The city of Huntsville is moving forward with plans to build a recreation center on Martin Road.

The city council has approved a $476,250 contract with William M. Boehme & Associates Architects for the facility. The city purchased about five acres of land on Martin Road just west of the intersection with Zeirdt Road for the center.

“As West Huntsville continues to grow, we know there is a need for recreation facilities and programming,” Huntsville Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett said. “This center will meet that need and add to the quality of life for our citizens.”

The facility will be similar in design to the Mark Russell Recreation Center, which opened on Taylor Road in December 2020. The agreement calls for two full-size gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, office space storage areas and restrooms, as well as lighted parking and landscaping.

In an earlier interview with the Lede, City Council President John Meredith said a recreation center on the rapidly growing west side of the city was badly needed. He said using the Mark Russell Recreation Center as a model would save the city money on the design.

The Mark Russell Recreation Center cost about $8 million to build.