Optimist Park

Optimist Park is a historic recreational area located in east Huntsville, Alabama. The park has a rich history dating back to 1928 when it was originally built as Dallas Park to serve the Dallas Mill teams. In 1949, the Optimist Club purchased the park and renamed it Optimist Park. The City of Huntsville renovated the park in 1994 as part of its Parks & Recreation Department.

The park has been an important venue for baseball in Huntsville over the decades. It hosted major league exhibition games in the 1930s when Huntsville native and former St. Louis Cardinals manager Gabby Street brought his club there. Optimist Park was also one of the few early ball parks in the South that was open to all races. During the 1950s and 1960s, it was used for exhibition games by Negro League teams like the Birmingham Black Barons and Kansas City Monarchs.

Today, Optimist Park continues to serve the community as a multi-use recreational facility. The park features baseball and softball fields, as well as multi-purpose fields that can be used for various sports. The fields are lighted to allow for evening games and practices. Adjacent to the baseball park is a recreation center that houses two full-size basketball courts and an activity room, providing a space for indoor sports and community activities.

The park also includes outdoor amenities for visitors of all ages. There are playgrounds for children, picnic areas for families and groups, and walking paths for those looking to enjoy some outdoor exercise. The park's layout and facilities make it suitable for both organized sports events and casual recreational use by local residents.