TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The Tuscaloosa City Council is planning a $2 million renovation for Burrell G. Odom Park.
Before the city can break ground, the council must vote on a developer. The Tuscaloosa City Council will vote during Tuesday night's council meeting to award Amason & Associates Inc. the bid.
The park sits in the heart of West End's historic neighborhood. It currently features a pavilion and grill as well as a basketball court, swings, jungle gyms and batting fence for baseball and softball. However, some of the structures have worn down over time.
Martin Crendall can recall when Burrell G. Odom Park was the go-to spot for families and youth in the area.
“Walking up and down this park was the best thing in life," Crendall said. "We’d play basketball, that’s all we had was a hoop."
Some of the anticipated additions include two new playgrounds, basketball courts, security measures, park lighting and additional pavilions.
As a part of Tuscaloosa's District 1, city councilman Matthew Wilson says the project was a community-driven goal to support the people he represents.
"My district has been a district that has somewhat been forgotten and to bring about a revitalization within the area is a win for those who have dreamed about these years," Wilson said.
Johnny Benton has lived down the street from the park for the past 30 years. He said he's proud of the area's continued development and is hopeful the space will bring people together.
“I can see a lot of things coming for the West side,” Benton said. "I just want to thank Matthew Wilson, my councilor, and everybody who played a part in this."
According to Councilor Wilson, a tentative groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September and should go as planned if the council votes "yes" on the agenda item.