After nearly 100 years, Huntsville’s Goldsmith-Schiffman still kicking with new life planned

Goldsmith-Schiffman Field has long been known for the stone wall that surrounds the facility. (City of Huntsville contributed)

HUNTSVILLE — A nearly century-old football stadium will find a new life as the centerpiece of a recreation area near one of Huntsville’s growing neighborhoods.

And residents will be able to take part in the renovation of Goldsmith-Schiffman Field at a town hall meeting Tuesday. The information session is 5:30 p.m. at Optimist Recreation Center, at 703 Oakwood Ave., adjacent to Optimist Park, itself a renovated historic stadium.

On Bierne Avenue near the Five Points neighborhood, Goldsmith-Schiffman Field opened in 1934 as a high school football stadium. Distinguished by the stone wall that encircles the facility, the field now hosts flag football games.

District 2 Council Member David Little is hosting the meeting which will feature conceptual drawings, a discussion of renovation plans and public input. He will be joined by City Administrator John Hamilton, General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett and Facilities Projects Manager Chris O’Neil.

Last year, the city entered into a design services contract with Foresite Group to begin work on the Goldsmith-Schiffman Park Development project. Foresite’s scope of work includes civil engineering and landscape architecture.

“Goldsmith-Schiffman Field holds a special place in the annals of Huntsville sports history,”  Gossett said last October. “We’re looking forward to this assessment of the facility and the opportunity to carve a path to the park’s future.”

Plans for the project include pickleball courts, a grass lawn with space for two flag football fields, an elevated plaza/restroom pavilion and a playground.

The work by Foresite will help determine how best to utilize the facility.

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