City of Huntsville authorizes increased funding for Hays Farm Park

Published on February 9, 2023

Huntsville upped its commitment from $3.6 million to $4.6 million for construction and development of the nine-acre park on Haysland Road. In turn, Hays Farm developer, Hylis Inc., led by John Hays, will provide another $1 million toward the project, bringing the total budget to $5.6 million.

The additional funding, approved by City Council through an amended development agreement, will allow the City to fully realize the intended scope of the park. While still in the design phase, the park will include a children’s playground, potential splash pad, walking trails, lake, and lawn space for community events and outdoor gatherings.

“We anticipate the surrounding community to use this beautiful space as they would Big Spring Park,” Mayor Tommy Battle said.

For District 3 City Council Member Jennie Robinson, the park will also be a significant quality-of-life amenity for South Huntsville.

“The Hays Farm Central Park will be an anchor for all the redevelopment occurring along the South Parkway,” she said. “It will create an iconic sense of place and serve as a gathering point for the community.”

Hays Farm Park is located on the southside of Haysland Road, between Grissom High School and the new apartment complex under construction. It is designed to connect to Elgie’s greenway and a new office and retail development to provide the ultimate live, work and play environment.

Once the park’s design phase is complete, the City expects construction to begin in late 2023.