We love springtime in Downtown Huntsville because it signals a warmer weather shift that makes patio dining, sidewalk strolls, and outdoor events an even better part of the Rocket City Center experience. Each year, April to October is typically the peak outdoor activity season in Downtown with more people eating, drinking, shopping and playing throughout the Downtown core.
In light of this increased pedestrian activity, we thought now would be a good time to develop a “Wish List'' for Downtown Huntsville.
What’s a “Downtown Wish List”?
It’s really simple. As you’re walking around exploring the city center, take note of the things you love (and would like to see more of) as well as the things that you miss (because they’re no longer Downtown or have never been here). Think big, unique, and outside the box! No idea for a Wish List is too big or quirky or unexpected.
While not every “wish” comes true, it doesn’t hurt to picture the Downtown Huntsville experiences you’d love to see as our city center continues to revitalize. So, we’re asking you to send your “Downtown Wish List” ideas to info@downtownhuntsville.org. We’ll begin compiling them and share them in a future DHI Explorer blog post.
To get those creative juices flowing, we asked guests around Downtown to share some initial “Downtown Wishes,” and we’ve shared them below. We were happy to see such a broad range of ideas.
Check them out and help us add to the idea pool! Big or small, every idea is worth sharing…
1. Revitalize Depot Park as part of a “trail of parks” including Big Spring Park and Bud Cramer Park
2. Redevelop the Huntsville Utilities surface lot in accordance with the Downtown Master Plan Update
3. Build a signature public outdoor, open-air pavilion in Downtown for hosting events like farmers markets and outdoor concerts
4. Connect the Lincoln Mill District bike lanes on Meridian to Downtown for pedestrians and micro-mobility via the Bud Cramer Park greenway
5. Redevelop the “Traylor Island” area of Downtown with residential housing and lofts
6. Renovate EarlyWorks Museum
7. Prioritize two-way street consistency throughout Downtown
8. Redesign for California Park into an active lifestyle urban park with increased sports courts