HUNTSVILLE — The John Hunt Park Recreation Center is one step closer to becoming a reality after a groundbreaking ceremony today in south Huntsville. Planners estimate that the project will cost an estimated $18.5 million, once completed.
City officials spoke at the event about what the new location will mean for Huntsville’s residents.
“We’re proud of all these opportunities that we have now available to our residents, whether it’s a healthy workout or just a leisurely game of pickleball, which I don’t think there is such a thing,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Our parks and recreation facilities have so much to offer for everybody, and we encourage everyone to find their activity.”
The 60,580-square-foot center will feature four full-sized gymnasiums with four regulation-size basketball courts, which can be striped to accommodate eight regulation-size volleyball courts.
A concession area and restrooms will link the gyms to the main building, which will include a fitness room, two multi-purpose activity rooms, office space, and more.
“As a city council member, I’ve always prioritized listening to our community and advocating improvements that you want to see,” said Councilman Bill Kling who represents the district that includes the rec center. “Today, we’re kicking off a project that’s set to become a vital part of our community. This recreation center will greatly enrich John Hunt Park, featuring top-notch facilities for activities such as pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and a fully equipped gymnasium.”
Huntsville Parks and Rec Director James Gossett thanked all involved in the project.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude,” he said. “The city administration, city council, Huntsville’s general services department, Fite Building Company, as well as Bill Bain, Bostick Landscapes, and Shoal Engineering for their tireless work on this project.
“We can’t do this thing without our partners and without our people who are thinking through some of the very finite details of this.”
The rec center is the latest in a string of quality-of-life project starts, including the recent groundbreakings on an expansion at the Huntsville Tennis Center at John Hunt Park, the West Huntsville recreation center, Stoner Park skating rink in North Huntsville and Hays Farm Urban Park in South Huntsville.
“The bottom line to all this is that the city is actively working to provide recreational destinations for everyone across the city, ” said Battle. “It’s quality of life. When we start talking about quality of life, we want things that bring people here, give them a reason to want to be part of our community, and have them actually live in our community.”
Construction is expected to wrap up in December 2025.
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