3 ways you can celebrate Parks and Recreation Month in Huntsville

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Parks and Recreation Month kicks off July 6 in Huntsville. (Nathan Watson / Hville Blast)

The City of Huntsville is observing National Parks & Recreation Month in July by hosting a few events at its city parks, and by urging folks to visit any of the city’s parks and recreation facilities.

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

3 events hosted by the city

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Huntsville’s S.R. Butler Green, at Campus 805 is the site of one of the celebrations for Parks and Recreation Month. (City of Huntsville)

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

  • Community Chalk Art Festival – Friday, July 15, 5:30PM: 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, 9-10:30AM: Children of all ages are encouraged to visit the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center 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, 5PM: 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 6PM

Other events include an artist symposium, family movie night and a male mentorship event at Top Golf. More details can be found on the Huntsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page. All activities are free.

“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. Whether you like to swim, run, bike or play pickleball or beach volleyball, our facilities offer something special for all our citizens.”

Mayor Tommy Battle

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

Visit Huntsville’s parks and recreational facilities

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The Huntsville Aquatics Center is one of the city’s great recreational facilities. (City of Huntsville)

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.

“Over the last two years, a lot of people discovered what we have to offer. 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.”

Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett

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Michael Seale
Michael Seale
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