TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — City leaders officially broke ground Thursday on a major expansion project at the Belk Center that will add new amenities and improve recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
The City of Tuscaloosa held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18 for the Belk Center Expansion project, with Mayor Walt Maddox, District 6 Councilor John Faile, and Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) Chief Executive Officer Brian Davis participating in the event.
The project, funded through the city’s Elevate Tuscaloosa initiative, will bring several upgrades to the facility, including the addition of a new indoor therapeutic pool, a redesigned front lobby, and updated locker rooms.
Additional improvements will include enhancements to the facility’s roof, gymnasium floor, and parking lot.
Mayor Walt Maddox said the project reflects the city’s commitment to investing in residents of all ages.
“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,” 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.”
The Belk Center is located within Bowers Park, a longstanding recreational destination that has served generations of Tuscaloosa families.
Councilor John Faile said the improvements will help ensure the facility continues serving residents well into the future.
“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.”
PARA CEO Brian Davis praised the city for its continued investment in parks and recreational facilities.
“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.”
City officials said construction is expected to continue over the next year, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.
The Belk Center Expansion is one of several projects funded through Elevate Tuscaloosa, a long-term capital improvement program focused on infrastructure, recreation, public safety, and quality-of-life enhancements throughout the city.