Second Storm Shelter To Open In Samantha Later This Month

SAMANTHA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) is set to officially open its second storm shelter in Samantha's Northside Park on April 11 at 12:30 p.m.

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The new storm shelter is located at 19325 Northside Parkway — adjacent to Walker Elementary School and next to an identical shelter that opened six years ago. The new shelter is made of 77,000-pound crush strength steel and concrete, with a capacity of up to 50 people.

The new shelter also includes benches and a generator for lights and ventilation.

“PARA is proud of the role that Northside Park serves within the Samantha community," PARA interim Executive Director Mike Crady said. "Thanks to the efforts of [District 1] Commissioner [Stan] Acker and the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department, Northside Park serves not only as a place for recreation, but a place for refuge during storms. We are grateful to be engaged in this partnership.”

Acker said he was glad to see the expansion to add a second shelter.

"This has been a wonderful example of community partnership with the funding I was able to secure from the Tuscaloosa County Commission, the construction efforts of PARA inside their park, and the operating agreement with the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department for the two shelters," Acker said. "I believe we have all worked together in the best possible manner to benefit our citizens of this area."

The shelter will be open to the public during tornado warnings and managed by the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department, along with PARA.

The opening event is free and open to the public.

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