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Richard Showers Recreation Center Undergoes $1.2 Million Renovation

Published on February 3, 2016

The City of Huntsville is spending $1.2 million to upgrade the Dr. Richard Showers Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Road in northwest Huntsville. Along with improvements to the locker room, restrooms and showers, new windows, painting, lighting, and pool deck, the center is getting a new outdoor Splash Pad.

“This is one of the most popular recreation centers in Huntsville and being well used and well-loved means we need to stay on top of updates and improvements to the facility,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “This project will make a big difference in the look and feel of the Showers Center.”

The Showers Center logs more than 230,000 visits per year. This includes adults, teens and children coming to swim, play basketball, volleyball, Futsal, or to participate in a fitness class, youth service and after school program, summer camp and more. The center offers community space for event rentals and provides key wellness programs for many seniors. The Sunshine Club, a 30-member group of seniors, meets daily from 7 to 8 a.m. for water aerobics and other fun activities.

One of the most anticipated additions to the Showers Center is the new Splash Pad. It will have a Bulldog theme, in enthusiastic support of neighboring university Alabama A & M.

“The citizens of District 1 will benefit from these many improvements, but I think families with young children will be most excited about the new Splash Pad,” said Dr. Showers. “It will be wonderful to have this play area in North Huntsville for our residents to enjoy.”

The Showers Center renovations are expected to be complete and the Splash Pad open by June.

ANNUAL SNAPSHOT
Showers Recreation Center
-230,478 visits to any part of the facility, including the library, gym, weight room, pool, classrooms, etc.
-1,000 children participated in after school programs
-More than 25,000 played basketball (games and freeplay)
-500 played volleyball
-673 attendees in Youth Service classes
-2,609 attended a variety of classes
-18,000 attendees in outside user groups participated in meetings and family reunions
-445 enjoyed open play volleyball
-500 walkers used the facility and grounds
-1,650 attendees participated in a children’s summer camp
-15,000 pool visits
-Pool staff receive an annual $7,500 grant through Rep. Laura Hall to teach 100 children how to swim in the summer.
-The pool hosts the ‘Sunshine Club’ every Monday-Friday from 7-8 a.m. This 30-member seniors group participates in water aerobics and other fun activities.
-Tax season preparation at no cost to individuals/families earning below $50,000.
-Home to Girls, Inc. of North Alabama
-Showers Branch of the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library
-Introduced Futsal indoor soccer on Friday nights