HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville City Council continues to answer calls to meet demands of a growing population in all parts of the Rocket City, this time granting a request for a recreation center on the city’s west side.

At its regular meeting last Thursday, the council approved a contract with Chorba Contracting for construction of the project. According to the city, the center’s design is similar to the Mark Russell Recreation Center on Taylor Road. 

The new facility will feature a gymnasium with two basketball courts, two volleyball courts and related facilities. Sitework will also include exterior pickleball courts and landscaping.

“We’re very excited to move forward with this project and see construction begin soon,” Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett said. “This facility will be a great addition for the City, particularly as west Huntsville continues to see so much residential growth.”

Chorba submitted a bid of $7,497,058 for the construction of the one-story, 27,350-square-foot facility on Martin Road just west of Zierdt Road.

Construction is expected to take a year.

The new facility will raise the number of recreational and community centers to 15 throughout the city, complementing more than 65 public parks.