Our Mission
To enrich our community through exciting recreational
and cultural opportunities.
Welcome to Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority, where you can discover the natural beauty of Tuscaloosa County’s flat lands, hills and mountains, with an abundance of lakes and the Black Warrior River running through.
PARA offers something for everyone with almost 2,000 acres of green space including over 35 parks, boat landings, seven activity centers, an 18-hole award winning golf course, award-winning tennis facility, recreation and leisure for all ages, special events and more.
We’re your source for high quality, affordable and convenient recreation programs.
PARA offers opportunity for enjoyment and learning with places to breathe, stretch your legs, meet your neighbors and celebrate life.
We invite you to Live, Learn, Play!
Board of Directors
Hunter Taylor, Chair
- Appointed by Tuscaloosa County Board of Education
Elizabeth Winter
- Appointed by Tuscaloosa City Board of Education
Danny Higdon
- Appointed by City of Northport
Steven Deal
- Appointed by City of Tuscaloosa
Dr. Craig Fairburn
- Appointed by City of Tuscaloosa
Dr. Tony Johnson
- Appointed by City of Tuscaloosa
Gary Falls
- Appointed by Tuscaloosa County Commission
Curtis Travis
- Appointed by Tuscaloosa County Commission
PARA Board of Directors Meeting Schedule
* Meetings begin promptly at 4:00PM
Notice is hereby given that the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority Board of Directors will hold a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Iron & Ember Golf, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer, the resulting vacancy and related matters, and the Board's 2027 subcommittee appointments.
The meeting is open to the public.
PARA Foundation Board
- E. Barden Smedberg, Jr., President
- Kathryn Hornsby, Vice Chair & Treasurer
- Anna Johnson, Secretary
- Brian C. Davis, PARA CEO
- Dominique Yancey
- Elizabeth Winter, Ex Officio
- Hunter Taylor
- Jeff Sides
- Kathie Buchalter Carnes
- Kenneth Todd
- Mike Crady, PARA Director of Finance
PARA Foundation Board Meeting Schedule
* Meetings begin promptly at 2:30PM
Bid Packages can be obtained by emailing PARA's Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Taylor Lopez.
For Public Works projects, contact Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Clecker.
Mail bids to: Taylor Lopez, PARA, PO Box 2496, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
