New John Hunt Park Recreation Center to ‘serve’ growing pickleball community
Published on October 23, 2024
Mayor Tommy Battle and City leaders broke ground on a recreation center in John Hunt Park that will include the City’s largest pickleball facility.
It’s the latest in a string of quality-of-life project starts, including the recent groundbreakings on an expansion at the Huntsville Tennis Center at John Hunt Park, west Huntsville recreation center, Stoner Park skating rink in North Huntsville and Hays Farm Urban Park in South Huntsville.
“If it seems like we’ve been doing this a lot lately, well, we have,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “The City is actively working to provide recreational destinations for everyone across the City. We’re proud of the opportunities available to our residents, whether it’s a healthy workout or a leisurely game of pickleball.”
The 25 lighted exterior pickleball courts are sure to be a hit with the City’s growing pickleball community. The courts will be covered by an engineered metal structure to minimize rainouts.
The one-story, 60,580-square-foot recreation center will feature four full-sized gymnasiums with four regulation-size basketball courts, which can be striped to accommodate eight regulation-size volleyball courts. A concession area and restrooms will link the gyms to the main building, which will include a fitness room, two multi-purpose activity rooms, office space and more.
A 298-space parking lot will ensure access to the facility. Streetscape improvements to Don Mincher Drive will also be part of the scope of work.
The recreation center is being built on 8.5 acres just north of Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Fite Building Company will be the general contractor on the $18.5 million project. William M. Boehme & Associates designed the facility.
Construction is expected to wrap up be completed in December 2025.
“This recreation center will greatly enrich John Hunt Park, featuring top-notch facilities for activities like pickleball, basketball, volleyball and a fully equipped gymnasium,” District 4 Council Member Bill Kling said. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the City Administration and my fellow Council members for their unwavering support in bringing this project to life.”
