POWERGRAMS

POWER OF GOOD Rosedale Court playground will play key role in recovery Plans for Tuscaloosa playground include a similar design. T he devastating effects of the April 27, 2011, tornado still linger throughout Tuscaloosa. Places where houses, businesses and landmarks once stood are replaced by vacant lots and heavy equipment rebuilding what once were vibrant parts of the community. National fundraisers and local contributions raised money needed to help clean up and begin to rebuild Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Power Service Organization and Alabama Power Foundation have been involved from the start, supporting citizens, churches, civic groups and other organizations in the monumental recovery efforts. Tuscaloosa Forward focuses on giving the city a new look, especially in the worst-hit areas. One of the most severely affected is Rosedale Court, a housing development also known as "ground zero," where the storm began its 6-mile path of destruction through the city. The tornado destroyed a third of the complex, with three residents dying and 90 families displaced. The first phase of a new complex opened in January. "We went through the process of trying to find different organizations that are helping rebuild the parts of the city that need it the most," said Joseph Brown, Western Division External Affairs manager. "The foundation has made pledges to Calvary Baptist, who helped Rosedale through Mayor Maddox's Hope Initiative and also helped revamp Rosedale, which has PAGE 6 been designated as the city's gateway by Tuscaloosa Forward." A key component of the public housing destroyed by the tornado was playgrounds maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA). The foundation's latest pledge was a general donation to construct a state-of-the-art playground in a green space left by the tornado. The playground will feature a splash pad and other features Brown said will be a "breath of fresh air" for residents. "The foundation has been instrumental in helping Tuscaloosa get back on its feet and we are very appreciative of the support we have received in west Alabama," said Western Division Vice President Mark Crews. PARA public relations and marketing Manager Becky Booker said ground testing has been completed for the Rosedale park and playground, trees planted and work is set to begin on the gateway to the City Walk. City officials gave the go-ahead vote March 6. "The Alabama Power Foundation's donation helped us receive matching funds from other places and ultimately laid the groundwork to help build a bigger and better park in the Rosedale community," Booker said. By Freddy Padilla

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