For Huntsville Parks & Recreation, 2025 was a year of big plays.
The department expanded offerings, opened new facilities and strengthened community engagement – marking another year of steady growth and momentum.
Early in the year, Parks & Recreation launched a new online registration platform designed to make participation easier than ever. Residents can browse programs, register for activities and reserve facilities all in one place. Creating an account allows users to explore everything Parks & Recreation has to offer. To get started, create an account and browse the wide range of programs and facilities available.
The 2025 National Parks & Recreation Month theme, Build Together, Play Together, proved especially fitting. Throughout the year, the department celebrated the opening of three new amenities that support quality of life across Huntsville: the Stoner Park Skating Rink, The Park at Hays Farm and, most recently, the West Huntsville Recreation Center. These spaces will serve residents of all ages and provide opportunities for play, connection and wellness for years to come.
In addition to new facilities, Parks & Recreation continued investing in community park upgrades across the city. Projects included improvements at Mayfair Park, public art installations through Arts Huntsville partnerships in multiple parks and upgrades at McGucken Park, among others. These enhancements not only reflect an ongoing commitment to maintaining public spaces but also demonstrate a tangible impact on community wellbeing by encouraging engagement, promoting social interaction and enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.
Athletics also had a standout year. Recreation leagues welcomed more than 5,500 athletes who participated in baseball, softball, basketball and other team sports. Parks & Recreation facilities and staff also supported the successful hosting of local, regional and national sporting events such as cross country, sand volleyball, soccer, disc golf, lacrosse and aquatic meets. The array of events helped position Huntsville as a destination for competitive sports.
Programming continued to grow in both size and variety. Each quarterly program guide featured more than 100 activities across categories such as health and wellness, arts, education and community connection. The Community Services Division hosted returning favorites, including the Male Mentorship Experience and after-school programs, while school break camps served more than 400 students from Huntsville City Schools. New programs like chair yoga and more than 10 varieties of dance classes further expanded residents’ opportunities to stay active and engaged close to home.
In fact, community engagement remained a priority throughout the year. The special events division hosted eight free community-wide events that welcomed residents and visitors alike. Well-attended favorites such as Eggstravaganza, Color Jam and Light Up the Night highlighted the value of accessible, family-friendly experiences that bring people together. Creating opportunities for connection remains central to Parks & Recreation’s mission. 
Looking ahead to 2026, Parks & Recreation is excited for what’s next. Construction continues at the John Hunt Park Recreation Center and the Sandra Moon Community Complex. Athletics will provide another year of league play and tournament support, while community services will deliver strategically planned programming at recreation centers across the city. The special events team will also return with more community-wide celebrations for residents to enjoy.
“2025 was a successful year for Huntsville Parks & Recreation,” said Director James Gossett. “We’re excited about the increased opportunities we are providing for our community to play, connect and thrive.”
Whether it’s a weekday morning pickleball clinic, a Saturday t-ball game or an egg hunt with more than 10,000 eggs, Huntsville Parks & Recreation remains committed to enhancing quality of life and creating spaces where the community can play, connect and thrive.
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