By 
June 25, 2020
Something exciting is coming soon to the entrance of downtown Huntsville.
A daytime rendering of Pelham Street Park, which will open in 2021.
Pelham Street Park, a collaboration between the City of Huntsville, Arts Huntsville and the Community Foundation, will launch at the intersection of Pelham Street and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, named after one of Huntsville’s and the country’s greatest civil rights leaders.
When complete, leaders say the project will strengthen the gateway for downtown and Big Spring International Park.
“Whether you’re passing by in a car, on foot or working or living in the area, this signature park will provide intimate spaces to enjoy artwork and offer a great new destination for those visiting downtown,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, executive director of Arts Huntsville.
Pelham Street Park
Huntsville’s General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson said Pelham Street Park will include all new landscaping and irrigation near Redstone Federal Credit Union and across from Bryant Bank. The space will feature custom-designed benches, seat walls, concrete walkways, decorative lighting and more.
The park will also house one of three downtown art installations by David Dahlquist and Matt Niebuhr of RDG Dahlquist Art Studio.
We’re excited because this is not only a new destination and a new gateway point for our community, but it is a celebration of Huntsville and who we are.”
RDG Dahlquist Art Studio competed with more than 280 artists across the world for the project. The Huntsville Public Art Committee went through an extensive process to select three finalists, ultimately awarding the project to the Iowa-based firm.
Dillon-Jauken said the art installation at Pelham Street Park will reflect Huntsville’s reputation as a smart place to live, work and play.
“We are a community that reaches for the stars and that is reflected in art as well as in the work we do across our community every day,” she said. “We’re excited because this is not only a new destination and a new gateway point for our community, but a celebration of Huntsville and who we are.”
Construction
The Huntsville City Council approved a resolution Thursday night authorizing an agreement between the City of Huntsville and Robins & Morton for construction of Pelham Street Park. Work will begin on the $662,000 project in mid-July and last approximately seven months.
Wilkinson said the park, designed by Schoel Engineering, will be an asset for residents living and working in the downtown area.
“I believe the park will provide a great opportunity for folks working downtown to enjoy the space for lunch,” he said. “There are opportunities for buskers to set up in the plaza areas and it’s a great example of continuing to integrate art opportunities into a public park.”
The start of construction coincides with National Park and Recreation Month, held annually to recognize the people and spaces leading the effort toward improved wellness. Huntsville will celebrate with a special campaign in July, encouraging residents to #GoPlayHsv.
Steve Ivey, director of the City’s Parks and Recreation department, welcomes the new addition to downtown.
“We continue to grow recreation options throughout the City that make Huntsville a unique place to live and visit,” he said.
Update August 13, 2020
The City of Huntsville named the new park site on Pelham Street as the Community Foundation Park. The name honors the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, a non-profit dedicated to promoting philanthropy. See the presentation at the Aug. 13 City Council meeting for Huntsville’s Community Foundation Park.
