Completed in 2010, Railroad Park is a 19 acre park space located in the centre of downtown Birmingham City, Alabama. A former warehouse and brick-making site, much of the park has been created with materials recovered from its historic uses. Known for being the lowest point in town, the park also serves as a storm-water management system, controlling runoff and rain flow to minimise localised flooding. Floodwater storage has been incorporated through a large reservoir for irrigation, which is then discharged through a stream and series of ponds as a summer fountain. This was designed by excavating for this water system, using spoils to create a series of knolls along the rail viaduct.
Not only has the park been designed to manage storm-water, it also acts a space devoted to uniting the local and wider community. Equipped with skate park, children's play area, exercise equipment and bridge connections the site is well-used, and is additionally used as a venue for concerts, cultural events, exercise groups, open cinemas and and even weddings, making a multi-use space for everyone. Its biggest event being the annual 'Craw-fish Boil', attracting 30,000 music fans.
The 'rail trail' which sits on the highest point of the site allows train-spotting on The Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines which run parallel alongside the park.
In my opinion this park is a great example of a successful green, multi-use space, helping to resolve possible flood issues within the area and serving the community successfully. Situated in an urbanised area with high levels of traffic, the park is a large space of refuge for many. This versatile space is interesting and represents to me that it is possible for both leisure and functionality to work simultaneously.
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