[Archived] Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Responds to Regional Drought Watch

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Responds to Regional Drought Watch

In light of the drought watch recently issued by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has reviewed its watering priorities for City parks and recreation areas. The unusual and extended period of dry weather experienced throughout the Metro area since September, 2001, combined with forecasts indicating an above normal probability of dry conditions persisting into the summer, prompted the issuance of the drought watch. The City will continue to monitor the trees, fields, and flower beds across the city and will begin to shift work schedules and priorities toward its watering program, should drought conditions worsen.

At this time, between 3- and 6-inches of additional rain is needed in April to end the designated drought watch. An additional 20-inches of rain must fall between April and October to maintain the “out of drought” status, throughout the 2002 growing season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasted rain amounts are not likely to be enough to break drought conditions. As the warm months approach, water needs will dramatically increase as plants and trees begin to sprout and sustain new leaves.

“If the drought continues, we will begin to see the consequences of this long dry period throughout Alexandria’s parks and recreation areas,” said Sandra Whitmore, Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. “Grass seed won’t germinate, existing grass will thin out, and slow release fertilizer won’t release to nurture existing grass and trees. As our ballfields become more compacted due to the dry conditions, irrigation schedules will need to be increased. Finally, areas in our parks that normally do not require additional water will need to be watered, including the Azalea beds at Fort Ward and the trees at Ben Brenman Park. All watering will be done on a prioritized basis.”

At this point, the City will begin to prioritize the watering needs of the many city parks and recreation areas. Citizens are encouraged do the same. The following is a general outline of the watering guidelines for the Department of Recreation:

• Highest priority: Newly planted trees, in the ground less than a year;

• Second priority: City sports fields, due to the large expanse of turf, tremendous use and costs associated with renovation;

• Flower beds/perennial shrub beds, turf area near buildings and in high visibility areas and
established trees in stress;

• Parks, natural areas, and turf areas other than listed above;

• Annual plants and flowers, which are low cost, easily replaced, but demand the highest levels of water.

The watch level, the first notification stage of the region’s water supply and drought plan, is triggered by at least moderate drought conditions in the Potomac River basin. Precipitation in the Washington region is more than fifty percent below normal since last September and river flows are near to or at record low levels for this time of year.

For additional information on City watering priorities or to request a brochure on watering your own trees and plants in drought conditions, contact the Department of Recreation at 703.838.4842.

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