Quality of life improvements highlight 2024 in District 5

Quality of life improvements in 2024 for District 5 focused on roads and recreational opportunities as west Huntsville district continues to grow its infrastructure to accommodate its rising population.

Highlights included ribbon-cuttings for Apollo Park at MidCity District and Fire Station 20 as well as a groundbreaking for a new recreation center on Martin Road. There were also improvements to intersections at Balch and Capshaw roads as well as Trademark Drive and Wall Triana Highway.

"2024 was an exciting year in District 5 with a lot of projects that will make the lives of residents better," D5 Council Member John Meredith said. "The new fire station has resulted in lower homeowner insurance rates that means more money in the pockets of our hard-working citizens. Apollo Park will be even more of a popular destination with residents and visitors alike and the opening of the new rec center on Martin Road later this year is something residents are eagerly anticipation."

Here are some 2024 highlights in D5:

• Apollo Park ribbon cutting: The weather was cold when the ribbon was cut in December on the third and final phase of Apollo Park. But the park stirred thoughts of warmer weather and outdoor activities. The third phase is a 10-acre link between The Orion Amphitheater and Topgolf and features a lagoon suitable for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
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  The groundbreaking for the recreation center in west Huntsville was a highlight of 2024 in District 5.

  Martin Road recreation center groundbreaking: A groundbreaking for a west Huntsville recreation center helped fill a void for residents while also embracing the popular sport of pickleball. The facility, located on Martin Road just west of Zierdt Road, will have three indoor and three outdoor pickleball courts. There will also be tennis and basketball courts as well as meeting rooms available for citizen use. Construction of the one-story, 27,350-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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  Council Member John Meredith speaks at the ribbon cutting for Fire Station 20.

  Fire Station 20 ribbon cutting: Fire Station 20, located at 13175 Burgreen Road in Madison, began providing service to residents in July. With shorter response times, the two-bay, 6,858-square-foot facility has already resulted in lower insurance premiums for homeowners and more effectively answer emergency calls.

• Traffic improvements: Two busy intersections saw improvements completed with left turn lanes added at the intersection of Balch and Capshaw roads as well as Trademark Drive and Wall Triana Highway. Both projects were the result of constituent input at town hall meetings held in those areas.
• Slaughter Road project: Another road project is studying improvements for Slaughter Road at Madison Boulevard in a joint effort with the Huntsville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The $5.375 million improvements, of which the MPO is covering 80%, will also fund determined improvements.
• New greenway: The Miller Branch Greenway will provide another outdoor recreational amenity in west Huntsville. The greenway will stretch from Huntsville International Airport, 1.8 miles from Wall Triana Highway to Swancott Road, following Beadle Lane for part of the path. It will be part of the Singing River Trail.