Railroad Park Foundation
Railroad Park Foundation
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About this organization
Mission
Railroad Park inspires energy, revitalization and a sense of place in Birmingham by stimulating cultural, economic and social activity within and around the Park. Railroad Park Foundation fulfills this mission by providing high impact programs that bolster economic development, family & community bonds, and health & wellness—all to enhance city vibrancy. The Park proudly serves as a welcoming and inclusive multi-use green space.
About
Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as "Birmingham's Living Room," Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham's downtown area with Southside and UAB's campus. During 2018, there were approximately 395,000 visitors to the park. Railroad Park has been the catalyst for tremendous change not only in the physical landscape of Birmingham, but also in the perception of what Birmingham can be. In 2018, Railroad Park Foundation continued to focus on three primary goal areas: Economic Development, Family and Community, and Health and Wellness.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTSSupported economic development efforts to attract and retain businesses and talent in 2018:*Generated more than 395,000 annual visitors.*Implemented revenue-generating programs that inspire civic pride, including:-American Family Care presents Trucks by the Tracks food truck festival, which netted more than $23,000 in 2018, generating more than $8,715 in City of Birmingham sales tax and business license income. -#BHAM Proud Contest presented by PNC monthly video contest, which sparked community pride in Birmingham.*Garnered local, national, and international press recognition, including Money Magazine's "This is the Best Park in Every U.S. State."*Continued partnership with local start-up SmallBox, LLC which converts shipping containers into unique, semi-portable retail spaces. The local start-ups included Urban Vintage, Magic City T-Shirt, and Trove.*Created more than 1 million impressions per month on social media about positive Birmingham events, happenings, and updates.*Leveraged by local businesses, colleges & universities to attract, recruit & retain top talent.*Provided countless photo backdrops, free wi-fi, and 19-acres of inspiration.Stimulated further investments within the City, including The Battery (home of Birmingham District Brewing Co., True40, Birmingham Pedal Tours, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, and Wasabi Juan's), Buffalo Wild Wings, and Printers Corner.FAMILY & COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTSProvided dynamic and diverse programs of interest to families and the entire community in 2018:*More than 124 client events were hosted at Railroad Park in 2018: food festivals, concerts, family reunions, birthday parties, social mixers, company promos, weddings, and non-profit fundraisers. Revenue from these events, their associated catering & vending percentages, and Park merchandise sales generated more than $154,000 that went directly back into funding Park amenities for all.*Free community events: RRPF continued partnerships with community partners to provide free programming to Birmingham residents throughout the year, including:-Symphony in the Summer: free Alabama Symphony Orchestra concerts.-PNC Mobile Learning Adventure: free interactive family activities.-Financial Forums on the Railroad: a BBVA Compass collaboration providing free workshops on topics such as home ownership and credit scores.*Continued production of successful revenue-generating programs that support Park sustainability, including: -Publix presents Family Camp Out Night: a memorable camping experience in the heart of Birmingham. Families of all backgrounds enjoyed experiential lessons led by community partners, including Sloss, Birmingham Zoo, and Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University. -Brrrmingham: Ice Skating in Railroad Park presented by VIVA HEALTH: more than 22,000 skaters and spectators experiencing ice skating under the Birmingham skyline. Numerous special events were held, including discount skate nights for residents of Birmingham's 99 Neighborhoods. Shipt sponsored this year's Skatesgiving event, which highlighted Urban Ministry.*Maintained several age-specific playgrounds enjoyed by thousands of children each week.*In partnership with the City, provided a safe and secure open green space for all families to enjoy, including accessible amenities for families and individuals.HEALTH & WELLNESS HIGHLIGHTSProvided dynamic health and fitness programming for our community in 2018:*Produced Get Healthy on the Railroad sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama: free weeknight exercise classes throughout 2018, reaching more than 6,100 participants. By promoting wellness and making fitness both fun and accessible, Get Healthy has helped thousands of people live a healthier life.*Hosted the return of the popular Get Healthy on the Railroad Cooking Classes sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for a third year. Railroad Park Foundation partnered with area non-profits: Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Urban Ministry, and Junior League of Birmingham's Project Yummy to provide free classes the first Sunday afternoon of each month from May through September. 546 participants received free produce & a recipe card to replicate healthy cooking at home.*Presented a Senior Fit Health Fair in April to kick off the addition of a Senior Fit class to the Get Healthy exercise line-up, which provided exercises and instructions tailored to the senior population and the challenges they face.*Maintained the Railroad Park walking trails, which provide a great walking experience for the more than 395,000 annual visitors to Railroad Park.*Inspired exercise and play 365 days a year with amenities such as free Outdoor Exercise Stations and playgrounds.*Offered a place for contemplation and respite for those with loved ones receiving treatment at Children's Hospital and UAB Hospital, as well as families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
Interesting data from their 2020 990 filing
The filing clearly states the mission of the non-profit as “Railroad park inspires energy, revitalization and a sense of place in birmingham by stimulating cultural, economic and social activity within and around the park.”.
When outlining its functions, they were explained as: “Railroad park inspires energy, revitalization and a sense of place in birmingham by stimulating cultural, economic and social activity within and around the park.”.
- In compliance with legal regulations, the non-profit has reported their state of operation as AL.
- The filing records the non-profit's address for 2020 as 1600 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233.
- As of 2020, the non-profit's form reports a total of 8 employees.
- Is not a private foundation.
- Expenses are greater than $1,000,000.
- Revenue is greater than $1,000,000.
- Revenue less expenses is -$113,423.
- The organization has 18 independent voting members.
- The organization was formed in 2008.
- The organization pays $505,428 in salary, compensation, and benefits to its employees.
- The organization pays $85,140 in fundraising expenses.
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