Exciting Times Ahead for South Huntsville
Last week, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation at Grissom High School as local leaders, developers, and residents gathered for a community progress update on the Hays Farm development. Hosted by the South Huntsville Main Business Association, this event was all about sharing the latest updates and future plans for this ambitious project that promises to reshape South Huntsville into a vibrant and welcoming community.
A Vision Comes to Life
Speakers at the event included essential figures such as Mayor Tommy Battle, Councilwoman Dr. Jennie Robinson, Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick, and developer John Hays. Each of them shared valuable insights into the progress of the Hays Farm project and its significance for local residents.
Councilwoman Dr. Jennie Robinson took a moment to reflect on the early days of Hays Farm. She reminisced about a conversation with John Hays, where he shared his vision for the expansive 850-acre project. “At the heart of it was this park, Hays Farm Park,” she recalled. This groundbreaking project marks a pivotal moment, and she expressed her excitement about how it will unite the community. “We really started to see that this was what was going to pull everything together,” she added, highlighting the park’s role as a friendly gathering space.
Creating Community Spaces
The park will feature stunning lagoons, a sparkling waterfall, inviting pavilions, and even a performance stage. “This is going to be the kind of place that people will come to take prom pictures… it’s going to be a beautiful backdrop right across from the high school where those prom pictures will be taken and other memories will be made,” Robinson enthused.
Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick shared his personal enthusiasm about living in the Hays Farm area. “We moved in about a year ago. We have loved it,” he said, noting the improvements made to the Weatherly Road Greenway, which connects the Aldridge Creek Greenway with the new Hays Farm trails. He mentioned that plans are underway to complete a 16-17 mile loop of trails, making outdoor activities even more accessible for residents.
The Dream of Collaboration
Developer John Hays passionately discussed the journey of creating the Hays Farm development, describing it as a collaborative effort between the Hays family, local residents, the county commission, and the city of Huntsville. He emphasized how working together has made this dream a reality. With a strong focus on education and quality of life, Hays emphasized that the project includes not just homes but also a 500-acre park and careful habitat protection.
“We built a master plan community in South Huntsville… around education, because we got Grissom High School,” Hays explained. He also proudly noted the stunning economic impact, stating that the project has contributed 500 million dollars either completed or currently under construction in the Hays Farm area. This surge in economic activity is seen as a win for everyone involved.
Looking to the Future
As the event wrapped up, the optimism in the room was palpable. The Hays Farm project isn’t just about the park and trails; it’s also set to include new commercial spaces and an updated Home Depot center. Jeff Enfinger, an integral part of this transformation, revealed plans to modernize the shopping center with new businesses, with renovations expected to be completed by next Christmas.
“By Christmas of next year, that should all be redone,” he said, with a focus on attracting lifestyle-oriented businesses to the area.
A Spirit of Togetherness
This progress update was more than just an event; it showcased the spirit of collaboration that defines the Hays Farm project and its impact on the community. Councilwoman Robinson summed it up well, stating, “It is really an honor to work with all of these partners to literally make a vision a dream come true.”
As we move forward, all eyes are on South Huntsville, watching the plans unfold and witnessing the continued evolution of the Hays Farm development. Exciting days lie ahead!
