Legacy Park in northwest Huntsville inches closer to reality

Published on October 28, 2021

The new Legacy Park at the site of the former J.O. Johnson High School moved one step closer to reality during Thursday night’s Huntsville City Council meeting.

City Council approved a design services contract with Bostick Landscape Architects for the project, which will provide a unique recreational space the community can enjoy for years to come. The park, adjacent to the new Johnson Legacy Center (JLC) in northwest Huntsville, will include an entertainment pavilion with berm and low-wall seating, pedestrian connection from the JLC into the park and modern playground area for children.

Ricky Wilkinson, Director of General Services for the City of Huntsville, said it will also feature two pavilions, open lawn space and a new parking lot for the JLC.

“Legacy Park will be a true asset for not only District 1, but also the entire community,” he said. “We look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and for citizens to have a new quality-of-life amenity in the City of Huntsville.”

Legacy Park will complement the JLC, a membership-based recreation center that remains popular with the community. Within walking distance of the campus, private developers are building single-family homes with amenities and price points to match any residential development in the City.

The park will include two separate green spaces available for groups to rent for family or community events. Many events have been traditionally held at Stoner Field Park. While that will remain a great community asset, this new park will add an even better alternative for many gatherings.

The final design for the new Legacy Park is expected to be completed by March 2022. Once the design is finalized, the City anticipates breaking ground at Legacy Park in late spring of 2022. Construction should take roughly 12 months.