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Crime Solutions Task Force: Young Violence
By Jere Hough Meteorologist / Feature Reporter
Published: Fri, July 13, 2007 - 3:07 am
Last Updated: Wed, August 22, 2007 - 3:54 pm
Last Updated: Wed, August 22, 2007 - 3:54 pm
Jere Hough
Kids playing baseball...a familar sight at city parks across America. It's a VERY familiar sight in Saraland, Alabama, because while the population is below 15,000, there are fifteen parks, inside the city limits!
And actually, the city that is celebrating is 50th birthday this year, will likely be much bigger by the next census. A drive out Celeste Road west of I-65 shows many new subdivisions. And those outside the city limits apparently want in, according to City Hall.
Mayor Ken Williams indicates some papers on his desk, "We're working on three annexations right now."
Three annexations! The community is already known for the the longest Christmas Parade in Mobile County.
A diner at a local restaurant says, "The small town atmosphere is really what draws a lot of people up here...get out of the big city."
Another comments, "The people are real nice here and the community's real good."
A young woman says, "It's more like a small town atmosphere. Everyone kind of knows everybody. It's real warm and inviting up here."
Another diner has a different view, "Well, it used to be small town, but it ain't so small no more."
The city is changing. They are in the midst of creating their own school district.
Mayor Williams explains, "We've go a school board in place, everything, and we're ready to go."
The new Saraland High school will be built near the intersection of I-65 and the Industrial Parkway.
Plus, there is a new Civic Center which includes a Senior Services wing.
Of course, there are sections of the city that go 'way back. Beautiful Bayou Sara makes it easy to fish or boat.
Incidentally the name "Saraland reportedly dates back to around 1900 when a retired minister, C.J., DeWitt, named the town for his wife, Seara.
Meteorologist Jere Hough stands by a new building and comments, "A brand new Senior Citizens' Center, some fifteen parks in Saraland...this is a community that cares for it families. And incidentally, Saraland, 'Happy Birthday.' On County Road 5 in Saraland, Alabama, I'm Jere Hough, News 5."
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