Situated in downtown Huntsville, minutes from the Medical District and the historic Five Points area is the oasis of Big Spring Park. Predating Alabama’s statehood by 14 years, Big Spring has always been a vital part of what would become the City of Huntsville.
Big Spring Park: Historical Water Source
Developed in 1805 by John Hunt, the area was first named Hunt’s Spring and later incorporated as a town in 1811 and city in 1860.
What we view today as a bountiful recreation area amongst the stone and pillars, however, actually began with a far greater purpose. Producing between 7-20 million gallons of water daily, Big Spring became the source of the first public water supply west of the Appalachian Mountains in 1823 and the first canal in Alabama, Indian Creek, in 1830.
Evolution into Big Spring International Park
It wouldn’t be until 1898 when the Army Corps of Engineers began incorporating the spring into what we would come to know as Big Spring International Park. The international part of the name would be well earned as the park is filled with gifts from across the world. In 1973 Norway donated both a light beacon and fog bell, while the United Kingdom and Germany gifted a bench and a sundial, respectively.
However, one of the most recognizable contributions from around the globe came from Japan’s Major General Mikio Kimata in 1976. A member of Redstone Arsenal’s Ordnance Guided Missile School for several years in the 1960s, Kimata never forgot the hospitality shown him and repaid that kindness with 60 distinctive Yoshino cherry trees and a traditional and stunning bright red friendship bridge.
Park’s Rich History
Throughout that time generations have enjoyed one of the area’s crown jewels, from those international pieces to amusement rides set up in the park in the 1960’s and a long standing concert series from 1993-2011 to the many events held there throughout the year currently.
One of the most recognizable of those sees the entire park transform into the Tinsel Trail beginning in late November.
Not only does that event see more than 400 trees of all shapes and sizes ring both sides of Big Spring Park, it also brings businesses and the public together in a holiday setting.
Sponsored Trees and Festive Atmosphere
Each of those trees is sponsored, usually by a business but sometimes by an individual or family, and decorated in unique ways. As you walk the park from the Church Street entrance by the Huntsville Museum of Art, you encounter one dressed as the Huntsville Havoc mascot, one decked out in pink plungers for 1 Tom Plumber, one adorned with a giant tooth and sugary treats sponsored by Summit Dental, and one of the newest additions to the Rocket City
Tranquil Pond and Christmas Spirit
As you make the turn by the pond, you come to a giant Christmas tree and year-round staples – ducks, turduckens, catfish, and coy. Visitors can take a break and feed the wildlife for just a quarter before continuing along their way.
Iconic Red Bridge and Festive Construction
When they do, they come upon that iconic red bridge leading to the other side of the water where, as is the case with most of Huntsville, construction of a new building is underway. This one, by JS Building, made sure to get in the Christmas spirit with a tree dressed as a construction worker – complete with a hard hat and neon vest – on the unfinished balcony overlooking the park.
Sponsorship Highlights: Coca-Cola and Toyota
Further down the path Coca-Cola sponsors the Tree of Hope, and Toyota has a sleigh – with one of their Huntsville-built engines powering it – and Santa at the other Church Street entrance.
Canal Views and Diverse Trees
Once you cross to the other side, you encounter both the canal and the park’s namesake along with trees as far as the eye can see. One of the first is sponsored by The University of Alabama at Huntsville and their mascot Charger Blue, soon followed by a likeness of McDonald’s favorite Grimace.
Creative Themes: Shrek, Legos, and Rock’em Sock’em Robots
Further along are Shrek and his swamp, Legos, and a pair of trees ready to see which fir has what it takes to go the distance with both dressed as Rock’em, Sock’em robots.
Unique Installations: Turner Construction and Abominable Snowman
Perhaps one of the most fitting trees for Huntsville is from Turner Construction, complete with a lifelike crane, while the cartoon classic Abominable Snowman makes an appearance right across from it courtesy of Radiance Technologies.
Humorous Displays and Pop Culture Panorama
Not much further along A.P.G. Safety details all the ways Wile E. Coyote fails to blow up the Roadrunner due to faulty safety practices, and Cookie Monster and Winnie the Pooh and friends also make an appearance, as does a Back to the Future panorama sponsored fittingly by Great Scott Tax & Accounting.
Landmarks and Community Features
Shortly before completing the circuit, visitors come across one of the most well-known entities in the Rocket City in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and one of the newer members of the community in Buc-ees and a larger-than-life “frontman” Bucky the Beaver.
Tinsel Trail Conclusion and Future Anticipation
And when you are nearly ready to complete the Tinsel Trail, two more trees make sure to let you know the park will soon be ready to return to its non-holiday life, and Huntsville will be ready to welcome you back with open arms.
Local Business Showcases
Steadfast Tree Service showcases a tree trimmed from the bottom up (complete with the trimmed branches below), and downtown business Yedla Hotels makes sure you know how to find your way back to the Rocket City with a signpost of destinations near and far in true MAS*H style.
Big Spring Park: Year-Round Appeal
Whether you visit during the Tinsel Trail or another time during the year, one thing is certain, and that is that Big Spring Park – just like the city it helped bring into existence – has a little bit of something for everyone whenever you visit or choose to make Huntsville home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Historical Significance of Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Predating Alabama Statehood by 14 Years?
Big Spring Park, developed in 1805 by John Hunt, served as the source of the first public water supply west of the Appalachian Mountains in 1823
How Does Big Spring Park Transform During the Tinsel Trail Event in Late November?
Tinsel Trail sees over 400 sponsored trees adorning both sides of Big Spring Park, creating a festive holiday setting.
Can You Provide Examples of Sponsored Trees and Their Unique Decorations in Big Spring Park?
Certainly! Trees are sponsored by businesses and individuals, showcasing creativity such as a Huntsville Havoc mascot and a tree adorned with giant tooth and sugary treats sponsored by Summit Dental.
What Are Some Notable International Contributions to Big Spring Park?
In 1973, Norway donated a light beacon and fog bell, while Japan’s Major General Mikio Kimata gifted 60 distinctive Yoshino cherry trees and a bright red friendship bridge in 1976.
How Does Big Spring Park Contribute to the Year-Round Appeal of Huntsville?
Discover how Big Spring Park offers something for everyone throughout the year, from festive events to iconic landmarks, making it a true oasis in Huntsville.
