Opal Meek Greenway recognizes long-time North Huntsville neighborhood advocate

Opal Meek has been a tireless and long-time advocate for the Treymore neighborhood of North Huntsville.

In saluting her service to the community, the city of Huntsville cut the ribbon Thursday for a 1.3-mile stretch of the Meek Greenway.

The latest addition to the city’s network of greenways connects Sparkman Drive to the area of Alabama A&M University. Construction began on the project in September 2023 and construction on the final 0.35-miles and new connector road to Stallworth Drive on the A&M campus is slated to begin in the spring.

It is included in the city’s long-term goal to create a 264-mile greenway network throughout Huntsville. 

When she learned of the project several years ago, Meek was disbelieving.

“I heard of this special greenway in 2018,” she said. “A map showed up with Meek Greenway on it … I was sure it was a mistake.

“But, here we are.”

Mayor Tommy Battle, who led the ceremony, said there was no mistake.

“Miss Opal has spent years advocating for Huntsville and her Treymore Estates,” he said. “She rolls up her sleeves.

 “… naming this greenway in her honor is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she has made.”

Passing through some of Huntsville’s most established neighborhoods, the extension is designed to strengthen connections from North Huntsville to downtown via the Skybridge/greenway, linking Brahan Spring and John Hunt parks, and ultimately creating a continuous corridor to Ditto Landing. 

“It’s about connection,” said District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins. “This connects Huntsville with one of our greatest resources – Alabama A&M University. 

“It provides another way for residents and students to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and connect with the area around them.”

Battle said the greenway could make things easier for fans going to Alabama A&M football games, citing the traffic situation at last month’s Homecoming.

“Fans can park here and walk,” he said. “This is a great way to get to Alabama A&M.”

Greenways offer opportunities to enjoy Huntsville’s natural surroundings through walking, running and cycling. With each addition, the city moves closer to its vision for a connected, citywide greenway network.

“Greenway spaces do more than provide places to walk and bike,” said Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. “They create opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation as part of their everyday lives.

“Greenways give people more ways to enjoy Huntsville.”

Active in the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Meek is humble and polite, though persistent, as she campaigned for quality conditions in her neighborhood.

“I’m thrilled that Miss Opal is here to join us,” Watkins said. “North Huntsville is a better place thanks to the Opal Meek Greenway.”