Arlington L. Freeman Sr., 1934-2003

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Title

Arlington L. Freeman Sr., 1934-2003

Subject

African-American--History--Tuscaloosa

Description

Arlington L. Freeman Sr., known to most as A. L. Freeman, died in 2003 at 69.

Freeman was a Fayette County farm boy who dedicated his life to creating recreational opportunities for Tuscaloosa youths. For 37 years, until his 1996 retirement, Freeman worked in local recreation – first for the city of Tuscaloosa’s recreation department then Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority when it was created in 1969.

He headed the organization’s athletic leagues and youth programs for many years and worked for the development of two west Tuscaloosa parks, one at 18th Street and 30th Avenue, which was named for him after his retirement, and Palmore Park. His focus was squarely on increasing opportunities for west Tuscaloosa residents, a cause he advocated until his death.

The A.L. Freeman Park was renovated in 2002; it is now a 3-acre park and provides playgrounds and picnic areas, a shelter, rock walls, exploration in unique tubes and climbing loop ladders. There is also a recreational pool featuring a water play area.

Freeman’s efforts on behalf of inner-city neighborhoods earned him statewide acclaim and in 1991, he received a special service award from the state parks and recreation association.

Source

Tuscaloosa News Archive

Contributor

Betty Slowe (Description)
Tuscaloosa Public Library

Type

Photograph

Identifier

1098

Coverage

Tuscaloosa (AL)

Original Format

Photograph