August 31, 2008
Contact: Blair Plott, Director of Marketing, Advertising, and Community Relations 205-792-5003, BPlott@TCPARA.org or BlairPlott@comcast.net
Source: Ronnie Stith, Center Operations Manager 205/562-3220
PARA OPENS EMERGENCY SHELTER
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) will assist with evacuation efforts for Hurricane Gustav. The Jerry Belk Activity Center opened at noon today in order to serve as a temporary shelter for Gustav evacuees. The Red Cross is operating the shelter and managing all on site logistics. These services include food, lodging, and assistance with other emergency needs. The Belk Center is located in Bowers Park and houses two gymnasiums which will be the primary site for the shelter. As other needs arise, PARA will work with The Red Cross and other agencies to accommodate overflow.
The Belk Center is located at 2101Bowers Park Drive. For more information please call 205/758-3608.
The Jerry Belk Center which opened in 1997 is one of five Activity Centers operated by PARA throughout Tuscaloosa County. The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county-wide, nonprofit agency funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County and the City of Northport, whose mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth.
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June 19, 2008
Contact: Rebecca Booker
Communications Manager
205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org
Source: Gary Minor, recreation superintendent, 205/562-3220
PARA’s july jubilee event has new location
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority will host July Jubilee, the largest Independence Day event in West Alabama, on July 4 at 6-9 p.m. in Sokol Park. The event is free and open to the public.
This is a new location for the event which was traditionally held in downtown Tuscaloosa. The event was moved this year due to the uncertainty of availability of the location known as the “city fest block.” Gary Minor, recreation superintendent says, “Early in the event planning process Tuscaloosa city officials indicated that there was a possibility that the property might not be available for PARA to use for the event in July. We had to make alternate plans. In reviewing PARA properties, Sokol Park was chosen as the best fit for the event.”
Although the venue has changed the event will be basically the same. Highlights of the event include family activities, live music and fireworks. A crowd of approximately 10,000 participants is expected.
Children’s programs which begin at 6 p.m. will be abundant with games such as a water balloon toss, sack races, ice cream eating contest, face painting, and inflatable bounce houses to jump on. A rock climbing wall is a returning activity this year for teens and adults.
The live music will begin at 7 p.m. with entertainment from a local band The Dexateens, who came together in 1998. Their music style as described by front man Elliott McPherson as a blend of “loose southern twangy simple man's rock.” Their recent albums include Hardwire Healing, The Dexateens, and Red Dust Rising.
The grand finale at 9 p.m. is a 25 minute fireworks display which will be choreographed to patriotic music by Clear Channel Radio. Participants may bring a blanket or folding chair to sit and watch the fireworks which will be visible from many locations across the 325 acre park.
PARA is thankful to sponsors who have made it possible to offer the event free of charge to the public. The major sponsors are Jim Walter Resources, NUCOR Steel Tuscaloosa, AutoMAX USA, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, First Capital Title, Inc., The Tuscaloosa News, WVUA-TV, Drake Printers and Clear Channel Radio.
Concessions, such as hotdogs, nachos, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and ice cold beverages and patriotic novelty items will be available for purchase.
The Tuscaloosa County Veteran’s Association’s tent and handicapped parking will be available to the immediate right of the arena entrance off Watermelon Road.
All PARA activity/community centers will close at 6 p.m. on July 4. This includes the Belk, Hughes, McAbee, Miller and Phelps Centers. This is to encourage the community and PARA staff to participate in July Jubilee festivities.
Live, Learn, Play PARA! The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the city of Tuscaloosa, the city of Northport and Tuscaloosa County, whose mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we will achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.
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June 10, 2008
Contact:
Rebecca Booker
PARA Communications Manager
205/562-3220 ext. 35
bbooker@tcpara.org
Source: Don Kelly, Executive Director, 205/562-3220.
PARA ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF
FAUCETT BROTHERS PARK
Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces the grand opening of Faucett Brothers Park located at 13040 Eugenia Faucett Drive, Northport on June 12 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The official opening ceremonies will include a brief program. Expected speakers include Don Kelly, PARA Executive Director; Dr. Roger Sayers; Judge Hardy McCollum, Tuscaloosa County Commissioner; Mayor Harvey Fretwell, City of Northport; Don Wallace, District 1 Commissioner and Hezekiah Carstarphen, PARA Board Chairman. The Reverend Charlie Durham of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa will give the invocation. Several members of the Faucett family are also expected to be in attendance.
The 80 acres of park land, which was previously used for tree farming, was given by Eugenia Patton “Pat” Faucett before her death in honor of her father, J. Roy Faucett, and uncles, George C. Faucett, S.P. “Bill” Faucett Jr., W. Lewis Faucett, and Omar T. Faucett. The street on which the park is located, Eugenia Faucett Drive, was named in honor of Faucett’s mother, who was also named Eugenia Patton Faucett. The Faucett family has been involved in the Northport community and area politics for many years and currently owns Faucett’s Department Store in Northport.
Financing for Faucett Brothers Park was provided by matching funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the City of Northport. A total of $296,000 was given for the parks initial development.
The parks facilities include 3 pavilions with picnic tables and playground equipment. The park will be open and available for use/rental immediately after the opening ceremonies.
Don Kelly, PARA Executive Director says, “We are thankful to the Faucett family for the donation of this park land and the potential for future growth. When funding becomes available this is where PARA’s next activity center will be located.” Results of a survey recently completed indicate, “community demand for a facility which will include amenities such as a gymnasium, indoor pools, fitness rooms, walking trails and possibly a library,” says Kelly.
PARA offers something for everyone with almost 2,000 acres of green space including over 36 parks, boat landings, five activity centers, an 18-hole award-winning golf course, arts, special events and more.
Live, Learn, Play! PARA. The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the city of Tuscaloosa, the city of Northport and Tuscaloosa County. PARA’s mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open space, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.
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April 25, 2008
Becky Booker
PARA Communications Manager
205/562-3220 ext. 35
bbooker@tcpara.org
Source: Don Kelly, Executive Director, 205/562-3220.
PARA presents string of jewels park tours
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces the String of Jewels Park Tours scheduled to begin on May 8 at 3 p.m. Tours will depart from Annette N. Shelby Park located at 1614 15th Street in Tuscaloosa. The tours are free and open to the public but reservations are recommended.
“In the past few years PARA has implemented many park improvements,” says Don Kelly, Executive Director. “By popular demand we have organized a String of Jewels tour of park renovations and additions. It has been said that PARA is a “jewel” in Tuscaloosa County. The many park renovations and additions represent the jewels in a string of jewels,” he explained.
“Each tour will feature a different itinerary,” says Kelly. “PARA encompasses some 36 parks, 5 community centers, boat landings and a top public golf course; we have more than most folks are aware of in the community. We hope the tours will better educate the community about who we are and what we do.”
The String of Jewels tour bus will depart/return Annette N. Shelby Park for a tour which is expected to last approximately two hours on the following dates over the next six months as follows:
Diamond Tour - May 8
Pearl Tour - June 5
Ruby Tour - July 10
Sapphire Tour - August 7
Topaz Tour- September 11
Emerald Tour- October 2
The first tour which represents the Diamond Tour itinerary will include Annette N. Shelby Park, Freeman Pool, McDonald Hughes Community Center, Hinton Park, Sokol Park and the New Sports Complex at Sokol Park North, Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Jaycee Park, Jack Warner Park East and West and Queen City Park.
PARA officials will accompany tour guests to provide commentary and help them become familiar with the many PARA parks and facilities. Results of new projects and renovations on older properties will be highlighted.
For reservations and additional itineraries for the String of Jewels Park Tours please contact Debra Gibson 205/562-3220 or dgibson@tcpara.org.
For more information about PARA please visit www.tcpara.org.
Live, Learn, Play PARA! The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport and Tuscaloosa County, whose mission is to provide safe, clean and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we will achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.
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Photo L-R: Judge Hardy McCollum-Tuscaloosa County Commission, Ronnie Stith-PARA Center Operations Manager, Major Mark Smith-Salvation Army, Marshall Bailey-PARA Park Ranger Supervisor, Oscar Barnes-American Red Cross, Dave Hartin-Tuscaloosa Emergency Management, Karen Thompson-Temporary Emergency Services and Homer Butler-United Way of West Alabama
emergency generator to be dedicated by local agencies
Tuscaloosa, Ala. --- An emergency generator installed at Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority’s Jerry Belk Activity Center was made possible by local Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters organizations, The United Way of West Alabama and the Tuscaloosa County Commission.
The generator will ensure that electricity is supplied to the Belk Center to help improve response capabilities by local emergency officials. PARA is pleased to be able to partner with these organizations to provide this service to the community.
The dedication ceremony will be April 30 at 10 a.m. at the Belk Center located at 2101 Bowers Park Drive.
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Sokol park north celebrates grand opening
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority hopes everyone will join them in celebrating the Sokol Park North Grand Opening on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. The newest additions to Sokol Park include four multi-purpose fields, a press box and restroom facilities. The event is free and open to the public.
“We’re excited to be able to improve the quality of life for the Tuscaloosa community,” says Don Kelly, PARA executive director. “This would not have been possible without the Capital Improvement funds entrusted to us by Mayor Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council.”
The official dedication will include speakers Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa City Council District 3 Representative Cynthia Almond, YMCA of Tuscaloosa County Board Chairman Jay Evans and PARA Board Chairman Hezekiah Carstarphen. Reverend Dan Brenton with The Church at Tuscaloosa will provide the opening prayer. Kelly will act as the master of ceremonies for the event located at North entrance on Watermelon Road.
Sokol Park has been open since 1970. It has received numerous upgrades throughout the years. The grand opening will hopefully garner new attention to the amenities the park has to offer such as the new model airfield, playgrounds, walking trails and community gardens.
The additions and improvements at Sokol Park were part of a broader initiative called the Capitol Improvement Project in which PARA received $6 million from the City of Tuscaloosa. Twelve of PARA’s parks, pools and centers received upgrades over the past 24 months.
Live, Learn Play PARA!
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