Friday, March 12, 2010 4:03 pm

Register now for youth girls slow pitch softball - ages Pee Wee - 12U. Shelby Park is temporarily closed for landscaping upgrades. Leisure Classes R fun 4 everyone! PARA Membership - part of an active plan to meet healthy goals.

Media Contacts:
Blair Plott, Director of Marketing, Advertising & Community Relations
205/562-3220 x18

Becky Booker, Communications Manager
205/562-3220 x35

Miracle League Groundbreaking is February 15 at Sokol Park North

PARA's Shelby Park is temporarily closed due to landscaping upgrades

PARA’S PHELPS CENTER SITE OF YOGA DAY USA CELEBRATION

Ol' Colony revises re-opening shcedule after temporary closing due to cold weather

Thank you to community and volunteers for the Christmas Parade

Judged Entry Winners of the 2009 West Alabama Christmas Parade

PARA KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE AREA’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS PARADE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

PARA Announces Grand Marshals of Christmas Parade

PARA’s activity centers will tempororily close during scheduled maintenance weeks

PARA seeking Grand marshal(s) of annual christmas Parade September 11, 2009

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER TO VISIT PARA DAY CAMP August 4, 2009

BIOGRAPHICAL MURAL UNVEILED AT PARA’S MCDONALD HUGHES CENTER June 25, 2009

PARA's Independence Day holiday schedule for July 3 and July 4

PARA hosts July jubilee in sokol park for second year June 18, 2009

July Jubilee 2009 map

PARA’s Veterans Park lights up for memorial day May 21, 2009

The Daughters & Sons of Revolutionary Soldiers will present a donation to PARA’s Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park Endowment May 11, 2009

PARA ANNOUNCES 29th SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM AT MCDONALD HUGHES CENTER May 14, 2009

PARA Honors National Park & Receation Month With Park Walks in June April 15, 2009

Ol' Colony Demo Day is April 17-18 April 15, 2009

Playground Safety Week April 14, 2009

PARA partners with local youth organizations to provide fishing experience March 16, 2009

McAbee Art Exhibition March 12, 2009

Restrooms Open for 2009 Season March 11, 2009

PARA Conserves by Reducing Center Hours by

One Hour During Week Nights

click here for schedule

December 9, 2008

Contact:

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager

205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Blair Plott, Director of Marketing, Advertising and Community Relations,

205/562-3220

PARA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF

2008 CHRISTMAS PARADE JUDGED ENTRIES

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announced winners of the West Alabama Christmas Parade judged entries at a post parade meeting in the conference room of the PARA Building on December 8.

Blair Plott, Director of Marketing, Advertising and Community Relations announced the winners and presented trophies in four categories which were judged by a group of community members. There were 152 entries in this year’s parade.

Winners who were not present at the meeting may pick up their trophies at the PARA Building.

2008 West Alabama Christmas Parade

Judged Entry Winners

Best Overall

Indian Lakes Baptist Church

Bands

1^st Place Tuscaloosa Co. High School

2^ndPlace Hillcrest High School

3^rd Place Northside High School

Marching Groups

1^st Place Southern Strutters

2^nd Place MJ’s Academy of Dance

3^rd Place Holt High School ROTC

Decorated Vehicles

1^st Place Coaling Fire Dept.

2^nd Place Beautiful Zion AME Zion Church

3^rd Place Red Hat Honeys

Floats

1^st Place Tuscaloosa Deptartment of Transportation

2^nd Place Jackie McAteer Miniature Train

3^rd Place Tuscaloosa Church of God

4^th Place Northside Toy Bowl Cheerleaders

5^th Place Travel Aires

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December 4, 2008

Contact:

Becky Booker

Communications Manager

bbooker@tcpara.org

205/562-3220 x35

Source: Gary Minor, Superintendent of Recreation Programs, 562-3220 x14

PARA’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

DELIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority will present the 33rd annual West Alabama Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 8 in downtown Tuscaloosa. Both events are free and open to the pubic.

Bundle up with your coat, hat, scarf and mittens for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse which begins at 5:15 p.m. The parade begins at the corner of Greensboro Avenue and 14th Street at 6:30 p.m.

For safety issues it is requested that downtown traffic slow speed and re-route on Greensboro Avenue between 15th Street and University Blvd. beginning at 5 p.m. as pedestrians and traffic will be lining up for the parade and the best viewing opportunities.

Any location along the parade route provides an excellent viewing location. Portable toilets will be located on the old City Fest block at the corner of Greensboro Avenue and University Blvd. and close to the Jemison House on Greensboro Avenue.

Dan Medders, Maintenance Supervisor at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse confirmed that the Christmas tree was donated by Carl Snyder of the Flatwoods Community. It is an approximately 40 foot tall Leland Cypress and will be decorated with 1,040 lights. A perfect Christmas tree!

The Tree Lighting celebration will begin with music by students from Buhl Elementary School chorus directed by Linda Adams. Bobby Wooldridge, Tuscaloosa County Public Defender, will be master of ceremonies. This year’s Grand Marshals Carolyn Fritz and the Faucett Family represented by Sam Faucett will “flip the switch” to light the tree. The celebration will continue with music by students from Rock Quarry Chorus directed by Regina Noland and Westwood Singers directed by Aldis Donald and accompanied by Merry Livingston. PARA gives special thanks to the Downtown Tuscaloosa Merchants Association for sponsoring this event.

Prior to both events, PARA hosted a Grand Marshal’s Reception in honor of the Grand Marshals and their guests. The reception is sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, Pepsi Buffalo Rock and the Tuscaloosa News.

The 2008 Grand Marshals are Carolyn Fritz and the Faucett Family represented by Sam Faucett. Their combined community contributions have significantly impacted thousands of lives. They passionately serve our community and our youth in particular through interests such as education, civic responsibility and the arts.

The nomination summary for Carolyn Fritz indicated, “There is one person in Tuscaloosa who seems to make the rounds at every fundraiser and community event. In one week you might see her waiting tables at a fundraiser for RISE, taking minutes for the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama, organizing the Children’s Activities of the Kentuck Festival, or volunteering for the Junior League. It seems if there is a worthy cause, she has her sleeves rolled up and is immersed in helping. She is a champion for children, particularly helping them to overcome disadvantages that include everything from physical disabilities to socio-economic issues. She is also a champion for the arts and epitomizes volunteerism. She has unparalleled compassion and energy which is channeled in to bettering the lives of everyone in Tuscaloosa County.”

Fritz is currently involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama, Adopt-A-School Steering Committee, Tuscaloosa County Medical Alliance, Friends of the Arboretum, Children's Hands-On Museum, Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kentuck Festival Committee.

In the past, she has served in the PTA, Jr. League of Tuscaloosa, Leadership Tuscaloosa, Foster Grandparents Advisory Committee, Women of Christ Episcopal Church, and as a Boy Scout den mother. Fritz says, “I moved to Tuscaloosa 33 years ago and was immediately inspired by all the people who support the community with their time.”

The Faucett Family is one of the oldest and most respected families in the history of Northport. Sam Faucett, the family patriarch is retired president of Region’s Financial Corporation’s southwest region that includes Western Alabama, Florida and Louisiana.

While serving as a board member for the Tuscaloosa County High School Foundation in 1996, the family was part of a private fundraising arm of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education which raised $6 million in private donations to build the new Tuscaloosa County High School.

The family gift stems from the importance of America’s system of free public schools. Faucett says, “Public education is real life…It’s one of the things that has made this country great.”

In gratitude for the Faucett family’s donation, the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education renamed a local elementary school in their honor. The school has since been known as Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School.

In June 2008, Faucett Brothers Park opened in Northport. The 80 acres of park land, which was previously used for tree farming, was given by Eugenia Patton “Pat” Faucett before her death in honor of her father, J. Roy Faucett, and uncles, George C. Faucett, S.P. “Bill” Faucett Jr., W. Lewis Faucett, and Omar T. Faucett. The street on which the park is located, Eugenia Faucett Drive, was named in honor of Pat Faucett’s mother, who was also named Eugenia Patton Faucett.

The family has been involved in the Northport community and area politics for many years and currently owns Faucett’s Department Store in downtown Northport.

A selection committee comprised of representatives from various community organizations chose the two honorees from all the individuals nominated.

This year’s poster reflects the parade theme City Sidewalks and was created by Southmark Design of Tuscaloosa and printed by Drake Printers.

The Christmas Parade which is traditionally held the first Monday in December is being held on the second Monday this year. This is because the Thanksgiving holiday fell late in November.

The parade route will follow the same downtown path as last year. The parade will begin on Greensboro Avenue at 14th Street, travel north to University Blvd. turn east and end at the corner of University Blvd. and 19th Avenue.

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November 24, 2008

Contact:

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager 205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org

MEDIA ALERT

PARA HAS RV PARKING AVAILABLE FOR THE IRON BOWL

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BEFORE THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority’s RV Parking is available at the Ray C. Jenkins Multi-Purpose Arena in Sokol Park. The Arena entrance is located on Watermelon Road about three miles north of the intersection of McFarland Blvd. and Watermelon Road in Tuscaloosa. The RV Parking fee is $100 per RV per weekend.

Please visit www.tcpara.org to download an RV Parking Application or phone 205/562-3220 during the office hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PARA offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on November 27 and 28.

All RVs must be self contained with a snorkel for the generator exhaust system. No water or power is available.

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November 10, 2008

Contact:

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager 205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Wendy Harris, program supervisor for adult athletics, 205/562-3220

PARA’S YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAMS TO PLAY ALL-STAR GAMES

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority’s youth football teams will play All-Star games at Stillman Stadium and Bryant Denny Stadium. Tickets for the games are $1 per person, per game and are available in advance at the Jerry Belk Activity Center or on the day of the games at the stadium gate.

The Instructional League (ages 7-8) will play at Stillman Stadium on November 22 at 10 a.m. Division I (ages 9-10) and Division II (ages 11-12) will play at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 30 at 1 p.m.

“The All-Star players are selected from their respective leagues by players and coaches who vote for the All-Star team members based on sportsmanship, character, attitude, leadership and athletic ability,” says Wendy Harris, PARA program supervisor for adult athletics. “This is an after season reward for kids who have given their best,” she indicated.

For 43 years the Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club has generously sponsored the Bryant Denny Stadium experience for PARA’s All-Star teams. “We are very thankful to Harry Lee, club president, who was instrumental in beginning and continuing this tradition for PARA’s players,” Harris says.

Ticket fees support the PARA youth football scholarship program, also sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club, which offers scholarships to eligible players. “We hope a scholarship will encourage players to do well in school and earn their own scholarship whether it is for athletics or any other field. We want them to learn to be good citizens,” Harris explained.

The Stillman Stadium event, although a newer tradition, expands the opportunity for younger youths who ultimately may have the benefit of playing in both stadiums.

Several hundred friends, family members and an interested community gather to watch each of the All-Star games.

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November 10, 2008

Contact:

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager 205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Ronnie Stith, director of center operations, 205/562-3220

PARA’S ACTIVITY CENTERS ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN

CANNED FOOD DRIVE AND ANGEL TREE PROGRAMS

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority’s Activity Centers are joining together to encourage the community to lend a hand to someone in need during the holiday season with their food donation and Angel Tree gift programs.

The food donation programs are available at the Belk and Miller Centers. A donation of 4 canned or non-perishable food items gives members eligibility to win PARA prizes and non-members the free use of the facility for that day. The Belk Center is also hosting holiday food drives (and is not offering incentives).

The Angel Tree Program is available at the Belk and Miller Centers. Sponsored by the Salvation Army, this program provides new clothing and/or toys for children. Choose an angel from the Angel Tree and donate unwrapped gifts of your choice so a child in need can experience the joy of Christmas.

“The convenient locations of our PARA Centers make it easy to help others in need during the holiday season,” says Ronnie Stith, director of center operations. “These neighborhood programs were very successful last year. We think there will be more of a need this year so we encourage everyone to participate at their own discretion,” Stith said.

The following programs are available at these Centers during these dates:

Jerry Belk Center located at 2101 Bowers Park Drive

“Lend A Can” food drive – October 27-November 14

Angel Tree Program – November 3-December 6

Leroy McAbee, Sr. Center located at 3801 Loop Road

Thanksgiving Food Drive – November 3-21

Christmas Food Drive – December 1-23

Bobby Miller Center located at 300 Bobby Miller Parkway

Canned Food Drive – October 27-November 14

Angel Tree Program – November 3-December 8

PARA will donate canned and non-perishable food items to various local charitable organizations and churches to help those in need during the holiday season.

Not all incentives are the same/available at all Centers. For more information, please visit www.tcpara.org and click on the Winter Information Guide or

call 205/562-3200.

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October 28, 2008 Contact:Brandi King or

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager

bbooker@tcpara.org

205/562-3220

Source: Don Kelly, Executive Director, 205/562-3220

VETERANS GROUP AND PARA HONOR VETERANS PAST AND PRESENT

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Veterans Park Memorial Committee of the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority will hold a memorial service at Veterans Memorial Park located on University Blvd. at University Mall on November 11 at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Veterans Day Program recognizes all those who served with the U.S. armed forces in times of war and in times of peace. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniform in remembrance of their service. Following the program, representatives will be on duty at the Park throughout the day.

The program will include the presentation of colors by Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hannah and Holt High School JROTC; invocation and benediction by Reverend Keith Pugh, Senior Pastor of Open Door Baptist Church; the national anthem performed by Rachel Mitchell, a University of Alabama freshman; welcome by Commander Lee Allen Hallman of the U.S. Navy, retired, chairman of the committee; recognition of guests by Colonel Bill Pool of the U.S. Air Force, retired; history and comments by Judge W. Hardy McCollum, Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge; and a salute to veterans by the Tuscaloosa County American Legion Honor Guard.

The park occupies an important niche in the history of Tuscaloosa. It was developed as a memorial for all veterans of the United States Armed Services and as a tribute to the Northington General Hospital, one of the largest military hospitals in the world at the end of WWII. The park is also the site of such amenities as an M60-A3 tank, the Purple Heart Memorial and the mast of the USS Tuscaloosa. The “Honor Roll of Veterans,” an ongoing project of Veterans Memorial Park, serves as a monument to honor veterans.

The Veterans Memorial Park Committee, working with representatives of the City of Tuscaloosa, PARA and the private sector, has created an educational veterans park. The Park preserves a historical site, honors our veterans and keeps our veterans’ memory alive. The Committee is a group of more than twenty Tuscaloosa veterans who represent all branches of the military service, all wars and conflicts since WWII, and all the fraternal and social veterans’ organizations in Tuscaloosa County.

Veterans Memorial Park is maintained through the Veterans Memorial Park Endowment. This permanent endowment ensures that there is an adequate continual maintenance and enhancement funds for the park. The Board of the Directors of the PARA Foundation manages the endowment. Donors may make gifts to the Endowment at any time and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent provided by the law.

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September 15, 2008

Contact:

Rebecca Booker

Communications Manager

205/562-3220 ext. 35

bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Don Kelly, executive director, 205/562-3220

"M bend” at hurricane creek will be a PARA Park

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority purchased 249 acres in the “M Bend” at Hurricane Creek with plans to protect it by establishing it as a park. The property is located near the Alabama Hwy 216 bridge which crosses Hurricane Creek in the Peterson community.

The land was owned by the national Trust for Public Land and the purchase price of $864,500 was made possible with the cooperation of the Tuscaloosa County Commission. “We are grateful that the County Commission agrees that this is a valuable asset for Tuscaloosa County residents, said Don Kelly, PARA’s executive director. “The County Commission will assist PARA with obtaining a short term loan for the purchase,” he said.

“The PARA Foundation, a 501 c 3 organization, will raise money from the community to repay the loan,” said Kelly. “We are excited to be able to help protect this scenic, historic, environmental and educationally significant area. The goal in purchasing the land is to preserve and protect the land and the creek. The future park will have trails and natural areas open to the public,” he said.

“We will also work closely with the Alabama Department of Transportation which has long-range plans to build an Eastern Bypass through the area which will connect Interstate 20/59 and Hwy 82,” said Kelly. “The road will have an important economic impact on the Tuscaloosa County,” he explained.

Hurricane Creek is noted by officials as the place in the eastern United States where the Appalachian Mountains meet the gulf coastal plain. It is unique in that geography representing each ecosystem occupies the same niche. Indigenous plants include three different species of native azalea, rare plants such as the silky camellia tree, along with ferns and wildflowers.

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September 5, 2008

The Belk Center's temporary shelter for Hurrican Gustav evacuees closed today. For more information please call 205/758-3608.

August 31, 2008

Contact: Blair Plott, Director of Marketing, Advertising, and Community Relations 205-792-5003, BPlott@TCPARA.org or BlairPlott@comcast.net

Source: Ronnie Stith, Center Operations Manager 205/562-3220

PARA OPENS EMERGENCY SHELTER

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) will assist with evacuation efforts for Hurricane Gustav. The Jerry Belk Activity Center opened at noon today in order to serve as a temporary shelter for Gustav evacuees. The Red Cross is operating the shelter and managing all on site logistics. These services include food, lodging, and assistance with other emergency needs. The Belk Center is located in Bowers Park and houses two gymnasiums which will be the primary site for the shelter. As other needs arise, PARA will work with The Red Cross and other agencies to accommodate overflow.

The Belk Center is located at 2101Bowers Park Drive. For more information please call 205/758-3608.

The Jerry Belk Center which opened in 1997 is one of five Activity Centers operated by PARA throughout Tuscaloosa County. The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county-wide, nonprofit agency funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County and the City of Northport, whose mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth.

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June 19, 2008

Contact: Rebecca Booker

Communications Manager

205/562-3220 ext. 35 bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Gary Minor, recreation superintendent, 205/562-3220

PARA’s july jubilee event has new location

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority will host July Jubilee, the largest Independence Day event in West Alabama, on July 4 at 6-9 p.m. in Sokol Park. The event is free and open to the public.

This is a new location for the event which was traditionally held in downtown Tuscaloosa. The event was moved this year due to the uncertainty of availability of the location known as the “city fest block.” Gary Minor, recreation superintendent says, “Early in the event planning process Tuscaloosa city officials indicated that there was a possibility that the property might not be available for PARA to use for the event in July. We had to make alternate plans. In reviewing PARA properties, Sokol Park was chosen as the best fit for the event.”

Although the venue has changed the event will be basically the same. Highlights of the event include family activities, live music and fireworks. A crowd of approximately 10,000 participants is expected.

Children’s programs which begin at 6 p.m. will be abundant with games such as a water balloon toss, sack races, ice cream eating contest, face painting, and inflatable bounce houses to jump on. A rock climbing wall is a returning activity this year for teens and adults.

The live music will begin at 7 p.m. with entertainment from a local band The Dexateens, who came together in 1998. Their music style as described by front man Elliott McPherson as a blend of “loose southern twangy simple man's rock.” Their recent albums include Hardwire Healing, The Dexateens, and Red Dust Rising.

The grand finale at 9 p.m. is a 25 minute fireworks display which will be choreographed to patriotic music by Clear Channel Radio. Participants may bring a blanket or folding chair to sit and watch the fireworks which will be visible from many locations across the 325 acre park.

PARA is thankful to sponsors who have made it possible to offer the event free of charge to the public. The major sponsors are Jim Walter Resources, NUCOR Steel Tuscaloosa, AutoMAX USA, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, First Capital Title, Inc., The Tuscaloosa News, WVUA-TV, Drake Printers and Clear Channel Radio.

Concessions, such as hotdogs, nachos, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and ice cold beverages and patriotic novelty items will be available for purchase.

The Tuscaloosa County Veteran’s Association’s tent and handicapped parking will be available to the immediate right of the arena entrance off Watermelon Road.

All PARA activity/community centers will close at 6 p.m. on July 4. This includes the Belk, Hughes, McAbee, Miller and Phelps Centers. This is to encourage the community and PARA staff to participate in July Jubilee festivities.

Live, Learn, Play PARA! The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the city of Tuscaloosa, the city of Northport and Tuscaloosa County, whose mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we will achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.

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June 10, 2008

Contact:

Rebecca Booker

PARA Communications Manager

205/562-3220 ext. 35

bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Don Kelly, Executive Director, 205/562-3220.

PARA ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF

FAUCETT BROTHERS PARK

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces the grand opening of Faucett Brothers Park located at 13040 Eugenia Faucett Drive, Northport on June 12 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The official opening ceremonies will include a brief program. Expected speakers include Don Kelly, PARA Executive Director; Dr. Roger Sayers; Judge Hardy McCollum, Tuscaloosa County Commissioner; Mayor Harvey Fretwell, City of Northport; Don Wallace, District 1 Commissioner and Hezekiah Carstarphen, PARA Board Chairman. The Reverend Charlie Durham of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa will give the invocation. Several members of the Faucett family are also expected to be in attendance.

The 80 acres of park land, which was previously used for tree farming, was given by Eugenia Patton “Pat” Faucett before her death in honor of her father, J. Roy Faucett, and uncles, George C. Faucett, S.P. “Bill” Faucett Jr., W. Lewis Faucett, and Omar T. Faucett. The street on which the park is located, Eugenia Faucett Drive, was named in honor of Faucett’s mother, who was also named Eugenia Patton Faucett. The Faucett family has been involved in the Northport community and area politics for many years and currently owns Faucett’s Department Store in Northport.

Financing for Faucett Brothers Park was provided by matching funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the City of Northport. A total of $296,000 was given for the parks initial development.

The parks facilities include 3 pavilions with picnic tables and playground equipment. The park will be open and available for use/rental immediately after the opening ceremonies.

Don Kelly, PARA Executive Director says, “We are thankful to the Faucett family for the donation of this park land and the potential for future growth. When funding becomes available this is where PARA’s next activity center will be located.” Results of a survey recently completed indicate, “community demand for a facility which will include amenities such as a gymnasium, indoor pools, fitness rooms, walking trails and possibly a library,” says Kelly.

PARA offers something for everyone with almost 2,000 acres of green space including over 36 parks, boat landings, five activity centers, an 18-hole award-winning golf course, arts, special events and more.

Live, Learn, Play! PARA. The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the city of Tuscaloosa, the city of Northport and Tuscaloosa County. PARA’s mission is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks and open space, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.

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April 25, 2008

Becky Booker

PARA Communications Manager

205/562-3220 ext. 35

bbooker@tcpara.org

Source: Don Kelly, Executive Director, 205/562-3220.

PARA presents string of jewels park tours

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces the String of Jewels Park Tours scheduled to begin on May 8 at 3 p.m. Tours will depart from Annette N. Shelby Park located at 1614 15^th Street in Tuscaloosa. The tours are free and open to the public but reservations are recommended.

“In the past few years PARA has implemented many park improvements,” says Don Kelly, Executive Director. “By popular demand we have organized a String of Jewels tour of park renovations and additions. It has been said that PARA is a “jewel” in Tuscaloosa County. The many park renovations and additions represent the jewels in a string of jewels,” he explained.

“Each tour will feature a different itinerary,” says Kelly. “PARA encompasses some 36 parks, 5 community centers, boat landings and a top public golf course; we have more than most folks are aware of in the community. We hope the tours will better educate the community about who we are and what we do.”

The String of Jewels tour bus will depart/return Annette N. Shelby Park for a tour which is expected to last approximately two hours on the following dates over the next six months as follows:

Diamond Tour - May 8

Pearl Tour - June 5

Ruby Tour - July 10

Sapphire Tour - August 7

Topaz Tour- September 11

Emerald Tour- October 2

The first tour which represents the Diamond Tour itinerary will include Annette N. Shelby Park, Freeman Pool, McDonald Hughes Community Center, Hinton Park, Sokol Park and the New Sports Complex at Sokol Park North, Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Jaycee Park, Jack Warner Park East and West and Queen City Park.

PARA officials will accompany tour guests to provide commentary and help them become familiar with the many PARA parks and facilities. Results of new projects and renovations on older properties will be highlighted.

For reservations and additional itineraries for the String of Jewels Park Tours please contact Debra Gibson 205/562-3220 or dgibson@tcpara.org.

For more information about PARA please visit www.tcpara.org.

Live, Learn, Play PARA! The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is a county wide non-profit agency funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport and Tuscaloosa County, whose mission is to provide safe, clean and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value, and encourage long-term community stability and growth. Through strong partnerships, we will achieve exceptional services and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and innovation to better serve our community.

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Photo L-R: Judge Hardy McCollum-Tuscaloosa County Commission, Ronnie Stith-PARA Center Operations Manager, Major Mark Smith-Salvation Army, Marshall Bailey-PARA Park Ranger Supervisor, Oscar Barnes-American Red Cross, Dave Hartin-Tuscaloosa Emergency Management, Karen Thompson-Temporary Emergency Services and Homer Butler-United Way of West Alabama

emergency generator to be dedicated by local agencies

Tuscaloosa, Ala. --- An emergency generator installed at Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority’s Jerry Belk Activity Center was made possible by local Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters organizations, The United Way of West Alabama and the Tuscaloosa County Commission.

The generator will ensure that electricity is supplied to the Belk Center to help improve response capabilities by local emergency officials. PARA is pleased to be able to partner with these organizations to provide this service to the community.

The dedication ceremony will be April 30 at 10 a.m. at the Belk Center located at 2101 Bowers Park Drive.

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Sokol park north celebrates grand opening

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority hopes everyone will join them in celebrating the Sokol Park North Grand Opening on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. The newest additions to Sokol Park include four multi-purpose fields, a press box and restroom facilities. The event is free and open to the public.

“We’re excited to be able to improve the quality of life for the Tuscaloosa community,” says Don Kelly, PARA executive director. “This would not have been possible without the Capital Improvement funds entrusted to us by Mayor Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council.”

The official dedication will include speakers Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa City Council District 3 Representative Cynthia Almond, YMCA of Tuscaloosa County Board Chairman Jay Evans and PARA Board Chairman Hezekiah Carstarphen. Reverend Dan Brenton with The Church at Tuscaloosa will provide the opening prayer. Kelly will act as the master of ceremonies for the event located at North entrance on Watermelon Road.

Sokol Park has been open since 1970. It has received numerous upgrades throughout the years. The grand opening will hopefully garner new attention to the amenities the park has to offer such as the new model airfield, playgrounds, walking trails and community gardens.

The additions and improvements at Sokol Park were part of a broader initiative called the Capitol Improvement Project in which PARA received $6 million from the City of Tuscaloosa. Twelve of PARA’s parks, pools and centers received upgrades over the past 24 months.

Live, Learn Play PARA!

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Administrative Office | 614 Greensboro Avenue | Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. | Phone: 205-562-3220 | Email: info@tcpara.org

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