Northport Agrees To Buy 47 Acres Near Kentuck Park To Build New Park

NORTHPORT, AL — The City of Northport is looking to add another brand new park to its growing list of recreational projects after agreeing on Monday to purchase 47 total acres near Kentuck Park from the Friends of Historic Northport.

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The deal has yet to close, but the City Council during its regular meeting agreed to purchase two plots of land — one being 40 acres for $240,000 and an additional 7 acres for $42,000.

While the purchase of the initial 40 acres must be finalized in the next 30 days, the deal for the adjoining 7 acres must be closed no earlier than Jan. 1, 2026 and no later than Dec. 31, 2028.

Friends of Historic Northport's Chuck Gerdau told Patch the land is just west of Kentuck Park, with the property running all the way to Mill Creek off of 5th Street.

Here's a Google Earth satellite view of the property, with 5th Street running along the top and Kentuck Park visible on the righthand side.

Gerdau said the city initially approached Friends of Historic Northport regarding the land, as the City Council has already taken big steps toward a new water park off of McFarland Boulevard, an adventure park off of Rose Boulevard and large-scale improvements to turn Kentuck Park into a world-class sports tournament facility.

"We're excited to see the future of that property as well as the entire area along the riverfront," Gerdau said. "According to the plan that the city has presented and voted on, there will be a pavilion there for musical events and other events and also the enhancement of the park, especially for the use of the Kentuck Festival."

The purchase agreement is contingent upon the city dedicating the land to the construction of a park and agreeing to pay closing costs and the appraisal fees.

Council President Jeff Hogg, the most vocal proponent of expanded recreational offerings in Northport, spoke to the merits of the city's latest purchase.

"I do appreciate the opportunity to work with Friends [of Historic Northport] to be able to partner with us in order to advance this concept of parks in Northport for children and families to enjoy and also to help make this more of a tourism area and allow people to come downtown."

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