Last weekend, the City of Northport celebrated the opening of River Run Park, a sports complex city leaders describe as a place for families, youth, and future champions.
The new park features nine tournament-ready baseball and softball fields, positioning Northport as a hub for regional athletics. City officials have said this is only the beginning, with future phases expected to bring restaurants, retail space, hotels, and other amenities that will transform the complex into a destination for both locals and visitors.
RELATED: Northport: Surprising home to Alabama’s newest beach oasis
According to a report from the Tuscaloosa Thread, Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a crowd that included the entire city council, Mayor John Hinton, City Administrator Glenda Webb, and City Engineer Tera Tubbs. Chris Stewart, the voice of the Crimson Tide, emceed the event and welcomed guests to the facility. Council President Christy Bobo called the moment “a truly groundbreaking occasion,” noting that River Run Park stands as proof of what can be achieved when a community works together.
The Tuscaloosa Thread also reported that outgoing Mayor John Hinton, who will leave office in just over a week, opened the ceremony with an invocation. He later took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, officially marking the start of play at the park.
The celebration carried into the evening with a stunning drone and fireworks show, lighting up the skies above Northport. In a post shared by Northport River Run Park, the performance was credited to Sky Elements Drones and Pyro Shows, with Visit Tuscaloosa capturing the display on video.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].