HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — July is Parks and Recreation Month, and the City of Huntsville is celebrating with a lineup of special events. Now in its 38th year, the national observance recognizes the role parks and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering community growth.
Where Community Grows
The 2023 theme “Where Community Grows” reflects the many ways Huntsville Parks & Recreation builds stronger, healthier communities through facilities, programs and services. The importance of this work is reflected in a recent report, showing 84% of U.S. adults seek high-quality parks and recreation when choosing a place to live.
“We just opened Legacy Park in Northwest Huntsville, which was a wonderful start to the celebration, and there are quite a few other projects in the works,” said Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. “However, we know ‘places’ are only part of the story. Our people also make a big difference in residents’ quality of life, whether that’s through our health and wellness activities, youth programs, inclusive recreation, athletics, art or special events.”
Let’s glow!
The signature event for Parks and Recreation Month is Light Up the Night, a family-friendly glow party set for Friday, July 21, from 6-9 p.m. at Big Spring Park East. The area by the spring will be transformed with specialty lighting while a DJ will keep everyone moving on the lighted dance floor.
There will also be neon face paint and glow sticks. Then, get ready for the ultimate party experience when glow foam fills a section of the park from 7-9 p.m. To keep the fun going at home, the first 100 children will receive a light-up party favor. Light Up the Night will take place in conjunction with Downtown Huntsville Inc.’s Food Truck Rally, so there will be plenty of options to fuel up for the night.
Other Parks and Recreation Month events
On Thursday, July 6, from 9 a.m.-noon, children are invited to Tie-Dye in July, where they can make their own cool creations at Brahan Spring Park. All tie-dying supplies will be provided. Guests are asked to bring a white T-shirt or similar item to dye. To help beat the heat, kids can cool off with free popsicles or some splash pad fun. There will also be take-home gifts, while supplies last.
For a game everyone can play, Huntsville Parks & Recreation invites the community to try boccia! The department, along with the UAH Ability Sport Network, will host a free boccia clinic on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m.-noon at Optimist Recreation Center. Boccia, which differs from bocce, is an inclusive sport that can be played regardless of age or ability. The clinic is open to ages 6 and up. Lunch will be provided. To reserve a spot, email nigelas.walker@huntsvillal.gov.
Rec and Read is the perfect summer morning activity for younger children. The event at Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center is held in partnership with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. Children will love the interactive storytelling, followed by water-based games and activities. Rec and Read will take place Monday, July 24, from 9-11 a.m.
The last hurrah
Parks and Recreation Month will end with the Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Jaycee Community Building at John Hunt Park. There will be indoor and outdoor games, inflatable water slides and dunk tanks. Kids may even see their principal or school resource officer sitting in the hot seat!
Band and cheer performances will get everyone in the spirit, while dozens of back-to-school exhibitors will share information to help make this the best year ever. The Back to School Bash is co-hosted by Huntsville Police.