Camille Spratling Celebrates 15 Years of Railroad Park as Birmingham’s Front Lawn

President Jeff Stone with Rotarians Cheryl Morgan and Camille Spratling

This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Rotarian Camille Spratling, Executive Director of Railroad Park Foundation. She reflected on the park’s transformation from an abandoned, blighted space into Birmingham’s award-winning “front lawn.” Spratling credited the vision and support of more than 150 Rotarians who have served as board members, advisors, campaign leaders, and donors, making the park’s opening in 2010—and its continued success—possible.

Spratling discussed how Railroad Park has become a catalyst for Birmingham’s growth, welcoming half a million visitors annually. A Georgia Tech study estimated the park has generated more than $500 million in new property value, while its community programs have brought residents together for concerts, fitness classes, cultural events, and the annual Picnic at Railroad Park, which this year will feature Grammy award-winning Birmingham artist Pink Beard. The park also enhances health and wellness through its Get Healthy on the Railroad program, which provides free exercise and cooking classes.

Spratling shared that the Railroad Park Foundation has established an endowed fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to ensure its future for generations. She also previewed a new documentary film about the park, premiering October 16 at the Lyric Theatre.

“Over the last 15 years, Railroad Park has become a boundless source of energy for a city on the rise,” Spratling said. “It is our vibrant front yard—welcoming everyone, inspiring our better nature, and helping Birmingham grow stronger together.”

Bio for Camille Spratling

Birmingham native Camille Spratling has served as Railroad Park Foundation's Executive Director since 2010. Prior to joining Railroad Park, Ms. Spratling worked for a variety of local institutions, including the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Children's Hospital and Birmingham-Southern College.  

Spratling graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1998, and later earned her Master of Arts in Public and Private Management from BSC. Past honors include the Birmingham NAACP community service award, the Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40 Winners Shaping Birmingham,” and the BSC’s Outstanding Young Alumni award. 

A resident of downtown Birmingham for more than twenty years, Spratling is a previous president of the Central City Neighborhood Association and previous vice president of the Northside Community. Ms. Spratling is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Birmingham, and has served on the boards of REV Birmingham, PARCA (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama), Sumatanga Camp & Conference Center and the Rotary Club of Birmingham.