Ready to roll at Stoner Park

Published on June 27, 2024

City Council approved a $2.3 million contract with Butler Construction to move forward with major upgrades and improvements at Stoner Park in north Huntsville. The contract includes a beautiful new skate rink, 85 x 185 feet, housed in a large 19,000-square-foot open air pavilion. 

The skating rink will have new restrooms and picnic facilities. It is designed for patrons to easily connect to other amenities at the park, which include a playground, tennis courts, multi-purpose fields, football, baseball and softball fields.

The 68-acre park is located south of Stringfield Road and west of Pulaski Pike. 

The skate rink is the brainchild of a group of local residents who approached District 1 City Councilman Devyn Keith with their idea.

“This is a unique moment for our residents,” said Keith. “Historically, marginalized communities have the impression that the ivory tower of City Hall doesn’t consider their needs and wishes. They made a compelling case, we listened, and their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm won us over.”

Council Member Keith and General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson hosted listening sessions with residents to plan the skate rink. They say the residents educated them about roller skating, how it differed from inline skating and skate boarding, and why roller skaters prefer asphalt over concrete. 

“It’s been a tremendous experience,” said Wilkinson. “These residents researched facilities all over the nation and they steered the product you see today. It’s always great when we hire design firms with a lot of experience, but it is impressive when a community brings its passion and knowledge to the table.”

Construction is expected to take about one year.