[Archived] City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Announces Service Adjustments

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2020

The Alexandria Health Department recommends that all community members change their daily behavior to reduce risk from COVID-19 Coronavirus, particularly to protect our most vulnerable populations. The City of Alexandria has already taken proactive measures to further reduce risk and encourages all organizations and individuals to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

In response to Governor Ralph Northam’s announcement to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people per federal guidelines, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) is implementing the following service delivery adjustments to be effective beginning March 19:

• The following facilities are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through April 10:
  • Lee Center is open for any essential City operations.
  • Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers are open for individual use of public Wi-Fi, workspaces, and Safe Place services. All other facility amenities are closed and groups of 10 or more will be prohibited.
• All recreation programs, classes, activities, sports leagues, Out of School Time programs and Spring Break camps are suspended through April 10.
• All private facility and picnic rentals are suspended through April 10.
• All reservations and registrations are suspended until at least April 1.
• The following facilities are closed through April 10: Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center; Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility; Mount Vernon Recreation Center; Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center; William Ramsay Recreation Center; Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center; Oswald Durant Center; and Charles Barrett Recreation Center.

Based upon the guidance from the Alexandria Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to cancel or postpone in-person gatherings of 50 or more people for the next 8 weeks, RPCA is implementing the following adjustments to be effective March 19:

• All permitted and City-produced special events are suspended through May 17.
• Torpedo Factory Art Center is closed to the public through May 17.

All parks, trails, fields, and playgrounds remain open to the public. Patrons are requested to practice social distancing by maintaining six feet of personal space, wash their hands often or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces to protect themselves and others. 

Credits or refunds will be issued for all rentals and activities that are cancelled.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for RPCA registration, program, and facility operating status updates.  

Visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus for the most up-to-date information from the Alexandria Health Department. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4644, Virginia Relay 711.

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This release is available at alexandriava.gov/114252.