Railroad Park fundraising group head stepping down

By Joseph D. Bryant -- News staff writer

March 22, 2010

The head of the fundraising group for the Railroad Park downtown is stepping down just months before the massive $22 million green space is set to open.

Giles Perkins, a Birmingham lawyer who led the Railroad Park Foundation, last week resigned his post as president, citing his candidacy for state attorney general.

Perkins, who was president for five years, will remain a member of the group's board. Perkins is succeeded by Will French, who previously served as vice president of the group.

Opening for the 21-acre linear park is set in early July. The park, which will run between 14th and 18th streets from First Avenue South to the railroad tracks near Morris Avenue, will be bordered by residential and commercial development.

Perkins called the park a strong example of collaboration between several groups and governments.

"The park in and of itself is a great success for downtown," Perkins said. "If we all pull together we can do some incredible things in the community."

Talk of the park found momentum in 2006, but several delays - caused by technical issues, a land fight, budget and political squabbles - stretched out the actual groundbreaking until December 2008.

Public funding for the park totals $12.5 million, with the city of Birmingham putting in about $8 million, Jefferson County contributing $2.5 million and a federal grant providing $2 million. The foundation has raised about $10 million, the bulk through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

The group cut some features to trim costs, including downsizing plans for an amphitheater. Organizers also had to redraw some of the blueprints following a dispute over a right-of-way with NorfolkSouthern railroad.

But with problems resolved, opening day is in sight, Perkins said.

"The biggest challenge was keeping everyone believing that we could do this," Perkins said.

With construction nearly complete, Perkins said the group will reposition itself as a management group.

The private, nonprofit foundation will operate and maintain the park under an agreement with the city.

jbryant@bhamnews.com