(Photo) View of Railroad Park

Piece 1: Railroad Park. Opened in 2010, Railroad Park sits on 19 acres in the heart of Downtown Birmingham AL, and is often referred to as “Birmingham’s Front Lawn.” The park’s location is where major rail lines historically converged, facilitating the transportation of iron and steel. The park’s construction incorporated recycled materials like hand-cast bricks, original cobblestone, and steel rails as a nod to the city’s railroad and industrial history.

Approximately 30% of Railroad Park is water; including a large recreational lake, wetlands, ponds, and streams. A notable park highlight is the Rain Curtain, a water feature that is backlit with LED lights at night. It is an 80-foot-long installation located along the lakeside boardwalk and under the Rail Trail Bridge.

The park offers visitors over 1.5 miles of paved accessible trails, including the Rail Trail which runs parallel to the train tracks. The 17th Street Plaza near the center of the property is a partially-covered space featuring tables and chairs, a cafe, and public restrooms. There is also an amphitheater adjacent to the plaza that hosts concerts and community events.

Railroad Park has been a catalyst for commercial and residential development of the property surrounding it, creating what has become known as the Parkside District.

View of Regions Field

Piece 2: Regions Field. Opened in 2013, Regions Field is a modern baseball park in the heart of downtown Birmingham AL. It is located within the city’s Parkside District, positioned right across the street from Railroad Park. It serves as the home field of the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A minor league affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox.

The stadium’s exterior façade is characterized by the use of steel and brick, materials that pay homage to the city’s manufacturing legacy. Its seating capacity of approximately 8,500 creates an intimate (yet energetic) atmosphere that enhances the fan experience.

The park features a variety of family and youth attractions (such as batting cages and a playground with inflatables). There is also a diverse selection of food and beverage options, including Dreamland Barbecue and local craft beers.

One of the most memorable parts of a visit to Regions Field is the scenic view of the Birmingham skyline. The Children’s Hospital of Alabama, with its modern glass facade and multi-colored LED lights, creates a unique visual experience for fans during night games…resembling falling confetti.

View inside Negro Southern League Museum

Piece 3: Negro Southern League Museum. The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM) in Birmingham AL opened on August 28, 2015. Located in the city’s Parkside District, the museum is just steps from the modern day home of the Birmingham Barons, Regions Field.

The NSLM is a cultural and historical repository that enables visitors to fully explore the origin and impact of the Negro Southern League, one of the prominent African American baseball leagues that emerged during a time when racial segregation barred black athletes from participating in the Major Leagues.

Visitors will learn that many baseball legends began their careers on Negro Southern League teams; including Jackie Robinson, Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Willie Mays, Hilton Smith, Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Josh Gibson, and George “Mule” Suttles.

The museum features a compelling array of artifacts; including vintage baseball uniforms, equipment, trading cards, photographs, and memorabilia.

Two highlights of the NSLM for us was the large collection of autographed baseballs near the museum entrance (including balls signed by National Baseball Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Satchel Paige) and the interactive exhibit about Paige where visitors can select one of his pitches (the hurry up ball, the wobbly ball, the hesitation ball, or the midnight rider) and watch a hologram image of him throwing it.

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