Why Small Businesses in Huntsville Are Turning Parking Lots into Turf Events Spaces
For small businesses in Huntsville, the city’s ongoing boom can bring along both pressures and opportunities; for those who stand still, there’s a real danger of being left behind, but a growing population means the rewards for those who adapt and thrive are greater than ever before. In a post-pandemic world, becoming flexible with space has become a critical business strategy, and in recent months and years, an increasing number of businesses have discovered how artificial turf can help them stand out from the crowd by breathing new life into underutilized areas of their property, including parking lots. Here, we take a closer look at why the trend is growing…
Huntsville: A City on The Rise
Firstly, it’s worth just reminding ourselves how rapid Huntsville’s development has been of late. In 2021, during a time of struggle for the country as a whole, Huntsville led the way in the US for economic growth, fueled by a wave of big-name employers moving into the city – particularly in the technology, aerospace and defense industries – and the subsequent influx of young, skilled workers and their families. And Rocket City’s rise has been showing little sign of slowing down, with homebuilding continuing at a record rate in 2024. For a broader context, Huntsville is now one of the top 15 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the US.
The Appeal of Artificial Turf
But where does artificial turf come into play? As we’ll get to in a moment, turf’s most excellent appeal from a commercial point of view is probably its versatility; there’s a long list of potential uses for it and, unlike natural grass, it isn’t entirely at the weather’s mercy. Therefore, it’s event-ready practically anytime. After opting to introduce turf, the installation process is rapid, providing an instant boost to curb appeal for both commercial and residential properties. It’ll stay that way all year round, remaining green and inviting whatever the climate, and is refreshingly easy to maintain; small business owners don’t have to worry about mowing, watering, or fertilizing synthetic grass, while it can stand up to all volumes of foot traffic.
So, Why Parking Lots?
Ultimately, for all of its growth, Huntsville remains an eminently compact city, with the downtown area densely packed and residents and visitors easily able to move from place to place on foot. With that in mind, parking lots can feel like an increasingly inefficient use of space if you’re a small business owner, particularly when you think about how there are more people to engage than ever before. And they aren’t just running errands; they’re looking to socialize, dine, and explore.
It isn’t a surprise, then, that more and more small businesses have set aside a relatively small amount of time and money to transform what’s effectively wasted space into something a growing, vibrant population can benefit from. Turf’s creative applications are numerous, providing a setting for farmers’ markets, fitness classes, art shows, live music, and game zones – to name just a handful. At the end of the day, what small businesses choose to do with their repurposed parking lots needn’t necessarily relate directly to the company itself; simply being able to rent the turf area out can prove hugely beneficial.
It’s fair to say such renovations can add to the city’s overall vibe, too. In addition to swapping out drab concrete for something evergreen and lush, they help urban areas feel more welcoming, putting people at their heart and fostering a sense of community spirit.
Get Creative: Commercial Turf Applications with Goat Turf
Here at Goat Turf, we’re hugely proud to be the leading provider of artificial turf in Huntsville and Northern Alabama. It’s a time of heightened opportunity, and small businesses are realizing how artificial turf can be a driving force in making the most of it. We’ve already been a part of numerous success stories – and you could be next. Drop us a line today.