HUNTSVILLE – With the site of former city hall as an addition, Huntsville officials unveiled the final designs for the transformation of Big Spring Park East.
The plan was presented Tuesday night to the Huntsville Planning Commission by Chad Bostick with Bostick Landscape Architects and Frank Nola of Nola Van Peursem for its approval.
Mayor Tommy Battle called it a major step forward and said the design paves the way for park improvements that honor the natural beauty and unique topography of the site.
“As our downtown thrives, so does the need for recreational spaces,” said Battle. “This property presents an opportunity to expand Big Spring Park, solidifying its position as a cherished community landmark. By enlarging the footprint, we provide an even larger public space for everyone to enjoy.”
The former city hall site would add about 2 1/2 acres to Big Spring Park, providing more opportunities for recreation, relaxation and community gatherings.
The final designs incorporate several standout features, including:
- Multiple terraced plaza levels for gathering and relaxing
- A central pavilion with a green roof for hosting events and community programs
- New sidewalk and hardscape connections to Church Street
- Improved ADA access through a gently winding path reminiscent of San Francisco’s Lombard Street
- Landscaping upgrades including irrigation, shade trees, rain gardens, and enhanced lighting
- A children’s playground
- Public art installations and a calming water feature to help buffer downtown noise
A key feature of the design includes a lower terrace that links Big Spring Park East and West, providing an urban overlook of the park’s signature ponds. Terraced walks and walls will create seamless movement across the sloped landscape.
Public art and shaded seating will line the plazas, offering a balance of form and function.
“This plan packs in a lot of desirable public elements, but what excites me most is the bigger picture,” said Bostick. “We’re creating beautiful gardens, plazas and a public pavilion with a green roof, but as significant is the connectivity. This plan ties Big Spring Park east and west together and creates pedestrian and ADA access to Fountain Circle.”
The city plans to bid the park expansion project in July. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
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