Huntsville Leader

The City of Huntsville invites the community to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month by participating in free, family-friendly activities or simply visiting a park, recreation center or athletic facility.

Recognized every July since 1985, the observance emphasizes the importance of parks and recreation professionals in building strong, vibrant and resilient communities.

“Parks and Recreation Month is a great time to highlight our excellent parks and recreation facilities, while also honoring our hardworking employees who serve the public,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Whether you like to swim, run, bike or play pickleball or beach volleyball, our facilities offer something special for all our citizens.”

Special events

The celebration kicks off Wednesday, July 6, with Mayor Battle proclaiming July as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Huntsville. Other events include:

• Community Chalk Art Festival – Friday, July 15, 5:30 p.m.: Occurring in Big Spring Park in tandem with Downtown Huntsville Inc.’s food truck rally, residents can grab dinner and enjoy live music while creating their own chalk art masterpiece near the Huntsville Museum of Art.
• Rec and Read Day – Tuesday, July 19, 9-10:30 a.m.: Children of all ages are encouraged to visit the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center at 3011 Sparkman Drive NW to enjoy interactive storytelling from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library staff. Kids can also cool off with free ice pops, water play and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.
• Concert on the Green – Saturday, July 30, 5 p.m.: Parks and Rec Month will wrap up with live music and more at S.R. Butler Green, located at Campus 805. The music will begin at 6 p.m.

Other events include an artist symposium and family move night. More details can be found on the Huntsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page. All activities are free.

Those who attend planned events can join in the fun by posting photos to social media with the hashtag #GoPlayHSV.

Meeting diverse needs

The City of Huntsville boasts about 60 parks, 15 recreation and community centers, 100 athletic fields, and 50-plus miles of trails and greenways. From sand volleyball to skateboarding, dog parks to disc golf, the Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of citizens.

Today, its facilities are busier than ever as youth athletic participation is at an all-time high. There are also exciting projects underway, including the Joe Davis Stadium renovation, Phase II of the Sandra Moon Community Complex, construction of Legacy Park near Johnson Legacy Center and development of Apollo Park near The Orion Amphitheater.

At John Hunt Park, work is underway on the new Get-A-Way Skatepark, renovation of Kids’ Space and creation of an 18-hole disc golf course. Meanwhile, an expansion of the Championship Fields will add two synthetic turf fields for soccer and lacrosse. The City has also committed to adding several dozen miles to the greenway system by next year.

“Over the last two years, a lot of people discovered what we have to offer,” said Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. “We’re fortunate the administration supports the vision of expanding facilities and programming, to provide the highest possible quality of life in our growing city.”

Visit huntsvilleal.gov/parksandrec to learn more about Huntsville Parks & Recreation. Visit huntsvilleal.gov/GoPlayHSV to learn more about Parks and Recreation Month.

Original source can be found here