April 2026 E-newsletter for Council Member Michelle Watkins
April 2026 E-newsletter for Council Member Michelle Watkins
From the desk of Council Member Michelle Watkins, District 1
Huntsville City Council • District 1                                                                     April 2026
graphic for district 1 town hall
D1 Town Hall Focusing on Showers Center Plans
Join Council Member Michelle Watkins for a District 1 Town Hall on Thursday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW. General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson and Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett will speak about plans to refurbish the Showers Center.                                                                 
graphic with multiple images showing multimodal improvements on holmes avenue
Holmes Avenue Project Moving Forward
The City recently entered into a contract with Volkert Inc. for an engineering design and construction administration services contract for multimodal improvements along 3.25 miles of Holmes Avenue from Spragins Avenue downtown to Sparkman Drive on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The project will include sidewalks, multiuse paths, cycle lanes, transit shelters, landscaping, decorative lighting and street furniture. Altogether, the improvements will make the corridor safer for all modes of transportation while attracting more residents to use Holmes Avenue.
Read More
group of people, many in orange sweaters, line up for posed photo with projection screens in background
Cheering the Value of The Women's Expo  
The Women’s Expo will hold its sixth annual event on Saturday, March 28, and Council Member Watkins recognized its impact in a resolution presented at a recent Council meeting. Founded by Huntsville entrepreneur Tiffany Draper, the Expo's mission is to “empower, uplift, encourage and connect women of all backgrounds,” the resolution said in part. It is the largest women-centered conference and marketplace in north Alabama.
Read the Resolution
group of men receiving resolution from woman in posed photo with flags in background
Recognizing Impact of Men of Change 
Council Member Watkins presented a resolution at a recent Council meeting to Men of Change, a male mentoring program she initiated in 2022 as a member of the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education. “Investing in positive role modeling and structured support today strengthens families, schools and neighborhoods tomorrow, creating a pipeline of empowered young leaders who understand the value of education, discipline, service, and leadership and who will contribute positively to the continued growth and prosperity of the City of Huntsville,” the resolution said in part.
Read the Resolution
large group of women in matching dark outfits pose for photo with projection screens in background
six well dressed people pose for photo with flags in background seven adults and two children pose for photo with projection screens in background
Honoring Heroes for International Women's Month 
Council Member Watkins honored several outstanding women for International Women’s Month in March, recognizing their leadership and lasting impact on our community. Honorees at the March 26 Council meeting included Kate O’Neal, Founder and President of The Caring Link (bottom left photo), whose work supports families in times of crisis (read the resolution); Mirael Parker-Davis, Founder and Director of Prep Sports Academy (bottom right photo), which is dedicated to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically (read the resolution); and the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (top photo) for its longstanding commitment to service and community uplift (read the resolution).
Each of these remarkable women is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Their dedication, passion, and service exemplify the very best of leadership in Huntsville and serve as an inspiration to us all.
women wearing glasses speaks at podium four people pose for photo in school classroom
Celebrating Black History Month with Students
Council Member Watkins had the honor of speaking to students, teachers, and administrators at Montview Elementary School during their annual Black History program. The event was a great way to educate local students on the contributions of Black leaders to American history as well as their profound impact in Huntsville.
aerial view of construction site that is mostly dirt
rendering of parking looking uphill with pavilion and sidewalk rendering of park with trees and hardscape and pavilion
Big Spring Park Expansion Underway
Work has started on the Big Spring Park expansion at the former City Hall site and General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson provides an early update in this video. The project will add about 2.4 acres to Big Spring Park on the east side of Church Street and include amenities such as accessible walking paths throughout the site, an event pavilion and public restrooms.
Watch the Video
graphic for district 1 community cleanup
Pitch In and Help Beautify District 1
Join neighbors in sprucing up the area around the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center at the District 1 Cleanup Day from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11. It's a great opportunity to celebrate Earth Month and make some new friends. Meet for the cleanup at the Showers Center, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW. All cleanup supplies will be provided by the City's Green Team. 
large group of teenagers pose for photo holding certificates
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council Opens Applications
Applications are now open for high school students to be a part of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council’s 2026-27 cohort. The Council is a yearlong leadership and civic engagement program that empowers high school students to learn about local government and serve their community. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 21.
Find Out More

COMING UP

April 2: District 1 Town Hall, 5:30 p.m., Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW
April 11: District 1 Earth Month Kickoff Cleanup, 9-11 a.m., Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW
April 9: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall
April 13: District 1 Drop-In, 6 p.m., Lakewood Community Center, 3601 Kenwood Dr.
April 18: Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 23: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall
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