[Archived] City of Alexandria to Hold Public Workshop on Simpson Park Playground & Passive Lawn Renovation Concepts

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2016

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) invites the public to attend a workshop to obtain community input on the Simpson Park playground and adjacent lawn renovation on Wednesday, May 25, at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. at 7 p.m. Staff will provide a presentation, review of concept alternatives and facilitate public discussion. 

RPCA hired the Alexandria-based landscape architecture firm Lardner/Klein to lead the design process and May + Watkins to incorporate public art within the site. The project implements recommendations from the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvement Plan, which called to (1) improve the open space to accommodate multiple passive uses and activities in Simpson and (2) renovate Simpson playground, including a new configuration, shade, surfacing, and equipment suitable for ages 2-12. The design also aims to connect passive use areas, making it family friendly for multiple age groups.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the initial process for the park and playground renovation and provide feedback on three alternative concepts for the site and public art.

This project is funded through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and matching City Capital Improvement Project funds.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide input on the three alternative concepts from May 25 through June 8 on the Simpson Park Playground and Passive Lawn Renovation project website.

For additional information, contact Dana Wedeles, Park Planner, at 703.746.5491 or Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Dana Wedeles at 703.746.5491 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mail Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.