Huntsville to host 2022 Alabama Recreation & Parks Association State Conference

Published on January 21, 2022

The City of Huntsville is proud to welcome attendees of the 2022 Alabama Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) State Conference to our community Jan. 23-25.

Serving more than 900 dedicated ARPA professionals across the state, the annual three-day event will focus on the numerous ways cities can take parks and recreation services to the next level.

“We look forward to hosting the association’s premier event for training and innovation in parks and recreation,” said James Gossett, Director of the City of Huntsville’s Parks & Recreation Department. “From youth athletics to outdoor life to wellness programs, we join the members and supporters of ARPA in providing quality parks, recreation and therapeutic recreation services statewide.”

The 2022 ARPA State Conference kicks off Sunday at 4:45 p.m. at The Westin Huntsville at Bridge Street Town Centre. Participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures, earn certifications and visit the vendor showcase to see the latest tools in parks and recreation management and programming. Leaders will also have the opportunity to tour the City’s John Hunt Park, Aquatics Center and many other local attractions..

“The benefits of parks and recreation to our overall health and wellbeing are more important than ever,” said Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville. “I’m proud we’ve made parks and recreation a high priority in our capital budget to better serve our residents, environment and economy.”

Huntsville has invested more than $100 million in new parks and recreation facilities in the past 10 years. This includes a master plan and legacy improvements to John Hunt Park, a new Aquatics Center, the Johnson Legacy Center, Mark Russell Recreation Center, Sandra Moon Complex, Merrimack Sports Complex, renovations to Big Spring Park, dozens of new parks and miles of new greenways.