City of Birmingham Works with Railroad Park Foundation
(Birmingham AL) Today, the city council of Birmingham voted to approve an agreement with the Railroad Park Foundation that grants operating agreements with Railroad Park Foundation.
Mayor Langford has recently pledged city funds of $5 million to the stage II development of a community amphitheatre to be located in the park on the Northeast quadrant to match an additional $5 million to be raised by Railroad Park Foundation.
The agreement calls for a renewable five-year lease of the park by Railroad Park Foundation. Railroad Park Foundation will also lead the construction process managed by HB Brantley, Brantley Visioneering, based on park design of Tom Leader. Once complete, the Railroad Park Foundation will manage the 21-acre park and its varying components that will include a restaurant, amphitheatre, walking trails, and plenty of open green space.
Railroad Park Foundation project counsel, Katherine Estes Billmeier said, "Together this is a great partnership. The city trusts the Board of Railroad Park Foundation to do what it says it will do, and the Board trusts the city to do its part. It is a win-win for the city and for our community."
Giles Perkins, President of the Railroad Park Foundation added, "This historic park will bridge together the downtown area of Birmingham with the UAB campus and will be an asset that any city in the USA would envy." The park is located between the 18th Street and 14th Street blocks and 1st Avenue South and 1st Avenue North.
Construction should begin in the first quarter of 2008 with an expected completion date of second quarter 2009. The Railroad Park will be open to the public, free of charge, and will be managed by the Railroad Park Foundation.
If you have any questions or comments, please call the Railroad Park office at (205) 521-9933 or email info@railroadpark.org.
