For Immediate Release: April 4, 2014

City of Alexandria Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Name the Planned Accessible Playground at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground

The City of Alexandria is seeking public comment on a proposal to name the planned accessible playground at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, located at 1108 Jefferson St., the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground. The Miracle League of Alexandria and the Kelley Cares Foundation forwarded the proposal.

Ruthanne Lodato was a dedicated volunteer, sponsor and active participant in the Kelley Cares Foundation. Her fundraising efforts and volunteer dedication supported the creation of programs and activities benefitting the City of Alexandria Therapeutic Recreation Program, which include The Kelley Cares Miracle Field, The Kelley Cares Multi-Sensory Mobile and the Multi-Sensory Room at the Lee Center. In addition to her commitment to children and families with special needs, she was a dedicated music teacher for more than 30 years ensuring thousands of children grew up to appreciate music.

The public is invited to provide comment on the proposal to name the playground at the Lee Center the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground through Friday, May 2. Those interested in providing comments will be able to record their comments by email to jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, subject line: Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground, or by mail to RPCA, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314. All comments received or postmarked by Friday, May 2 will be reviewed by the City Council Naming Committee.

For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Division Chief, at 703.746.5504 or by email at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.