Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was joined by City Councilwoman Jennie Robinson and several other City officials on Tuesday as they broke ground on The Park at Hays Farm.

The new nine-acre park will be located at 801 Haysland Road near the Hays Farm shopping complex. Construction will take about 14 months to complete and the park is set to open in fall 2025.

“This long-anticipated project will provide residents in south Huntsville the type of park that we’ve seen in other parts of the city,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “This park will be versatile enough to be a buzzing hub of activity for friends and families while also providing quiet areas away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s something that everyone will be able to enjoy.”

Some of the park’s features will include a one-acre lake and a waterfall feature that will give the greenspace a distinctive look for photography sessions. At the main entrance, an entry portal will house two family restrooms. There will also be a pavilion for group events, unique seating spaces for picnics and open space for children to play and explore while accommodating activities such as kite flying and frisbee throwing.

Other amenities include a fitness court in conjunction with Arts Huntsville, walking paths and connectivity to the City’s greenway network along with ample parking and LED lighting.

Near the school, there will be stone signs that act as a gate and a plaza for pedestrians as they cross the street. Numerous wide walking trails will wind throughout the park.

Centered from the pavilion will be a windmill that has been relocated from the Hays family farm and serves as the logo linking the park to the Hays Farm mixed-use development.

“We are immensely grateful to the Hays family for their invaluable partnership in this pivotal project,” District 3 Council Member Jennie Robinson said. “Their dedication to preserving Huntsville’s natural resources while creating opportunities for recreation and education is truly commendable. From the Hays Nature Preserve to The Park at Hays Farm, their vision and stewardship have enriched our community.”

Councilwoman Robinson also spoke about how the park is just the newest of many exciting additions to the City’s third district.

“Freedom Real Estate just opened their first building in the district, The Liam is now leasing apartments and townhomes, and we thank John Gilbert, the developer. Camden securities, is going to be putting in a wonderful entertainment district with restaurants and places for people again to live, work and play here in this area and our city administrator, John Hamilton, has been an important part of bringing those stakeholders together on this project in particular,” said Robinson.