Ready to pickleball? Huntsville opens ‘one of Southeast’s premier recreation destinations’

Huntsville has officially leveled up its athletic scene. On Monday, scores of enthusiastic pickleball players flocked to the newly opened recreation center at John Hunt Park to break in a massive, $18 million facility that stands as one of the Southeast’s premier sports destinations.

A New Era for John Hunt Park

Mayor Tommy Battle presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 60,000-square-foot facility, highlighting the site's dramatic transformation. The area, which once served as an airport, has been reimagined as a hub where athletes train, competitors face off, and families connect. "This new recreation center is the latest chapter in the story," Mayor Battle said.

The project is a significant win for pickleball lovers. The exterior features a covered, lighted structure housing 24 competitive-play pickleball courts, plus an additional elite-play court. While the mayor jokingly remarked to the crowd that players will likely still ask for more, the facility is designed to significantly expand the city's capacity for the sport.

Beyond the Pickleball Courts

Located at 3035 Leeman Ferry Rd., the center offers much more than just pickleball. Inside, a spacious gymnasium can be customized into four high school regulation basketball courts or eight high school regulation volleyball courts. The facility also rounds out its offerings with a fitness room, versatile multi-purpose rooms, dedicated office space, and concessions.

Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett emphasized that the center is built for both championship-level tournaments and daily community use. "Whether it’s a basketball, volleyball or pickleball tournament, the recreation center is sure to be the backdrop for memories and achievements that will last a lifetime," Gossett said.

Expanding Citywide Access

The John Hunt Park addition strengthens the site's status as a 435-acre recreational powerhouse. Council Member Bill Kling noted that the investment reflects the city’s commitment to advocating for residents across all districts. Residents interested in exploring the new amenities or checking rental availability can visit the online registration platform.

This opening is part of a broader push to modernize Huntsville's facilities. It follows the December 2025 debut of the $7.7 million West Huntsville Recreation Center, which added two gyms and indoor pickleball courts to the area. Additionally, the Huntsville City Council recently approved a $1.3 million design-services contract to renovate the Dr. Richard Showers Sr. Recreation Center, ensuring the city’s sports infrastructure continues to evolve.