Plans for new arboretum in John Hunt Park moving forward
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The City of Huntsville announced this week that plans for an arboretum at John Hunt Park have taken another step forward after a $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville.
The 3-acre park is planned along Airport Road just west of Alex McAllister Drive.
New arboretum meets Arbor Day Foundation requirements
The City of Huntsville received the $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville to help fund the arboretum, a project in John Hunt Park that will expand educational and recreational opportunities.
The 3-acre park is planned along Airport Road just west of Alex McAllister Drive. The park will meet The Arbor Day Foundation requirements for a level II arboretum and include 100 different species of native trees.
Huntsville Landscape Management developed a plan for the trees to be displayed in their natural settings by creating large berms, dry creek beds and bogs to simulate swampy areas with the assistance of Public Works.
“This is a tremendous project that will add to the amenities in John Hunt Park. It’s a rare opportunity to develop a park like this in the center of the city and the educational aspect will be a unique component. The City is grateful to the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville for their generous donation, and we are excited about moving forward on this project.”
Brian Walker, Huntsville Landscape Management Director
Plans include:
- A walkway throughout the park
- Benches and displays of public art
- A turf area in the center of the park for picnics and leisurely activities
The park will be complimented by native shrubs and wildflower gardens to promote sustainability in home landscapes. Two original dogwood trees from the old airport terminal within the park’s footprint will also be preserved.
Aldo, the park will be enclosed by fencing, columns and a sign that will recognize donors to the project.
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