Time for a big gutsy tourist attraction for Birmingham
By David Sher
It’s time for a big, gutsy tourist attraction for Birmingham.
A bold, visionary attraction that will change the face of our region and the perception of Birmingham to ourselves and to others.
But the attraction must be unique—something no other city can replicate.
Bryson Stephens wrote a guest column for ComebackTown last October painting his vision and it blew up the Internet.
Big/bold attraction right before our eyes
Our one-of-a-kind tourist attraction sits right before our eyes.
Many of us see it every day—likely twice a day.
It’s the Red Mountain Cut.
It’s estimated that about hundred thousand cars pass through the Cut every day.
This attraction is no pipe dream.
This idea has been vetted and efforts have been under way to secure funding.
The Cut likely has more geologic history than any other road cut in the U.S.
Mr. Stephens, who founded the non-profit Red Mountain Cut Foundation, is driven to bring a lighted pedestrian trail connecting the ever-growing 750-mile Red Rock Trail System being developed on both sides of Red Mountain.
He wrote for ComebackTown, “The Red Mountain Cut has the potential to be a captivating tourist attraction, providing a showcase unmatched anywhere, telling stories of our planet’s history as well as our great city’s industrial founding.
“When the Expressway sliced through the mountain, the project unearthed around two million cubic yards of Red Mountain ridge, which exposed geologic strata dating back over 500 million years.
“In 1987, the importance of this unveiled history earned the Cut recognition as a National Natural Landmark, an area that the National Park Service deems a significant example of the nation’s natural heritage.”
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A wildly popular idea
The readership of Bryson’s column proposing this development was huge, enthusiastic, and followed by unending positive comments and ‘likes’ on social media.
“This is absolutely brilliant!”
?“This is a fantastic idea!”
?“Cool idea! I love the vision!”
?Then came the more creative ideas
“There’s a good amount of parking at Vulcan. How about a tram/chairlift from Vulcan to access the cut? A gondola/chair lift would be a unique attraction and bring more tourists to Vulcan.”
How about we build a bridge from one side of the Red Mountain Cut to the other over the Red Mountain Expressway?”
Quite frankly I don’t know where Mr. Stephens is in these efforts, but I think it’s time to wake up this sleeping giant of an idea.
Time for action
Please read Bryson ComebackTown column and view the photos.
Go to the Red Mountain Cut Website and see the video.
Share this column and post your comments and ideas on ?social media.
Whether you live in Birmingham, Homewood, or Irondale contact your mayor or city council and let them know it’s time for action. Contact your Jefferson County commissioner and your state legislator or senator.
Twenty-five years ago, Birmingham took a chance on Railroad Park.
Many people thought it was a crazy idea, but it has changed Birmingham forever.
Now it’s time for Birmingham to take another bold step.
David Sher is the founder and publisher of?ComebackTown.? He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).
Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. [email protected].
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