Meek Greenway set to provide key connection from Alabama A & M to Sparkman Drive

Published on May 30, 2023

There are 42 miles of active greenways across the City of Huntsville with another nine miles in development. These park-like ribbons of connectivity provide urban neighborhoods with a multitude of benefits that improve quality of life.

“Our greenways are designed for people to walk, jog or bike,” said Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville. “By giving our residents safe transportation alternatives, we are creating a healthier, more vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and play.”

One of the newest greenway connections in process will link Alabama A&M University to Sparkman Drive/US Hwy 72 East. The 1.65 mile, 12-foot-wide segment includes a raised pedestrian crossing at Mastin Lake Road, as well as a parking area. It is designed to function like other urban greenways and carries the name of a highly respected North Huntsville advocate, Opal Meek.

Well-known to City of Huntsville leadership, Meek is on a first name basis with the Mayor, Council Members and virtually all municipal department heads. Active in the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Meek is polite, collaborative and tireless in her efforts to campaign for quality conditions in her neighborhood near A&M.

“Every neighborhood needs an Opal Meek,” said Devyn Keith, District 1 City Council Member. “Opal knows her neighbors and understands their issues. She’s the first to show up when someone requires a helping hand and the first to show up when someone needs a stern reminder. It is fitting that this greenway, connecting people and places, will be named in her honor as a visible legacy for future generations.”

Partnering with the City’s Planning Department to secure land to develop the Meek Greenway, as well as the City’s entire greenway network, is Land Trust of North Alabama Executive Director Marie Bostick.

“The addition of the Meek Greenway in North Huntsville not only serves as a testament to what an exceptional citizen’s desire to improve her community can do, but also as an example of what building partnerships and collaborations can accomplish,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with the City and Alabama A & M University on developing this greenway.”

The Meek Greenway will provide a key bridge for a future greenway link to downtown. It is included in the City’s long-term goal to create a 264-mile greenway network throughout Huntsville.

Huntsville Greenway Network Snapshot
42.23 miles of existing greenways
8.75 miles in process (in construction or active land acquisition)
38.86 miles of proposed greenways (in capital budget)
174.17 miles of visionary greenways