Big Spring Park, a well-known civic and cultural space in downtown Huntsville, is set to expand with new amenities aimed at enhancing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community use. City leaders presented the final designs for the transformative expansion of Big Spring Park East to the Huntsville Planning Commission for approval on June 24. The project reimagines the former City Hall site at 308 Fountain Circle as a dynamic public greenspace, adding approximately 2.4 acres to the heart of downtown’s most cherished park.

Chad Bostick with Bostick Landscape Architects and Frank Nola of Nola Van Peursem presented the plan, which finalizes the expansion design. Mayor Tommy Battle called it a major step forward and said the design paves the way for park improvements that honor the natural beauty and unique topography of the site.

“As our downtown thrives, so does the need for recreational spaces,” said Mayor Battle. “This property presents an opportunity to expand Big Spring Park, solidifying its position as a cherished community landmark. By enlarging the footprint, we provide an even larger public space for everyone to enjoy.”

What’s Coming to Big Spring Park East

The final designs incorporate several standout features, including:

Multiple terraced plaza levels for gathering and relaxing
A central pavilion with a green roof for hosting events and community programs
New sidewalk and hardscape connections to Church Street
Improved ADA access through a gently winding path reminiscent of San Francisco’s Lombard Street
Landscaping upgrades including irrigation, shade trees, rain gardens, and enhanced lighting
A children’s playground
Public art installations and a calming water feature to help buffer downtown noise

A key feature of the design includes a lower terrace that links Big Spring Park East and West, providing an urban overlook of the park’s signature ponds. Terraced walks and walls will create seamless movement across the sloped landscape. Public art and shaded seating will line the plazas, offering a balance of form and function.

“This plan packs in a lot of desirable public elements, but what excites me most is the bigger picture,” said Bostick. “We’re creating beautiful gardens, plazas and a public pavilion with a green roof, but as significant is the connectivity. This plan ties Big Spring Park east and west together and creates pedestrian and ADA access to Fountain Circle.”

The City plans to bid the park expansion project in July. Construction is expected to be complete by the end 2026.