City News

The City of Tuscaloosa held a groundbreaking for the new Police Athletic League (PAL) outdoor basketball courts on Monday, February 10 at 9 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Deputy Chief of Police Severn "Sebo" Sanders and Councilor Matthew Wilson spoke during the ceremony.

“The City of Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Police Department are doing everything in our power to give every child in our community an opportunity at success, regardless of their zip code," Mayor Walt Maddox said. "These new courts will help to ensure that hundreds of children in our community know that there’s a safe place, that there are adults who love them and that the Tuscaloosa Police Department is there to keep them safe."

In addition to two new outdoor basketball courts, the project will include new fencing, lighting and security cameras.

“This is more than just new basketball courts – this is the cornerstone of our community,” Deputy Chief of Police Severn "Sebo" Sanders said. “These courts will stand as a beacon of opportunity and a reflection of the care that we have for this community.”

The Tuscaloosa Police Athletic League serves hundreds of children annually through programs including athletics and educational activities.

“These courts will help teach our children teamwork, communication, discipline and resilience,” Councilor Matthew Wilson said. “Together, we’re going to make sure that the children of our community are encouraged, inspired and know that their future is bright.” 

Renovations to the courts were made possible by the City of Tuscaloosa's Project Unity initiative, designed to bridge gaps between public safety and the people of Tuscaloosa.

This project is funded by the City of Tuscaloosa’s general fund, Elevate Tuscaloosa and a CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV).

The outdoor courts will provide the community additional outdoor physical engagement opportunities, which has been shown to increase immune response and reduce transmission of viruses such as COVID–19.