More than 100 people gathered Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, to cut the ribbon on River District Park, a 5-acre recreational area now open alongside the Black Warrior River. Positioned between the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and Hotel Indigo, this approximately $8 million park – renamed “Parker-Haun Park” in October 2023 – features open green space, river-viewing areas, a multi-functional plaza, a performance stage, a pavilion, and dynamic lighting with a pathway that connects to the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk.
TTL, Inc. developed the master plan and final design for the park, converting an under-utilized portion of the city’s riverfront into a welcoming and engaging center for residents and visitors alike.
“TTL was honored to be a part of the team tasked with the planning, design, and construction of Parker-Haun Park,” said TTL Project Manager Bradley Porter. “We believe the park sets a new, unique standard in the area and, while serving as a gateway to western Tuscaloosa, is just the beginning of projects to come that will continue to make Tuscaloosa and its riverfront a destination point for citizens and visitors for years to come.”
Parker-Haun Park serves as an outdoor extension of the Saban Center, the new, state-of-the-art interactive learning center that will offer science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, theater and outdoor recreation, and allow for coordinated indoor and outdoor programming for children.
Terry Saban, wife of Nick Saban, head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, was on hand to cut the ribbon on the park that will serve generations of West Alabama children.
“In the 16 years that the Saban family has called Tuscaloosa our home, we have watched it grow and develop into a thriving, exciting city,” Terry Saban said. “And this park is part of that excitement.”
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox credited the Saban family for having the vision to help revitalize this corridor of the city and boost interest and investment into West Tuscaloosa and beyond.
“You never succeed alone, in my opinion. Not on Saturday, not in life,” Maddox said. “Today is about a team effort, about a community working with so many partners and an extraordinarily generous family. We could not have done this without you.
“This park is going to be the symbol and cornerstone of our riverfront development westward, and it’s going to be something we can all be proud of in this victory for Tuscaloosa.”