By Mayor Tommy Battle
One of the City’s most popular children’s playgrounds in John Hunt Park is undergoing a $6.8 million renovation. The new and improved Kids Space will include a variety of play spaces and activities for children of all abilities, along with a previously announced skatepark.
Recognizing the importance of Kids Space to the community, City planners and park leaders have taken great care to ensure the approximately 14-month project results in a space that’s fun for everyone.
The driving factor in designing a new Kids Space was safety and accessibility, City staff wanted to upgrade materials and to remove any barriers for individuals with disabilities. They spent hundreds of hours with the parents who helped design the Cove Universal Playground at Mark Russell Recreation Center to draw upon their expertise, and yet the new Kids’ Space will have its own personality.
The “Future Exploration” area allows children to explore “Three Caves” tunnels to cube-style climbing rocks, a wide embankment slide and an imagination playground.
Designers have also strategically placed plenty of seating and shade throughout the park to include awnings, pavilions and trees to keep the environment pleasant and cool.
The City looks forward to Kids Space re-opening next year and for all children and their parents to have a fun, safe and accessible playground where they feel welcome and engaged.
South Huntsville Neighbors 