Tuscaloosa Leaders Break Ground On Major Expansion At Belk Center

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa city leaders and parks officials broke ground Thursday on a major expansion project at the Belk Center that will add new recreational and therapeutic amenities to the longstanding community facility at Bowers Park.

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The City of Tuscaloosa says the Elevate Tuscaloosa-funded project will include a new indoor therapy pool, front lobby and locker rooms.

Additional upgrades are planned for the facility's roof, gym floor and parking lot.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

"Communities are defined by how they care for their children and their seniors, and our City Council's commitment to building a first-class therapeutic pool here at the Belk Center reflects the values we share," Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. "For seven years, through Elevate Tuscaloosa, we have kept our promise to make meaningful investments into our community, and this project is yet another example of fulfilling that commitment."

Speaking during the ceremony were Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, District 6 Councilor John Faile and PARA Chief Executive Officer Brian Davis.

District 6 Councilor John Faile said the improvements will help ensure the facility continues serving residents of all ages for generations to come.

"Bowers Park is a place where generations of children have learned, grown and played," Faile said. "With these updates, it will continue to serve people of all ages with even more opportunities. These improvements reflect the kinds of investments that make Tuscaloosa a great place to live, and they will leave a lasting impact on our community's future."

Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority CEO Brian Davis praised city leaders for their continued investment in parks and recreation facilities through the Elevate Tuscaloosa program.

"We are very grateful to the mayor and City Council," Davis said. "The investments that have been made through Elevate over the past seven years are about so much more than buildings and infrastructure; they're about creating opportunities for people to live healthier, more active lives."

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