Northport Establishes New Council Subcommittee For Aquatics & Sports

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Monday approved the creation of a subcommittee of its Projects Committee that will be focused on major recreation projects currently in the works.

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The decision was made with a 4-0 vote in favor, with District 3 Councilman Karl Wiggins absent from Monday's meeting.

As Patch previously reported, the city has approved the first phases of an aquatic center/water park on McFarland Boulevard, an adventure sports park on Rose Boulevard and large-scale improvements to Kentuck Park to turn into into a world-class youth sports tournament facility.

Indeed, site work has already started on the first phase of the Kentuck Park project, with photos makes the rounds in recent days showing dirt being moved at the park.

Hogg told Patch that after attending the visioning meeting to discuss parks and recreation a few weeks ago, officials noticed a need for an internal committee regarding the admission parks of each of the three park projects to ensure they are well-thought out in design, functionality, and practicality.

Hogg went on to explain since all three parks are current projects within the city, the Projects Committee will be forming a sub-committee for Aquatics and Sports to devote more time specifically for these projects.

"The purpose will be to brainstorm and discuss ideas that is relevant to each, in order to give the Projects Committee, Staff and Council some direction as we embark on the formation of each of these specific projects," Hogg told Patch. "Since this will be a sub-committee, everything regarding these projects will start here and go up through the proper channels of Projects Committee for a formal recommendation to council and staff."

The council hopes the formation of a new subcommittee keep the Projects Committee from getting bogging down with its regular agenda.

"We will follow the same format for subcommittee members as we do regular committees which is to have two council members and the mayor, along with pertinent city staff members that can contribute meaningful discussion in a collaborative effort," Hogg said.

Lastly regarding the dynamics of the new subcommittee, Hogg explained that anyone on the council with anything to contribute to the subcommittee in regards to the adventure park, sports complex, or water park will be asked to send the info to the designated council members — Hogg and District 2 Councilman Woodrow Washington III.

"Hopefully this will help streamline the process while allowing the Projects Committee to focus on the vetted recommendations/ideas from subcommittee before bringing to the full Council for consideration," Hogg said.

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