For Immediate Release: September 12, 2013

City of Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Plan for the New Park at 5325 Polk Avenue on September 19

The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft design for improvements to the recently acquired open space property at 5325 Polk Avenue at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 19 at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Ave. The proposed plan will be posted online beginning Friday, September 13 at www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation.

The City acquired this wooded natural area in December 2012. The City’s purchase of this 2.34 acre property used the $1.5 million provided by the Department of Defense to mitigate loss of open space in the West End, as well as $0.4 million in City Open Space funds. In the winter and spring of 2013 city staff held a public meeting and received public comments regarding the future design of the natural area. On June 15, City Council held a ribbon cutting for the property.

After discussion on the Polk Avenue property, the Commission will hear comments from City residents on any other park and recreation related issue not previously discussed in a public hearing by the Commission. The regular meeting of the Commission will follow.

Individuals who are unable to attend the public hearing may send written comments on the proposed plan to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: William Chesley, Deputy Director, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314; e-mail william.chesley@alexandriava.gov; or fax to 703.684.6826 by 5 p.m. Thursday, September 19.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the American with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, please call William Chesley at 703.746.5426 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail william.chesley@alexandriava.gov.