Northport Council Greenlights New Partnerships For River Run Park

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Monday approved several new partnerships for the highly anticipated River Run Park at Northport Shore, which is expected to open later this summer.

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Perhaps the most impactful partnership approved Monday was with Buffalo Rock Co., which will now have the pouring rights for the venue.

The City of Northport said the partnership promises unforgettable gameday experiences and a boost in economic opportunities for Northport businesses — from local retailers and restaurants to other enterprises.

“At Buffalo Rock, we believe that investing in communal spaces like River Run Park isn’t just about baseball and softball, it’s about creating a vibrant future for Northport and the surrounding area," Tuscaloosa Franchise General Sales Manager at Buffalo Rock Chris Gunter said. "We’re excited to bring our legendary service and passion for excellence to this partnership, creating a place where families, businesses, and dreams all come together.”

Buffalo Rock’s Corporate Director of External Affairs and Community Engagement Fitzgerald Washington, who previously served as Alabama's secretary of labor, said the venue is more than a ballpark, before calling it a beacon for economic growth and community pride.

"This partnership with Buffalo Rock will help elevate River Run as a destination for memorable events, boosting our local economy and reinforcing Northport’s reputation as a great place to live," he said.

City Council President Christy Bobo expressed the city's excitement for the partnership with Buffalo Rock, saying it reflects the company's commitment to its community.

"Buffalo Rock has long demonstrated its dedication to West Alabama, through unprecedented support of community initiatives, women’s empowerment, and inclusion," she said. "I’m especially grateful to once again work alongside Mr. Fitzgerald Washington, whose leadership and community-focused vision continue to uplift our region. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring and the positive impact it will have on the citizens of Northport. The City of Northport is also extremely grateful for the strongest relationships Mr. Birch Dalton has cultivated to cement River Run Park as the premier sports facility for Northport citizens and visitors to enjoy for many generations to come.”

Other measures relating to River Run Park that were approved by the City Council on Monday include:

• Awarding Sanford Restaurant Equipment, Inc. the contract for concession stand equipment.
• Hiring Capacity Sports Group, LLC to manage and maintain River Run Park.
• Awarding Vestre with the contract for the outdoor furniture package.
• Awarding a contract to Icy Hot Murals for sign painting in the park.

As Patch previously reported, ground was broken on the first phase in March 2024.
The signature fields will include a concession building and grandstands, with both fields being capable of serving as host sites for high school up through college for baseball and softball.

According to the River Run Park presentation originally given to the City Council, grandstands for the signature baseball field will feature 400 bleacher seats and 150 premium folding seats, while the signature softball field grandstands will have the same number of bleacher seats and 110 premium folding seats.

The seven other fields will be more traditional but with the ability to easily adjust dimensions based on the type of event being hosted.

Plans also call for a 131,000-square-foot indoor recreation facility that will be designed to accommodate competitions for basketball, volleyball, cheer and dance.

Westfield, Indiana-based EdgeRock Development is the developer on the project, along with SNAP Consulting — headed up by former Alabama women's soccer coach and former president and CEO of Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, Don Staley.

EdgeRock Development has a track record of similar developments, with officials previously touting the massive Grand Park Sports Campus as an example of the firm's success.

The opening date for River Run Park is slated for Aug. 16.

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