HUNTSVILLE – The expansion of recreational facilities at John Hunt Park continues, this time with senior citizens the focal point, as the city of Huntsville prepares to open the Raymond W. Jones Community Center.
A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the center, a repurposed building of what was formerly a National Guard Armory, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at 2020 Steve Hettinger Drive.
Guests include Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett, Parkinson’s Dynamics President Carolyn Rhodes and Raymond B. Jones Jr.
The former armory was purchased by the city and underwent a $6.4 million renovation. It houses offices for John Hunt Park management and supports programs for senior citizens, including Rock Steady boxing and specialized fitness classes for those with Parkinson’s disease.
“We’re very excited to move forward with this project as it will be an asset to our senior population,” Gossett said when the project was announced in the summer of 2022.
The late Raymond W. Jones was a civic leader and a veteran.
