[Archived] Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Awards FY20 Community Matching Funds to Four Projects

For Immediate Release: July 5, 2019   

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) established the Community Matching Fund (Fund) with the approval of the FY 2017-FY 2026 Capital Improvement Budget. The Fund allows 1:1 matching awards in an amount up to $25,000. Any community group that lives and/or works in the City of Alexandria can apply for the matching fund. The group must demonstrate in their proposal a capacity to build a stronger and healthier community through park and recreation facility improvements.  

The Fund is a component of RPCA's PARKnership Program, which oversees partnerships for the development, design, construction and operation of recreational and park facilities and/or programs.  

RPCA is pleased to announce the recipients of the FY20 Community Matching Funds, as follows:

1. Four Mile Run Park Kayak Launch
   Applicant:  Four Mile Run Park Conservatory Foundation
   Project Description: This project will hire an engineering firm to design a kayak launch at the end of Commonwealth Avenue in Four Mile Run Park. The design will provide cost estimates to plan for future construction. The Four Mile Run Park Conservatory Foundation will seek funding opportunities for construction following design completion to be consistent with the near stream amenities recommendations in the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan.
   Total Project Cost: $32,000
   Total City Contribution: $16,000
2. Woodbine Tot Lot Renovation
   Applicant:  Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic
   Project Description: This project will renovate Woodbine Tot Lot, per the “wish” of a child in the neighborhood. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic will hire a designer to work with the community and a contractor to renovate the playground, with oversight by City staff. The playground design will take into consideration the Draft Pocket Park Improvement Plan.
   Total Project Cost: $80,000
   Proposed Total City Contribution: $25,000
3. Holmes Run Park Community Garden Improvements
   Applicant:  Holmes Run Community Garden
   Project Description: This project will add mulch and compost bins, fencing, landscaping and storage to the Holmes Run Community Garden.
   Total Project Cost: $15,000
   Total City Contribution: $7,500
4. Parkour Park in Ewald Park
   Applicant:  Jonas Neihardt
   Project Description: This project will build a Parkour Space in Ewald Park, as approved in the  Ewald Park Plan Amendment in November 2018. 
   Total Project Cost: $80,000
   Total City Contribution: $25,000   

The organizations must fundraise the full amount needed to complete the project within one year. If determined by June 1, 2020 that the organization cannot meet the fundraising goal, the City will rescind the award and the funds will return to the City’s Community Matching Fund to be allocated in the upcoming fiscal year.

For information about the Community Matching Fund, visit alexandriava.gov/92701 or contact Principal Planner Dana Wedeles at dana.wedeles@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5491.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact dana.wedeles@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5491, Virginia Relay 711.