City OKs Construction of 8 North Tuscaloosa Pickleball Courts for $1.4 Million

The rapid growth of pickleball in west Alabama will continue after the Tuscaloosa City Council OK'd the construction of 8 new courts in the Northridge area Tuesday night.

The city council solicited bids from local contractors capable of and interested in the project, which is planned for space north of the Buddy Powell Pavillion towards New Watermelon Road.

On Tuesday, the council awarded a public works contract to build the courts to Price Construction Company for $1,373,029.

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They'll also add a new parking lot to make sure the new courts don't overcrowd the existing infrastructure on Northridge Road.

"I'm just excited about being able to add eight pickleball courts at the Buddy Powell Pavillion; it's great for the district and the whole city of Tuscaloosa," city councilman Norman Crow told the Thread. "We've been wanting to do this for several years and these brand-new courts should be open by the fall."

Crow also thanked Tuscaloosa County Commissioner Stan Acker, who committed $200,000 to the project in either services and labor from county crews or direct cash payment.

Crow said the city's share of the project cost comes from surplus capital funds that were not spent elsewhere.

For more coverage of government action, recreational projects and other news in west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.