HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Councilwoman Jennie Robinson says the goal of the Sandra Moon Complex was to create a community hub and with the addition of this anew park, not only do they have a place to gather, but they also have a place to play. "This has been long awaited," Robinson shares. "There are no playgrounds in this area north of Weatherly Road. So, it's a great addition for the neighborhood, but it's also a great addition for the Sandra Moon Complex."
The beautiful new 18,000-square-foot playground features artificial turf and rubber safety surfacing to create a vibrant and secure environment for children to explore. Children will discover a rocket ship, climbing and play structures, slides, swings, merry-go-round and a sensory wave arch – all promising endless adventures. Adults will find ample benches and sunshades, along with plenty of convenient parking. "So, this is part of phase three which is this parking lot we're standing in additional parking around our pickleball courts, additional landscaping, the irrigation that's out here. and the playground is all a part of phase three," Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett shares.
Robinson shares how this addition adds to the overall goal of the complex. "This is a residential area, was home to a high school and again, you know, not wanting to leave a vacant space here was an opportunity to create a community hub," Robinson explains. "For many years, decades, people came to Grissom for events, whether they were sporting events or performances of the band or the choir or the theater and this now gives us an opportunity to create another community hub where the community can come and gather and enjoy athletics and performances and go to the library. That's really what we were trying to do, is create a community hub."
The Sandra Moon complex is nearing completion, with more amenities being added for the residents of South Huntsville to enjoy. "We have the performing arts center that we're going to be working on for the next couple of years. The old Grissom High School auditorium that's going to be completely renovated, new dressing rooms and storage space," Robinson explains. "We have the two gymnasiums that will open. We already have office space for performing arts groups that they've already moved in the old band and choral space. So, there is there's still a lot to come here."
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The City of Huntsville awarded a $3,381,700 contract to Lambert Contracting LLC to complete phase three of the Sandra Moon Community Complex on Bailey Cove Road. Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett says it will be the 'gem' in South Huntsville.
"I think it will be a real gem in southeast Huntsville because of the level and the different types of activities that, once we're finished there, the public will be able to engage in," Gossett shares.
The construction contract includes a new playground, public areas, sidewalks, lawn, landscaping pedestrian lighting, irrigation system and storm drainage facilities.
“This phase focuses on the landscaping, decorative lighting and walkability components of this community amenity, but the exciting component is the new playground,” said John Hamilton, City Administrator. “This beautiful new play space for children is in partnership with Madison County District 4 Commissioner Phil Riddick, who, contributed $180,000 toward this effort.”
Work is expected to be complete in fall 2023. The final phase of work to be performed at the Sandra Moon Community Complex will include renovations to the performing arts and recreation spaces inside the former school building.
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Work is underway for construction at the Sandra Moon Community Complex in South Huntsville.
FOX54 News caught up with Councilmember Jennie Robinson (Dist.3) for updates.
Robinson says crews are currently working on building the office space inside. The complex will be the new home for Arts Huntsville. Phase three also includes a new playground where the parking spaces are.
Robinson also says construction will begin in the fall. "So, there is a saying that if you're not growing, you're dying, and if we want to continue to be vibrant and alive in this community, we're going to have to have growth that brings new people here."
Construction for the performing arts space is set for completion in phase four.
The new library, part of the Sandra Moon Community Complex, opened last September and has a puppet theater, gaming center, a coffee shop, and a maker's space with 3D printers. City officials say it was designed with young families in mind.
Melanie Thornton with the Huntsville Madison County Public Library, said, "This new library is kind of a newer concept for libraries in general. It has big open spaces. It's going to have an outdoor vendor coffee shop, a children's puppet theater. There will be a meeting room. There will be programming space."
The library is being funded through a partnership between the City of Huntsville, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library.
The city said, "City Council President Jennie Robinson said the new library at the northern end of the old Grissom High School will have vast economic and social impacts on District 3 and the greater Huntsville community."