The $2.3 million project is part of Huntsville's ongoing efforts to invest in parks and recreation.
The facility features an open-air pavilion with a specialized skating surface, expected to attract skaters from across the country.
Huntsville city leaders celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art skating rink at Stoner Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The rink, located in District 1, just south of Stringfield Road and west of Pulaski Pike, was a response to a community request for a designated roller skating space.
Michelle Watkins, a District 1 City Council member, emphasized the park's appeal. "This park is going to draw young, old, middle age," Watkins said. "It's state of the art, and it's an opportunity for the community to come to District 1 and see that we're just like any other district."
The $2.3 million project is part of Huntsville's ongoing effort to invest in parks and recreation, offering residents more diverse options. The open-air pavilion features a specialized skating surface coated in acrylic sealer, making it ideal for roller skating.
Prism Riot from Rocket City Roller Derby expressed excitement about the new facility. "It feels really good because sometimes people don't really think roller skating is even a thing anymore," Riot said. "For the city to listen to such a niche culture is so freaking awesome."
The idea for the rink originated from "We Skate Huntsville" three years ago. Alexander Sellers from the group shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Honestly at that time we thought they were going to put us a piece of concrete in an abandoned parking lot. To see this facility you see behind us, it's amazing."
AI assisted with the formatting of this story. Click here to see how WAAY uses AI.
