Rec Center about to roll into Huntsville’s ‘Central Park’

HUNTSVILLE — It’s got a strange name, but pickleball will be the highlight for the John Hunt Park Recreation Center.

With John Hunt Park quickly becoming known as Huntsville’s “Central Park,” the 53,000-square-foot facility – upon approval from the City Council – is expected to be completed next year.

Architectural firm William M. Boehme & Associates presented renderings to the Huntsville Planning Commission in May for the $800,000 center. It will be north of Joe Davis Stadium on Leeman Ferry Road.

A highlight will be 16 outdoor, lighted pickleball courts. The courts include a pavilion and will be designed for competitive play, including tournaments.

“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and we’ve certainly seen that reflected in Huntsville,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “The new John Hunt Park Recreation Center is an excellent opportunity to provide additional courts in a centralized location.”

Inside the center, four full-size gymnasiums will offer practice and competition space for basketball, volleyball, and futsal – a football-based game played indoors on a hard court.

A concession area and restrooms will link the gyms to the main building, which will include a fitness room, two multi-purpose activity rooms and office space.

“John Hunt Park is an incredible asset,” said Huntsville Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett. “It makes sense to have a recreation center be part of this growing area.

“This design gives us the ability to offer citizens more programs, more fitness options, and more athletic space.”