The Randall Family Park & Trailhead Recognized with ASLA Award

​The Randall Family Park & Trailhead and the contiguous 0.6-mile path represents the initial phase of the Northern Riverwalk project by Elevate Tuscaloosa.  The Randall family donated 19 acres to the City of Tuscaloosa to develop the Northern Riverwalk outdoor recreational area along the Black Warrior River.   The City’s goals were to provide riverfront access in North Tuscaloosa, create a popular destination that offered recreational opportunities, and improve connectivity by linking the Riverwalk to nearby residential and commercial areas. 
 
To complement the park and trails on the southern bank, Northern Riverwalk’s paved trails allow for recreation or exercise.  The open lawn is sized to accommodate soccer, football, and baseball.  The versatile greenspace encourages use by the community and specifically the neighboring hotel and church for any number of activities.  The overlook pavilion provides grilling areas, restrooms, shade, and a party space with views of the river.  Play areas, hammock stands, bike repair stations, water fountains with bottle filling, and custom art sculptures are a few of the amenities that add intrigue and value for park visitors.  Along the trailways, interpretative signage offers explanations of wetlands and pollinators, while also educating visitors on the importance of the Black Warrior River.  
 
City officials along with a team of architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and suppliers came together to bring the vision of the City of Tuscaloosa to life with the Randall Family Park and Trailhead at Northern Riverwalk. In April, Northern Riverwalk was recognized with a Merit Award for General Design from the Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
 
With the gift of an additional 6.6 acres from the Randall family, a second phase of the park is currently in design.  The trails will be extended to the northeast connecting McWright’s Ferry Road to the Randall Family Park & Trailhead.