Published on 22 August 2024
The new state-of-the-art John Hunt Park Recreation Center will bring new recreational opportunities to the city’s largest park and is expected to delight Huntsville’s growing pickleball community.
The $18.5 million project will include 25 lighted outdoor pickleball courts, which will also be covered with a metal structure to prevent rain-related outages.
The City Council has authorized Mayor Tommy Battle to Construction contract Fite Building Company has been commissioned for the project and construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2024. The stadium will be located on an area of approximately 8.5 acres directly north of Joe Davis Stadium.
When we began planning the new recreation center, we knew pickleball had to be a central component. We wanted to ensure we provided world-class facilities for this fast-growing sport and we are confident this design will make our pickleball community very happy. – Mayor Tommy Battle
The single-story, 5,570-square-foot recreation center will include four full-size gymnasiums with four standard-size basketball courts that can be divided to accommodate eight standard-size volleyball courts. A concession stand and restrooms will connect the gymnasiums to the main building, which will include a gym, two multi-purpose activity rooms, office space and more. The facility will also include a new 298-space parking lot.
The agreement also includes site work, including parking, landscaping and streetscape improvements on Don Mincher Drive. The new center was designed by William M. Boehme & Associates.
The construction contract has a term of 420 days. The agreement stipulates that work will begin 10 calendar days after the publication of the construction notice.
