique tree carvings. The history of Orr Park dates back to the early 1900s when it was originally established as a public park by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression.

The land for the park was donated by Dr. Henry Orr, a prominent physician and businessman in the area, and his wife, Elizabeth, in memory of their son, Marvin Orr, who died in World War I.

The park was originally named Marvin Orr Memorial Park, but it later became known simply as Orr Park.

For many years, Orr Park was a quiet, peaceful place where local residents could come to enjoy picnics, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, in the early 1990s, a local artist named Tim Tingle began carving faces into the park’s trees using a chainsaw.

Tingle’s tree carvings were an immediate hit with the public, and soon other artists began adding their own carvings to the park’s trees.Today, Orr Park is home to more than 30 tree carvings, including depictions of animals, historical figures, and fictional characters.

The carvings have become a major attraction for tourists visiting the area and have helped put Montevallo on the map as a destination for art lovers.

In addition to the tree carvings, Orr Park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is maintained by the city of Montevallo and is open to the public year-round.