James Crawford Park to see new improvements soon

James Crawford Park in North Huntsville is about to see some major changes. The park, located on Melody Road near Alabama A&M University, has been in need of some upgrades for some time now, and will soon get the upgrades it needs.

A new playground was already installed earlier this year. Now, the Huntsville City Council has authorized a contract for further refurbishments. Here’s what we know:

James Crawford Park upgrades

The park was named after James Crawford in 2001. Crawford, a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, played football at Alabama A&M University for coach Louis Crews.

He later became the first African American member of the Officials Association of the Alabama High School Athletic Association and spent decades officiating youth sports, in addition to serving as a community advocate and civic volunteer.

Improvements to the park will include more than $500,000 worth of upgrades, including:

• Demolition and reconstruction of the basketball court
• A lighted 20′ x 80′ pavilion for the park
• Updated landscaping
• Grading and hardscaping

“We knew the basketball court would eventually need to be replaced. It’s time for an upgrade of the concrete playing surface. We’re grateful to the administration for this new court that will serve the community for decades to come.”

James Gossett, Parks and Recreation director

Much-needed improvements

The $598,711 agreement with Dunlap Contracting, Inc., approved during Thursday’s Huntsville City Council meeting, will mean that the park will be upgraded and ready in the coming months — which is especially important for kids when they are out of school for the winter holidays.

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