HUNTSVILLE – The Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville is helping the city with its plans to grow an arboretum with a $50,000 donation.
The gift helps fund the project in John Hunt Park that will expand educational and recreational opportunities. The project is expected to cost about $400,000.
The 3-acre park is planned along Airport Road just west of Alex McAllister Drive and will meet The Arbor Day Foundation requirements for a level II arboretum. The park will also 100 species of native trees.
“This is a tremendous project that will add to the amenities in John Hunt Park,” Huntsville Landscape Management Director Brian Walker said. “It’s a rare opportunity to develop a park like this in the center of the city and the educational aspect will be a unique component.”
The Landscape Management office developed a plan for the trees to be displayed in their natural settings by creating large berms, dry creek beds and bogs to simulate swampy areas with the assistance of Public Works.
“The city is grateful to the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville for their generous donation, and we are excited about moving forward on this project,” Walker said.
Plans include a walkway throughout the park so visitors can view the trees as well as benches and displays of public art. Visitors can access information about each tree by scanning QR codes with their mobile devices. The center of the park will have a turf area for picnics and leisurely activities.
The park will be complimented by native shrubs and wildflower gardens to promote sustainability in home landscapes, the city said. Two original dogwood trees from the old airport terminal within the park’s footprint will also be preserved. The park will be enclosed by fencing, columns and a sign that will recognize donors to the project.
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