The opening of the much-anticipated greenway through downtown Birmingham will be welcomed with a ribbon-cutting and the lighting of a replica of the iconic "Birmingham the Magic City" sign.

The Rotary Trail will officially open to the public on April 6, said Sherri Nielson, an administrative assistant to the mayor who handles capital and special project.

The trail had been discussed and dreamed about for more than two decades when, in 2014, the Rotary Club of Birmingham announced plans to make the dream a reality. The decision came as a result of a search for the best way to mark the group's centennial.

"They wanted to do something big and something meaningful and long-lasting, and I think they have accomplished that," Nielson said.

The Rotary Trail is considered an extension of Railroad Park, from 20th Street to 24th Street along First Avenue South. The trail follows a "railroad cut" through downtown Birmingham and includes walking paths, benches, landscaping, lighting, boardwalks, an amphitheater and more amenities.

The opening day will feature a 46-foot sign modeled after the historic "Birmingham the Magic City" sign, instead reading "Rotary Trail in the Magic City." The sign will be lighted for the public for the first time that day.

The city of Birmingham used grant money to fund drainage work, the initial preparation needed for development of the greenway. Rotary then provided $3.5 million for the capital improvements: landscaping, furnishings, ramps, stairwells railings and more.

The design was done by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood.

The trail is just one segment of a greenway that will ultimately connect the CrossPlex venue in Five Points West to Sloss Furnaces near the city center.

Projects like the Rotary Trail correspond with the goal of maintaining Birmingham's reputation as a green city. Greenspace combines with sustainability projects and lower energy consumption to achieve that, Nielson said.

"We want our people to be healthier, and also to have attractive areas to walk and cycle and just enjoy with their families," she said. "Downtown has plenty of things to attract people and keep them busy, and the Rotary Trail will add to that. These projects are incredibly important to mayor."