Elevate Tuscaloosa Begins Phase 1 of Northern Riverwalk Project

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Karris Harmon

The City of Tuscaloosa broke ground last month on Phase 1 of Elevate Tuscaloosa’s Northern Riverwalk Project. The Northern Riverwalk Project will start east of McFarland Boulevard near the Woolsey-Finnell Bridge and will continue for approximately 3,000 feet to the east.

In a video announcement, Mayor Walt Maddox said they were inspired to start this project because the Riverwalk is a signature of Tuscaloosa.

“We have seen on the southern side of the river, just what the Riverwalk can mean to our community,” said Maddox. “If you drive down Jack Warner Parkway, you’ll see families out there walking, people jogging and students stringing up hammocks. To me, that’s part of what makes a great city. And now, we’re going to be able to do that on the north side of the river as well.”

This project was made possible because of an estimated $2.72 million land donation from the Randall family. The Randall family is native to Tuscaloosa and said they were happy to donate.

“To give back to the city and provide a place where families can go and have fun and be in nature, that’s really important to us, and I know it would mean a lot to my dad as well,” said Frank Randall.

Tuscaloosa resident Brianna Kasper said she is excited to take advantage of the new space.

“I think it’ll be great,” Kasper said. “I use the Riverwalk almost every single day, and I think it’ll be a great expansion for people to use and just have access to.”

University of Alabama student Challie Johnson said this new project will help her get out and enjoy more of Tuscaloosa.

“I’m really excited about having more places to go outside and explore,” said Johnson. “I live on campus, so it gets kind of claustrophobic and having extra space is going to be awesome.”

Tuscaloosa resident Meghan Savona said this is a great opportunity for everyone to come together after a rough year.

“Right now, especially during COVID, I think it’s a great way to provide an outdoor space for everybody to get together and bring the community together,” said Savona.

Elevate Tuscaloosa plans to be finished with the project by this summer.