Huntsville opens 1.3-mile Meek Greenway to Sparkman Drive

The City of Huntsville has opened the Meek Greenway, adding 1.3 miles of paved trail to its greenway network with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The new trail connects Sparkman Drive to Alabama A&M University.

Opening the Greenway at Mastin Lake Road

The grand opening took place at the Mastin Lake Road access point, which features a raised pedestrian crossing and a parking area. Construction on this 1.3-mile segment began in 2023. Work on the final 0.35-mile segment, which will link the greenway directly to the university and include a new connector road, is slated to begin in spring 2027.

Honoring a Community Leader

The greenway is named in honor of Opal Meek, a longtime community advocate and neighborhood association leader. Mayor Tommy Battle said the name is a fitting tribute. Opal Meek has dedicated her time to making north Huntsville a better place, and naming this greenway in her honor is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she has made. Opal Meek expressed her gratitude, saying, We’re going to enjoy this greenway for years to come!

Huntsville opens new greenway honoring community leader Opal Meek

Council Lauds Greenway's Community Link

Huntsville City Council member Michelle Watkins, who represents District 1, highlighted the connection the greenway provides. This greenway creates a valuable connection between Alabama A&M University and the surrounding community. It provides another way for residents and students to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and connect with the area around them. Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett noted the project was made possible in part by a significant easement donated by Alabama A&M University and thanked the Land Trust of North Alabama for its help. Greenway spaces do more than provide places to walk and bike. They create opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation as part of their everyday lives.