Why use native plants in urban landscapes?

July 22, 2025 Click to view Why use native plants in urban landscapes?

The City’s Landscape Management Department has planted native trees on Lowe Avenue near the U.S. Courthouse. Today’s urban landscaping trends emphasize sustainability, ecological value, low-maintenance beauty and community involvement. Public support for native plants and wildlife-friendly green spaces is growing—thanks in large part to a better-informed community that understands how these landscapes help reduce habitat fragmentation. All plants contribute to healthier urban environments. They cool our cities by reducing heat islands, manage [more]

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How meal prepping can help the planet

July 20, 2025 Click to view How meal prepping can help the planet

Meal prepping has become a popular strategy to save time, reduce stress and eat healthier. Beyond the convenience and health benefits, meal prepping is also a great opportunity to live more sustainably. Here’s how meal prepping helps you eat green, reduce waste and save time: Reduces food waste: When you plan your meals in advance, you buy only what you need and use ingredients before they spoil. You’re also more likely to [more]

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‘Light Up the Night’ with Huntsville Parks & Recreation at Big Spring Park

July 17, 2025 Click to view ‘Light Up the Night’ with Huntsville Parks & Recreation at Big Spring Park

Get your glow on and join Huntsville Parks & Recreation for Light Up the Night on Friday, July 25, from 6-9 p.m. in Big Spring Park. Attracting thousands of people, the annual event includes music, dancing and enchanting lighting throughout the park. Attendees can enjoy neon face paint, games and more. At 7 p.m., the excitement ramps up with a foam party, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages. Children will receive [more]

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Color Jam returns for Huntsville’s Parks and Recreation Month

July 8, 2025 Click to view Color Jam returns for Huntsville’s Parks and Recreation Month

Lace up your sneakers and prepare for a burst of color at the Color Jam Family Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, July 12, from 8-11 a.m. at John Hunt Park. This free untimed, all-ages event promises to be a multihued highlight of the summer, welcoming families to enjoy a vibrant experience filled with laughter, fitness, community spirit and plenty of color. Runners and walkers will travel the radiant paved course near the [more]

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Beware of the invasive nature of bamboo

July 3, 2025 Click to view Beware of the invasive nature of bamboo

Running bamboo is the neighbor you never want to have. Yes, it’s popular in landscaping and much stronger than it might appear. But according to City Arborist Marc Byers, bamboo that is growing wild or has been planted makes for lousy neighbors.   “There are just so many challenges in controlling it in the way that it spreads,” he said. “If you lived next to someone who had bamboo on their property, you [more]

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Contact
  • Phone:

    256-564-8026

  • Address:

    Parks & Recreation Office

    2411 9th Avenue SW

    Huntsville, AL 35805

    View Map

  • Email:

    james.gossett@HuntsvilleAL.gov

    James Gossett

    Parks and Recreation Director

  • Hours:

    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Seasonal Program Guide

Cover of the Huntsville Parks & Recreation Summer 2025 Program Guide featuring an African American child splashing down an inflatable water slide