Ready to ride at Stoner Park

Published on June 27, 2024

City Council approved a $2.3 million contract with Butler Construction to move forward with major upgrades and improvements to Stoner Park in north Huntsville. The contract includes a beautiful new 85 x 185-foot ice rink, housed in a large 19,000-square-foot open-air pavilion.

The rink will have new restrooms and picnic facilities. It is designed to allow guests to easily connect to other park amenities, including a playground, tennis courts, multi-purpose fields, soccer fields, baseball fields and softball fields.

The 68-acre park is located south of Stringfield Road and west of Pulaski Pike.

The rink was the brainchild of a group of local residents who approached District 1 Councilman Devyn Keith with their idea.

“This is a unique time for our residents,” Keith said. “Historically, marginalized communities feel like the ivory tower of City Hall doesn’t accommodate their needs and wants. They presented convincing arguments, we listened to them and their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm convinced us. »

Councilmember Keith and Director of General Services Ricky Wilkinson held listening sessions with residents to plan the rink.

“It was a great experience,” Wilkinson said. “These residents researched installations across the country and they guided the product you see today. It’s always great when we hire design firms with lots of experience, but it’s impressive when a community brings passion and knowledge. »

Construction is expected to take about a year.