History
A Vision for Northwest Huntsville
The Legacy of Commissioner Robert “Bob” Harrison’s Senior Wellness Center
In the early 2000s, Madison County District 6 Commissioner Robert “Bob” Harrison recognized a growing and unmet need in Northwest Huntsville. With nearly 20,000 seniors residing in his district, Harrison envisioned a place where the community’s “graying” population could remain active, connected, and empowered, a dedicated hub for wellness, fellowship, and shared ownership.
Inspired by the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center in his hometown of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Harrison set out to bring a similar model to the Cedar Point community in Northwest Huntsville, tailored to meet the unique needs of District 6 seniors.
Building the Dream
Turning vision into reality required bold leadership and significant investment. At Harrison’s urging, the Madison County Commission secured $4 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. District 6 further invested $2 million in site preparation and road construction, utilizing county workers and equipment to maximize resources and efficiency.
Additional funding came through District 6 allocations, membership fees, and corporate donations—creating a strong financial foundation supported by both public commitment and community buy-in.
Groundbreaking for the center took place in April 2012, signaling the start of a transformative project for Northwest Huntsville. Less than a year later, on February 25, 2013, the facility officially opened its doors. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed on April 26, 2013, celebrating the completion of Phase One: a 20,000-square-foot main building and a walking trail designed to promote physical health, social interaction, and overall well-being.
Phase Two expanded the campus with the addition of a pavilion and a modular storage building, enhancing the center’s capacity to support programming and events.
A Place of Ownership and Community
For Commissioner Harrison, the Senior Wellness Center represented far more than a physical structure, it embodied empowerment and community pride. Seniors in District 6 were encouraged to take ownership of the facility, helping shape its culture, programming, and future direction.
The center quickly became a cornerstone of the Cedar Point community, serving not only as a wellness destination but also as a meaningful economic and social investment in Northwest Huntsville.
Other Community Partners
Continuing the Vision
In 2020, stewardship of the center transitioned to Commissioner Violet Edwards, who embraced and expanded upon Harrison’s legacy. Under her leadership, the campus grew through the acquisition of an adjoining 21.53 acres, increasing the total footprint to nearly 48 acres.
With grant support from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Alabama Department of Transportation, Commissioner Edwards oversaw improvements including expanded parking, enhanced outdoor lighting, and new sidewalks—further integrating the center into the surrounding community and improving accessibility and safety.
She also repurposed the modular storage unit into a classroom and meeting space, creating new opportunities for educational programming, small gatherings, and community engagement.
Lasting Legacy
Commissioner Robert “Bob” Harrison’s vision for a senior wellness center in Northwest Huntsville was rooted in foresight, compassion, and a deep commitment to community well-being. What began as an idea inspired by a facility in Arkansas has grown into a thriving, evolving campus that continues to serve seniors with dignity and purpose.
Today, under continued leadership and investment, the center stands as a lasting testament to Harrison’s dedication—and to the enduring value of investing in the health, connection, and quality of life of Madison County’s seniors for generations to come.