No longer just the star of Alabama, the City of Huntsville is drawing national and international attention. The population is growing. Needs are changing.

At its foundation, however, quality of life remains key. Huntsville Parks and Recreation is building on that foundation with capital projects across the City.

“These are instruments for us to deliver services to the citizens of Huntsville,” says Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett. “We’re fortunate that we get to bring the people a lot of fun things, but we can’t do that without the support of the administration and the City Council.”

Over the last decade, the City has committed more than $100 million to improve existing parks, build new ones, create world-class facilities, and stay on the cutting edge of recreation opportunities.

With even more to come, City Administrator John Hamilton sees these projects as wise investments, bringing in tens of thousands of people each year for tournaments, championship games and special events.

“There’s lodging and people go to our restaurants, so it brings money to our community that helps grow jobs but there’s another piece of the return on investment that’s harder to put into dollars and cents, that’s the impact on our citizens’ quality of life.”

“We know that it’s real in the lives of our citizens,” Hamilton says. “It’s an opportunity to do something that’s healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Building Community

In every area of service, Parks and Recreation helps strengthen communities. This August marks two years since Johnson Legacy Center opened on Cecil Fain Drive in Northwest Huntsville. With a rock-climbing wall, affordable monthly gym memberships and regular wellness activities, it’s become a hub for the community.

In May, Huntsville City Council approved a $4.58 million construction contract to build Legacy Park, which is slated for completion in spring 2023.

Located next to JLC and within walking distance of new single-family home neighborhoods, Legacy Park will feature two pavilions, one of them an entertainment area with terraced seating for up to 200 people; a plaza with a monument sign; modern playground; and space for a National Fitness Campaign (NFC) Fitness Court® installation. The outdoor bodyweight circuit training center is designed for adults of all ages and abilities, providing a free full body workout.

District 1 City Council Member Devyn…