City Leaders Break Ground on Improvements to West Tuscaloosa’s Kaulton Park

Elected officials and other city staff gathered in Tuscaloosa Friday to break ground on the new and improved Kaulton Park, which will modernize a resource used by West End residents for decades.

The 4-acre half-moon-shaped park is on Elm Street, where it was once part of the Kaulton Lumber Company's planned community founded in 1912. The city acquired the site in 1972 and designated it as a public park.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and city councilwoman Raevan Howard led the ceremony and celebrated the $1.8 million upgrades, which are being funded through the city's Elevate Tuscaloosa sales tax program and $250,000 from American Rescue Plan money.

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The city said in a press release that improvements will include new lighting and security features, a new playground, public Wi-Fi and upgrades to the ball field.

The city will also add a large pavilion, creating a sheltered community gathering space that will feature modern restrooms.

"Some of the best memories of our lives are the memories we have outside in our parks," Maddox said. "For thousands of children we may never meet, they're going to have those same memories in a new Kaulton Park."

Howard, like her father Bobby Howard before her, represents the area as the council's representative for District 2.

"Kaulton Park came into existence for the City of Tuscaloosa in 1972, so for over 50 years we did not have any renovations to this park," said Councilor Howard. "This is a tremendous improvement for this community."

Construction on this Elevate Tuscaloosa project is expected to be completed by fall 2024. Learn more at elevatetuscaloosa.com.