The National Fitness Campaign Brings Public Art to Huntsville Parks

The City of Huntsville and Arts Huntsville officially opened the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) FitnessCourt® public art installation at John Hunt Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.

Mayor Tommy Battle attended with Huntsville Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett, City Administrator John Hamilton, and Arts Huntsville Public Program Manager Jennifer Johnson to highlight the installation featuring artwork of world-renowned artist Keith Haring.

“It’s fantastic to see artwork incorporated into our public projects across the city, Mayor Battle said. “It’s even more meaningful to see artistry wrapped into wellness, and we thank our partners at Arts Huntsville for leading this effort.”

Following the ribbon cutting, a Parks and Recreation fitness trainer led community members in demonstrating how the innovative outdoor circuit training center provides a full-body workout in just seven minutes.

With the Keith Haring Fitness Court at John Hunt Park, visitors will interact with artwork they may not otherwise see outside of a museum. In the months ahead, they’ll be able to experience other artwork at fitness courts in city parks across our community.

“The ability to enjoy a free workout, while surrounded by the vibrant work of local and international artists, is a unique experience,” said Gossett. “We’re excited about this addition to John Hunt Park and look forward to the upcoming installations at Legacy Park, Apollo Park and California Street Park.”

The artist selection for Legacy Park is well underway, with local artists FRESKO, Trinity Poplar, and Neal Fudge IV (commonly known as Asé Selah) recently selected as the three finalists to produce proposal sketches for the Fitness Court to be installed of spring of 2023.
More about Keith Haring can be learned through the Keith Haring Foundation. Established by the artist in 1989, the Keith Haring Foundation perpetuates Haring’s artistic and philanthropic legacy through the preservation and circulation of his artwork and archives, and by providing grants to children in need and those affected by HIV/AIDS.