SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Huntsville’s Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center will Undergo a Comprehensive Assessment and Renovation Planning. Community Input is Sought for Future Enhancements.
The Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center in north Huntsville, is set for a comprehensive assessment to determine necessary upgrades. The City has contracted Nola Van Peursem Architects for $35,000 to conduct a 270-day review of the 58,000-square-foot facility at 4600 Blue Spring Road and 10,000-square-foot ancillary buildings on the campus.
“The architects will collaborate with Parks & Recreation and other City staff to evaluate the current and future programming needs of the overall campus and facilities,” said General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson. “They will provide recommendations for building modifications, updated finishes, and equipment/system replacements to be considered for potential future renovation projects.”
Public input sessions will play a crucial role in the review process, allowing residents to voice their preferences for the Showers Center. “The Showers Center is a gathering place for meetings, activities, and community celebrations,” Keith emphasized. “I’m excited to support this evaluation that will enhance this special place and honor the legacy of the late Dr. Richard Showers, Jr.”
The Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Center offers various American Red Cross swimming, an outdoor splash pad, and educational classes, including Lifeguard Training. The pool features two 1-meter Durafirm diving boards and is accessible by a hydraulic chair lift. The pool water is comfortable, 84-85 degrees. Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool is completely enclosed and has a climate control system for the swimmer’s year-round comfort. “The Showers Center is significant to the people in north Huntsville. It’s personal for me because it’s where I learned to swim and made my first layup. We want this center to be the next ‘shining star’ in our redevelopment plans,” Keith added.
City Administrator John Hamilton stated that the assessment is part of a broader citywide initiative to upgrade recreational infrastructure. “There are needs across the community,” Hamilton said. “We’re geographically spread out, so it’s vital to invest in all five districts and corners of the city, which is exactly what we are doing.”
Stephanie Malone, executive director of Girls Inc. of Huntsville, welcomed the planned upgrades. Girls Inc. uses the center and has seen its programs, especially summer camps, grow annually. “We’ve had to turn girls away due to lack of space,” Malone said. “We’d like to be involved in the new design process to accommodate our growth.”
Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett and Hamilton noted that upgrades might extend beyond traditional activities like football and soccer. They compared the Showers Center to the Sandra Moon Community Center in south Huntsville, the latter of which is currently undergoing renovations.
The last renovations of Dr. Richard Showers Recreation Center were in February 2016, when the City allocated $1.2 million to upgrade locker rooms and restrooms and install new windows, paint, and lighting. A significant addition for families in North Huntsville was a new outdoor Splash Pad featuring a Bulldog theme to support nearby Alabama A&M University. Renovations were completed by June 2016, coinciding with other renovations at the center.
