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‘Where You Belong’: City of Huntsville celebrates Parks and Recreation Month

Published on June 18, 2024

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and the City of Huntsville invites you to “Find Where You Belong.”

The theme of this year’s campaign celebrates the critical role of parks and recreation amenities in the community. It also spotlights the City’s commitment to enhancing resident experiences through robust parks and greenways as well as engaging recreational opportunities.

Parks and Recreation Month is a great opportunity to reflect on our continued commitment to quality of life. Having plenty of spaces to play benefits everyone’s physical and mental well-being, and that’s something worth celebrating year-round. — Mayor Tommy Battle

The past two years have seen numerous parks and recreation projects cross the finish line, including the revamped Kids Space, Get-A-Way Skate Park, Johnson Legacy Park, Raymond W. Jones Community Center and new championship-caliber athletic fields at John Hunt Park. Work is also progressing on the new Apollo Park at MidCity as well as renovations at Brahan Spring Park, Huntsville Aquatics Center and the Sandra Moon Community Complex.

Projects on the horizon include the West Huntsville Recreation Center on Zierdt Road and a new recreation center at John Hunt Park near Joe Davis Stadium. The City also plans to add more courts at the Huntsville Tennis Center and add a skating rink at Stoner Park.

Mayor Tommy Battle, right, shakes hands with Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett at a kickoff event for Parks and Recreation Month. The men are both wearing dark jackets. There are people standing to the rear in colorful shirts. There is a playground in the background.
Mayor Tommy Battle, right, shakes hands with Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett at a kickoff event for Parks and Recreation Month.

Parks and Recreation Month events

No celebration is complete without a party, and Huntsville Parks & Recreation has a full slate of activities, all free to the public. Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett said the events reflect the theme of “Where You Belong” but should bring smiles to attendees’ faces.

This year’s events are designed to celebrate fun and community spirit. This month really is a perfect opportunity for our community to try out our facilities and programs and experience firsthand the positive impact they have on quality of life.” — Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett

Tie-Dye in July

Children ages 12 and under are invited to enjoy a morning of tie-dying, popsicles and fun on Tuesday, July 9, from 9 a.m.-noon, at Brahan Spring Park pavilion. Bring a white T-shirt or similar item to dye. All other supplies will be provided. Cool off at EveryBody Can Play Splash Pad and take home a gift while supplies last.

Splish Splash Bash

As the summer heats up, children ages 3-5 can cool down at the Splish Splash Bash. Join Huntsville Parks & Recreation on Friday, July 12, from 9-11 a.m. at the Everybody Can Play Splash Pad at Brahan Spring Park for popsicles, crafts and lively music. Children must be accompanied by an adult to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Color Jam Family Fun Run & Walk

Mark your calendar for this free, untimed family fun run/walk at John Hunt Park on Saturday, July 20, from 8-11 a.m. Get doused with colored powder and/or slime throughout the course. Also enjoy giveaways, a dance party and concessions for purchase. Participants are encouraged to wear white with neon accessories to show off their color.

Rec & Read

Huntsville Parks & Recreation and the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) are teaming up for fun at the third annual Rec and Read. This free event for children ages 4-7 is Monday, July 22, at Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center. There will be interactive storytelling from 9-10 a.m. Children can enjoy popsicles, games and inflatables from 10-11 a.m.

Light Up the Night

Let’s glow! Help Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host “Light Up the Night” at Big Spring Park East (near the spring) on Friday, July 26, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy music, lights, dancing and more glow party fun at this free, family-friendly event. Free party favors for kids while supplies last.

Back to School Bash

Huntsville Parks & Recreation, Huntsville Police Department and Free 2 Teach are teaming up to throw the ultimate Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jaycee Community Building, 2180 Airport Road. Students ages 18 and under are invited to dunk a principal, cool off on an inflatable waterslide, enjoy the petting zoo, win prizes and dance to the sounds of DJ Lashay B. HEALS, Inc. will also provide free sports physicals.

Open houses

No matter where you live, there’s a recreation center for you. Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host open house events at each center on Tuesdays in July from 6-7 p.m. Talk to recreation center staff, learn more about facilities, equipment and programming, and enjoy free refreshments.

Get involved

Participate in Parks and Recreation Month by sharing your photos to social media with the hashtags #GoPlayHSV and #WhereYouBelong. Follow Huntsville Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the for the latest on programs, activities and events.

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