[Archived] Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities to Hold Public Workshop on Simpson Park Playground and Passive Lawn Renovation Concept Plan

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2016

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) invites the public to attend a workshop to view and provide feedback on the Simpson Park playground and adjacent lawn renovation plan on Thursday, September 8. A presentation, review of the concept and discussion will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.

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 process for the park and playground renovation and provide feedback on a final concept for the site and public art. The concept is the result of feedback from three previous versions discussed at the May 25, 2016 Public Workshop Presentation.

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 view the concept on the project website here after September 5 and e-mail comments to Judy Lo at judy.lo@alexandriava.gov.     

For additional information, contact Judy Lo, Park Planner, at 703.746.5490 or judy.lo@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 Judy Lo at 703.746.5490 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov.