[Archived] City of Alexandria Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Rename Cora Kelly Recreation Center to Honor Leonard “Chick” Armstrong

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2017
Update - Cora Lee Webster Kelly 

The City of Alexandria is seeking public comment on a proposal to rename the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 West Reed Ave., the “Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center” to honor his commitment to Alexandria youth. Councilman Willie F. Bailey, Sr. forwarded the proposal.

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong served as a youth football and basketball coach with the City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities for more than 35 years. Mr. Armstrong was more than a coach, he spent countless hours mentoring and counseling youth on values of getting an education, avoiding drugs and other negative behaviors, and being a positive role model to other young men and women in the community. Many of the youth Mr. Armstrong coached and mentored went on to be productive citizens in Alexandria and throughout the metropolitan area. For eight years, Mr. Armstrong served as the Commissioner of the Johnson‐Siebert Summer Adult Basketball League that served hundreds of young adults. In addition, his commitment to building youth through athletics earned Mr. Armstrong the 2005 Mid‐Atlantic Recreation & Parks’ Sports Alliance’s Sportsmanship Award. 

“Cora Kelly Recreation Center was named for its proximity to the Cora Kelly School, rather than named directly for Cora Lee Webster Kelly, a beloved Alexandria teacher.  The City Council Naming Committee will consider whether to name the recreation center after a person for the first time.  The name of the school would remain unchanged.”

The public is invited to provide comment on the proposal to rename the Cora Kelly Recreation Center the Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center through Friday, June 16, 2017. Those interested in providing comments will be able to record their comments by email to jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, subject line: Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center, or by mail to Recreation and Parks, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314. The City Council Naming Committee will review all comments received or postmarked by Friday, June 16, 2017.

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