Decatur, Ala. – The Decatur City Council will vote Monday at 10 a.m. on a $900,000 park improvement package that would bring new playground equipment to Rhodes Ferry and Flint City parks, a brand‑new playground at Point Mallard, and a neighborhood park adjacent to Austin Middle School.
Funding mix supports local families
The city plans to contribute $650,000 of the total cost, while the remaining $250,000 would come from state funding secured by Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Terri Collins. Council members say the investment reflects Decatur’s growing population and the need for more family‑friendly recreation areas.
Residents voice strong support
Long‑time resident Benjamin Balentine praised the plan, noting the historic value of Rhodes Ferry park. “It’s very much needed. This is a historic park. We come out here to fly kites and take pictures from prom and weddings, so I think we should keep the momentum going with the upgrades,” he said.
Omari Davis, another Decatur resident, highlighted the park’s role in community safety. “There’s just a lot of kids that come here and play a lot, and it means a lot to them and some of the adults that feel safe taking their kids here,” he explained.
Mario Davis Jr. added a health perspective, stressing the importance of outdoor activity for children. “Having more things for the kids to do instead of being in the house all day on devices is good health‑wise as well,” he said.
Council’s next steps
The proposal will be placed on the agenda for the upcoming council meeting. If approved, the city will move forward with design contracts and begin scheduling construction phases, with an eye toward completing the upgrades before the next school year.
City officials stress that the projects align with Decatur’s broader vision of expanding safe, accessible recreation for families while supporting the city’s growth. The council’s decision will signal how local leaders prioritize community spaces in the coming fiscal year.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
