Huntsville’s John Hunt Park offers sports of all sorts

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville is growing.

And, to keep up with the demands of the state’s most-populous city, the Parks and Rec Department is playing a large role with investments in facilities and amenities in John Hunt Park.

In fact, the 450-acre area is one of, if not the largest, most diverse, multi-sport facilities in the Southeast.

“At nearly 450 acres, it’s become Huntsville’s own ‘Central Park’, hosting everything from collegiate soccer, sand volleyball and cross-country championships to our annual Eggstravaganza,” said the city’s Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett. “The park is also home to the city’s first outdoor fitness court, as well as a mountain bike course, and will soon offer an 18-hole disc golf course, along with two new artificial turf championship fields for the soccer facility.

“This year alone will bring the opening of the new skatepark, Joe Davis Stadium and Kids’ Space Playground.”

And it’s still growing – just like Huntsville.

Kelly Schrimsher, director of communications for Mayor Tommy Battle’s administration, said that the expansion of the area was “the mayor’s vision.”

“Over the past year, the City has committed more than $60 million to recreation offerings, building new facilities and renovating existing spaces,” Gossett said. “John Hunt Park is a major part of this.”

There are also big plans for the future.

“We are currently working on plans for a new recreation center in John hunt, which will include outdoor pickleball courts that can accommodate tournament play,” Gossett said. “Construction is already underway on the Raymond W. Jones Community Center, which will support programming for our senior populations, including those with Parkinson’s disease.”