Building Permits — The latest phase of the new Gadsden Sports Complex is one of the new building permits from last week. (City of Gadsden)

The City of Gadsden continues to focus on revitalization especially through its new GROW Gadsden initiative that will guide future development priorities over the next two decades.

But that revitalization goes well beyond just the GROW plan. Let’s take a quick look at some of the latest major announcements and developments.

Gadsden unveils Champions Field

An event was held Monday to celebrate the opening of the new Champions Field, which was a part of Phase III of the new Gadsden Sports Complex. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility was held Monday afternoon following a groundbreaking for the next phase of construction.

“The Champions Field is a multipurpose facility that is fully special needs-accessible, and the groundbreaking will be for Phase IV of the complex, which will include two youth baseball/softball fields, additional pickleball courts and the renovation of existing youth soccer fields.”
~ City of Gadsden

The field has been designed to accommodate anyone with special needs. It will be used for soccer and softball.

Airport plans to build up to 28 new hangars

The Northeast Alabama Regional Airport in Gadsden has partnered with development firm Avion to add up to 28 new t-hangars to its footprint. Avion plans to build two rows of 14 hangars each and are already looking for people interesting in purchasing the use of hangars in the first row.

Box hangars for larger aircraft could also be added in the future. Airport leaders believe an increased number of planes based in Gadsden will mean more fuel sales, more flight activity, and an improvement in the aviation industry in Gadsden.

“This development is a win-win for the airport. With everything going on in the Gadsden area, from economic development to tourism, we have seen an uptick in interest in flying into and from GAD, which has led us to a waiting list for plane owners needing a space to store their planes. With Avion, we will add several new and improved hangars funded one hundred percent by private investments.”
~ Airport Manager Anthony Tarver

Construction of the first row of hangars will begin once enough pre-sales have been made.

Council established to support art in Gadsden

After it was recommended within the GROW Gadsden plan, the City Council approved an ordinance to establish the Gadsden Arts Council. Its goal will be to advance the arts through financial support, patronage, and recognition of multidisciplinary artistic endeavors.

The council will be made up of seven members who have a strong experience with the arts. The city said the board will also represent the diversity of the community to ensure a variety of perspectives are represented.

“One of the things that stood out to me from the GROW Gadsden plan was the overwhelming demand for a stronger emphasis on arts and culture in Gadsden. So, we’re giving the people what they want. My hope is this arts council will come up with ways they can increase artistic involvement throughout the community and the region.”
~ Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford

The council is expected to support arts institutions already established in the area. Its primary focuses will include:

Support public art installations
Plan cultural events
Promote arts education
Conduct fundraisers

What else is going on in Gadsden?

Gadsden State Sports — Gadsden State officially broke ground on its new baseball/softball complex. (Gadsden State)

Take a look at some of the other big things happen around Gadsden over the last few months.

Want more stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our FREE newsletter. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn!