HUNTSVILLE – We all know the phrase “it takes a village.”

And, in North Huntsville, it took a community to have a dream which will be realized Friday with the ribbon-cutting of the Stoner Park Skating Rink.

“These residents researched facilities all over the nation and they steered the product you see today,” General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson said last year. “It’s always great when we hire design firms with a lot of experience, but it is impressive when a community brings its passion and knowledge to the table.”

Mayor Tommy Battle, Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett and District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins will head the ceremonies at 10 a.m.

The  $2.3 million project, which broke ground in July 2024, is a brainchild of the community through their hands-on research and input.

The 85 by 185-foot rink is housed within a 19,000 square-foot, open-air pavilion. The facility will include restrooms and picnic facilities and connect to other amenities at the park, which include a playground, tennis courts, multi-purpose fields, football, baseball and softball fields.