HUNTSVILLE – Hotels, parking garages, administration buildings and all sorts of concrete is growing around Big Spring Park these days. Now it’s time for the park to push back and occupy some more greenspace in downtown Huntsville.

As work nears completion on the new City Hall, leaders are making plans for the expansion of the city’s centerpiece park. The Administration Building on Fountain Circle will be demolished following the transition to the new City Hall and the building site will be added to the park.

The city approved a contract with Bostick Landscape Architects to design the implementation of the site into the park.

Mayor Tommy Battle said the contract really starts putting pen to paper on the design and what that will be.

“As our downtown thrives, so does the need for recreational spaces,” Battle said. “This property presents an opportunity to expand Big Spring Park, solidifying its position as a cherished City landmark. By enlarging the footprint, we provide an even larger public space for everyone to enjoy.”

According to the city, the design is expected to include two to three terrace plaza levels, a pavilion, new sidewalk/hardscape connections to Church Street, new landscaping and irrigation, additional lighting and electrical infrastructure. The city expects to retain a large portion of the greenspace on the sloped area next to the Administration Building.

The contract calls for a design completion date of Sept. 14.