HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — For residents and those who drive through the Bailey Cove neighborhoods, it is easy to notice the changes. The new Sandra Moon Community Complex, formerly the old Grissom High School, is the most prolific change there to date. But it will not be the only addition to the area. District 3 Councilmember Jennie Robinson confirmed there have been more contracts signed by the city for future projects in the area including roads, parking lots, offices, and playgrounds.
"Over the course of the last month, the city council has approved a number of contracts," Robinson said. "There were two contracts actually approved at the Sandra Moon Complex."
The first of these contracts involves an additional road, more parking, and sidewalks to the complex layout. These additions are considered the next phase of the complex, the mission of which, Robinson said, is:
"To create a road that's going to go from basically the library all the way out into the ballfields, around by the pickleball courts, and then out to Bailey Cove, as well as parking," she said. "There's going to be parking and sidewalks along this road."
Even more recreational space is planned. Another outdoor facility has been approved in the vicinity of the South Huntsville Library and the Moon Complex.
"With that project, we've approved a new playground," Robinson added.
Robinson said preparations are underway with an eye toward completing these projects in the fall of 2023.
There is also a focus on extending the reach of local performing arts. Robinson said the Moon Complex will one day be what Lowe Mill is for visual arts - a place of office spaces for local creatives.
"In the meantime, work continues to go on at the offices," said Robinson. "Arts Huntsville is working with performing arts groups that are going to have their offices and going to be in residence.
"We should be moving them in late spring," she added.
Robinson is currently preparing to host her annual South Huntsville Cleanup Day on March 11 from 8-11 a.m. at the Sandra Moon Community Complex. The city's Green Team will be contributing cleaning supplies for the effort.