City gives new update on Martin Road rec center project

The City of Huntsville plans to move forward with the construction of a new recreation center on Martin Road. The city approved an agreement with a contractor for the project for $476,250.

Here’s what we know thus far:

Rec center on Martin Road

The Huntsville City Council has approved a $476,250 contract with William M. Boehme & Associates Architects for the facility on Martin Road. A previous agreement authorized the purchase of approximately five acres of land on Martin Road just west of the intersection with Zeirdt Road.

The facility will be similar in design to the Mark Russell Recreation Center, which opened on Taylor Road in December 2020. The agreement calls for two full-size gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, office space storage areas and restrooms, as well as lighted parking and landscaping.

“As West Huntsville continues to grow, we know there is a need for recreation facilities and programming. This center will meet that need and add to the quality of life for our citizens.”

James Gossett, Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director

More info on the rec center

Here are a few details about the new rec center on Martin Road:

• Indoor athletic courts and fitness rooms will provide area residents recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
• Meeting space within the center will provide a safe environment for area seniors to coalesce and interact.
• The new recreation center is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

This new rec center project is just the latest in a series of projects approved in the last year related to recreation and fitness. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Huntsville City Council approved projects at the Sandra Moon Community Complex and the Hays Farm Sports Park.

In October of 2022, the Council gave the go-ahead for the new John Hunt Park Rec Center, which will be 53,000-square-foot center at 3035 Leeman Ferry Road. Also at John Hunt Park will be the Raymond W. Jones Community Center, which is currently under construction.

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