Belk Center at Tuscaloosa’s Bowers Park To Get Major Upgrades

Tuscaloosa broke ground Thursday on an expansion of the Belk Center at Bowers Park that will add a new indoor therapy pool, updated lobby and locker rooms, and enhancements to the roof, gym floor and parking lot.

Mayor Walt Maddox, District 6 Councilor John Faile and PARA CEO Brian Davis spoke at the ceremony, framing the project as a key part of the city's Elevate Tuscaloosa sales tax initiative to improve the quality of life for residents.

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"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."

Faile emphasized the park’s multigenerational role in the community.

"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."

Davis said the upgrades reflect a broader mission beyond bricks and mortar.

"The investments that have been made through Elevate over the past seven years are about so much more than buildings and infrastructure," Davis said. "They're about creating opportunities for people to live healthier, more active lives."

Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2027.

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