Mayor Bartlett hopes philanthropist to name park in west Madison
The city is adding a park in the western perimeter of Madison. Photo courtesy of City of Madison, Ranae Bartlett
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, Z - News Main
 By Gregg Parker  
Published 6:05 am Wednesday, August 26, 2026
MADISON WEEKLY

Mayor Bartlett hopes philanthropist to name park in west Madison

MADISON – Did you ever want to name a park? Here’s your chance.

On Aug. 20, Madison Planning Commission approved the idea to add a park in the western edge of town. “Spanning more than 23 acres, this currently unnamed park will be located south of Huntsville-Brownsferry Road and east of Charnwood Drive near Madison Farms,” Bartlett said in “Madison Weekly.”

“Designed to serve one of the fastest growing parts of our community, (the park) will offer families, athletes and neighbors a beautiful place to gather, play and unwind,” Bartlett said. The park will have three soccer fields, a playground, multiple pavilions, a dog park and green space.

“We’re seeking a visionary donor to help bring this park to life.” The donor will receive exclusive naming rights to this space. “. . . a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for generations of Madison families to enjoy,” Bartlett said. For more information, email mayorsoffice@madisonal.gov.

For a preview of “Taste of Madison,” the Mayor’s Small Business Council met at Homewood Suites in Town Madison. This fundraising event will benefit Miracle League of Madison in building an adaptive playground in Palmer Park so children with disabilities can play baseball and use accessible park equipment.

Bartlett encourages residents to plan a special night out on Sept. 24 for Taste of Madison with samples from 25-plus restaurants. Tickets cost $90 each. For more information, visit madisonal.gov.

The French family earned commendations for their Madison business at the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International or AUVSI Pathfinder Symposium. Larry French founded and owns Griffon Aerospace, while his son Jordan French is company President. Larry French was inducted into the Pathfinder System Hall of Fame. Jordan French was admitted to the Order of Prometheus. Griffon Aerospace has supplied more than 10,000 air vehicles from its Madison location.

Alabama League of Municipalities hosted a meeting with U.S. Rep. Dale Strong to discuss North Alabama’s progress. In Strong’s session, Bartlett and City Council members learned about infrastructure projects and funding for emergency response agencies.

Bartlett encourages residents to consider serving on a city board. Two boards will have openings this fall. Industrial Development Board recruits these businesses and support existing enterprises. Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals grants variances and special exceptions to zoning regulations. Residents interested in serving on either board are encouraged to apply; visit madisonal.gov.

City departments reported their activities for the week to Bartlett:

• Madison Police Department – 1,138 calls for service, 32 arrests, 75 incident reports, 55 citations and 107 warnings.

• Madison Fire and Rescue Department – 135 total incidents for daily average of 19.3; 2 fire calls; 9 public service; 89 medical calls; and 1 rescue.

• Municipal Court — 107 cases opened; 150 cases closed; 26 warrants issued; 13 warrants served; and $35,292 collected in fees.

For more information, visit madisonal. gov.

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