County To Consider $100K For New Playground Set In PARA's Northside Park

SAMANTHA, AL — A proposal to fund new playground equipment at the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority's (PARA) park at Northside High School is set to appear on the Tuscaloosa County Commission agenda next week.

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District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker has requested the item to be placed on the commission’s Jan. 21 meeting agenda under a community development request.

"I began development of this park in 2014 during my first term on the Commission," he told Patch. "We were able over the years to do the landscaping, upgrade parking, add a walking track with exercise equipment, build a pavilion shelter and two tornado shelters. This serves many roles in the Northside community which continues to grow."

While he pointed out that the park is well-utilized, Acker went on to say the "missing piece" has been a playground for children next to the pavilion.

"This fills in that gap and I am very excited to get this approved and construction underway so hopefully it will be ready this spring for enjoyment by the parents and children of this area," he said.

The proposal would allocate up to $100,000 from District 1 development funds for the purchase and installation of a new playground set at the park in Samantha.

The playground equipment, designed by Struthers Recreation, carries a quoted cost of $97,986.61 for the option selected, according to materials submitted with the agenda item.

Acker said he plans to make a motion for an even $98,000 payment to the Parks and Recreation Authority to cover the equipment purchase and installation.

An additional provision of up to $2,000 will also be requested to cover internal costs for the county’s Road and Bridge Department, bringing the total request to $100,000.

County crews are expected to handle site preparation work, including removing grass and delivering additional material if needed.

The Tuscaloosa County Commission is scheduled to meet Jan. 21 at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 9 a.m.

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