Huntsville’s City Council has approved a $7.1 million construction contract with Bailey-Harris Construction Company to develop a new nine-acre urban park in south Huntsville, named Hays Farm Central Park.

The park will offer an array of features, including a gazebo, windmill, lagoon and waterfall, pavilion, and restrooms.

Additionally, there will be a fitness court created in collaboration with Arts Huntsville, walking paths, and connections to the city’s greenway network. Ample parking and LED lighting will also be provided to enhance accessibility and safety.

The construction is slated to take approximately 14 months, with the park expected to open in fall 2025.

“It is exciting to see this project come to fruition,” said Jennie Robinson, District 3 Council Member. “This park is destined to become a favorite destination as a central gathering place for south Huntsville residents.”

Hays Farm Central Park will be situated on the west side of Haysland Road, opposite Grissom High School. It will also be accessible via a tunnel from the east side of the road, where the Hays Farm Sports Park is nearing completion.

This sports park includes two regulation-size multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and other activities.

The facilities feature lighted turf fields, a restroom pavilion, 120 lighted parking spaces, perimeter fencing, landscaping, and irrigation.

“These parks are all about value-added benefits to the citizens of Huntsville,” said James Gossett, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Hays Farm Park will have a similar look and feel to Big Spring Park, with its lagoon, wide sidewalks, and water features. It will be a place where people can enjoy the outdoors without having to travel downtown.”