Trails and promenades define Railroad Park, which is the result of an effort to revitalize a decaying railroad corridor in Birmingham, Alabama. This 19 acres of green space in the middle of downtown Birmingham has been transformed thanks to a public-private partnership that is tied to the history of the area. This connection has also created a path to the future for park and for the surrounding community.
The Tracks Through Time of Birmingham
The city of Birmingham has a history with railroads that stretches all the way back to when the city was founded in 1871. The booming iron and steel industries gave it the nickname “Magic City”, which is celebrated in the nearby Rotary Trail. As the city and economy transformed so did the need for railroads, which is part of the reason the area from 14th Street to 18th Street along First Avenue South fell into disrepair. That compelled an initiative to revitalize the space in 2010.
Much of this history is highlighted in the park itself, both directly and indirectly. Some of the walls and seating areas use bricks and objects unearthed on the site when Railroad Park construction began. Re-used and recycled objects including hand-cast bricks and original cobblestone can also be found throughout the park.
Featuring a 2-acre pond, 600 trees, native wildflowers and a natural amphitheater, Railroad Park has become a hub of activity for audiences of all types. The Rail Trail extends the length of the park to provide visitors with a set path through and around the space, but there are other trails to jog or bike in the park. Numerous residents use the park to have lunch or simply to go for a walk. This variety underscores the numerous ways that visitors can engage with Railroad Park.
Memberships, Special Events and More
Owned by the City of Birmingham and managed by the non-profit Railroad Park Foundation, the organization offers a variety of programs the entire family can enjoy. These include events like the Sunset Cinema series in the amphitheater as well as more informal ones like croquet lessons. A complete Calendar of Events highlights everything that’s available to visitors. Special events like the Jingle Bell Run/Walk and “Light the Night” take place at different times throughout the year.
These events provide the park with a direct source of revenue but Railroad Park also offers memberships, the perks of which include free event tickets, exclusive Railroad Park collectibles and special volunteer opportunities. Youth Memberships provide the community with a whole different set of opportunities.
Railroad Park is also available to book for events, with numerous spaces to rent as well as packages and rates. As an additional means of direct revenue, the Boxcar Café at Railroad Park offers various menu options. The Café is open spring through fall and for special events.
All of the events and activities have compelled some to refer to Railroad Park as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” highlighting what it can mean for a greenspace to celebrate legacy that is tied to the past and future of an entire city.
“Birmingham’s Living Room”
What had been a neglected and run-down area of Birmingham is now a place where residents can come to relax and visitors can truly experience a much different side of the city. It has completely changed the way people are able to interact with the area while also becoming a driver for economic development that has spurred a great deal of investment in the vicinity. In doing so, Railroad Park has come to serve as a true catalyst of transformation for the city of Birmingham and beyond.
