City of Tuscaloosa

The City of Tuscaloosa’s seasonal ice-skating rink is returning to Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa this week. Holidays on the Plaza is set to open on Friday Nov. 29, alongside the Tuscaloosa One Place's Tinsel Trail.

Tuscaloosa leaders have broken ground on the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center expansion and Jaycee Park upgrades project. The expansion will add 17 new outdoor courts with player and spectator seating and better lighting. Jaycee Park upgrades include walking trail improvements, maintenance building and security upgrades.

Fall is here in Alabama with cooler weather and more seasonal activities with the changing of the leaves. Families, residents and students are making plans for the break at the end of the month, Crimson Tide fans are enjoying the last games of football season, and many events are set for around Tuscaloosa for November.

The City of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue are announcing the retirement of Fire Chief Randy Smith. He was named Fire Chief by Mayor Walt Maddox in 2018 with 31 years of experience in fire and rescue services. Prior to this appointment, he served as the deputy fire chief for the City of Mobile Fire-Rescue Department.

The City of Tuscaloosa has cut the ribbon to open Snow Hinton Park after completing multiple upgrades. This includes an ellipse feature/walking track, new restrooms, a new pavilion, lighting and security upgrades as well as expanded parking.

The City of Tuscaloosa is breaking ground on the new Burrell Odom Park. Improvements to the neighborhood park will include new lighting and security, a new walking track, two new playgrounds and a new basketball court.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department is launching a new smartphone app to help better connect with the Druid City community. The app is free to download and is available on both Apple and Android devices.

Volunteers are needed for the 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts. The event will have its Tuscaloosa debut on Oct. 19 and 20 at Snow Hinton Park. This includes helping with different set ups, parking, stages, hospitality, tickets, check in and kids activities.

Applications are now open for artist booths, live performers and vendors at the 2025 Druid City Arts Festival, hosted by the City of Tuscaloosa. The event is now in its 16th year.

Tuscaloosa voters have rejected a proposed property tax increase that would have benefited Tuscaloosa City Schools. The hike would have meant $17 million a year for education in Tuscaloosa.