[Archived] Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Seeks Community Input on Wilkes Street Park Redesign

For Immediate Release: August 10, 2020

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) will redesign the existing 0.7 acre Wilkes Street Park and is seeking community involvement starting with a Virtual Kickoff Meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 7 p.m.

The park will be redesigned in compliance with the South Patrick Housing Affordability Strategy (Affordability Strategy). The Affordability Strategy includes park improvements such as play areas, seating, and open passive areas that will be designed to be accessible and accommodate all ages and abilities. The park redesign will be implemented through the Heritage at Old Town redevelopment process with all applicable approvals. The park will serve the surrounding residential community and will also continue to serve as a pedestrian and bike trail. 

 Important dates:

• August 13 at 7 p.m.: RPCA hosts a virtual kick-off meeting with the community.
• August 14 – September 11: RPCA receives input on park design through online survey and public engagement.
• September 17: RPCA presents the park project and survey results to the Park and Recreation Commission.  
• September 18 – October 16: Using the public input, the developer design team prepares design options for the park.  
• November (date to be determined): RPCA hosts a second community meeting with the applicant design proposals for the park. After the community meeting, a second online survey and public engagement is conducted asking for community feedback on the design options. Online survey is available for four weeks.  

• December – January: Developer design team prepares a final park design using community input collected.  
• January: RPCA presents final park design to the Park and Recreation Commission for public hearing. 
• February: RPCA presents final park design to the Park and Recreation Commission for endorsement.  
  
  

For more information and to participate in the virtual meeting, visit the project website at alexandriava.gov/116143.

For questions about the Wilkes Street Park redesign process, please contact Ana Vicinanzo at ana.vicinanzo@alexandriava.gov.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact ana.vicinanzo@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5434, Virginia Relay 711. 

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This release is available at alexandriava.gov/117181