Queen City Park

Historical Origins

Queen City Park, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a historic urban green space that has served the community since the 1920s. The park was established in 1926 when the city of Tuscaloosa acquired 30 acres of land for public use.

During the 1930s, the Federal Works Project Administration (WPA) contributed to the park's development by constructing a nature walk.

Architectural Features

A significant feature of Queen City Park is its swimming pool and bathhouse, which were added in 1943. These structures were designed by Don Buel Schuyler, an apprentice of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The pool and bathhouse were constructed with funds from the Warner Family's David Warner Foundation and labor provided by the WPA. The bathhouse, designed in the Art Deco style, features a unique poured concrete structure.

Adjacent to the bathhouse is a wading pool and an Art Deco fountain, enhancing the park's aesthetic appeal.

Sporting Heritage

The park's history also includes a softball field, which was built in 1936 and served as a cornerstone for organized amateur softball in Tuscaloosa County until 1967. This field played a crucial role in establishing Tuscaloosa's men's and women's softball teams as state and national competitors.

Present-Day Attractions

Today, Queen City Park continues to offer recreational opportunities to Tuscaloosa residents. The park features walking trails that meander through scenic woods, allowing visitors to enjoy nature within an urban setting.

Some of the original WPA structures, including stone steps and a bridge, can still be seen in the park, providing a glimpse into its historical past.

Museum Connection

In recent years, the former pool house has been repurposed. In 2011, it was converted into the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, which explores the history of transportation in Tuscaloosa.

This adaptation has allowed the historic structure to continue serving the community in a new capacity.

Natural Setting

Queen City Park's location along the Black Warrior River adds to its appeal, offering visitors pleasant views and a connection to one of Tuscaloosa's important natural features.