Sloss Mine No. 2 at Red Mountain Park

With its tumultuous civil rights-era past and reputation as “the Pittsburgh of the South,” Birmingham often is victim to outsiders’ negative preconceptions. But the city is earning a new reputation. From the perpetually bustling Railroad Park to the new fire of Sloss Furnace, from the vibrant Theatre District to the verdant Rotary Park, the Magic City is giving new credence to its old nickname.

Among the more innovative and ambitious projects in the city’s recent history is Red Mountain Park (RMP), which is improving quality of life and bolstering economic growth across the metro area.

The park began in 2007 when U.S. Steel made one of the largest corporate land donations in the nation’s history, selling more than 1,200 acres of tremendously discounted property to the RMP and Recreational Area Commission.

Zipping courtesy of Red Mountain Park

This transaction created 12 miles of hiking and biking trails in the midst of a Southern city on the rise, earning Birmingham the rank of one of the “greenest” cities in America in terms of public park space per resident, and preserving a key part of regional and national history. It also stands to spur new and unexpected economic development across the Magic City.

The park is well on its way to achieving establishing such a reputation. In February 2014, the park was named a “Frontline Park” by the City Parks Alliance. According to the Alliance, “[RMP] exemplifies the power of urban parks to build community and make our cities sustainable and vibrant.”

Such an honor is more than recognition, according to park leaders, who say awards translate directly to economic benefits.

Katie Bradford, RMP’s director of marketing and public relations, says, “People want to live in walkable communities that have green space available. In fact, real estate values increase for residences within close proximity of the park. Businesses want to take root in livable places where employees enjoy excellent quality of life.”

Kaul Adventure Tower courtesy of Red Mountain Park

In addition to boosting real estate values and bringing in new business, the park is a big draw for tourists in a region perhaps better known for its state parks, lakes, and rivers than for its city.

“Whether you are a trail runner, history lover or thrill seeker, there is something you will enjoy doing here. And then you have the health benefits: spending even just a few minutes in nature improves the mental and physical health of children and adults alike,” Bradford explains.

The business community sees the potential benefits of a world-class urban green space. In June 2013 Wells Fargo and the Alabama Forestry Commission donated $50,000 to help fight off invasive species and maintain the natural ecosystem.

And according to the Birmingham Business Journal, earlier this year Walter Energy made a $285,000 in-kind donation of 23 acres to the park.

With such financial and moral support, the Birmingham business community must consider RMP a safe investment. Both for the present, and for posterity’s sake.

Hiking courtesy of Red Mountain Park