[Archived] Provide Public Comment on the Joseph Hensley Park Renovation Design and Citywide Park Plan Amendments

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2020 

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) presented a park design and amendments to the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvements Plan for the renovation of Joseph Hensley Park to the Park and Recreation Commission on Thursday, December 17 for endorsement. A public hearing about the design and amendments for Joseph Hensley Park renovations will take place on January 21, 2021 to provide a written recommendation to the Planning Commission for consideration at their March 2021 public hearing. Members of the public not able to attend the public hearing may submit comments on the design of Joseph Hensley Park and amendments to the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvements Plan by mail or email until Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

In the summer of 2012, RPCA began a multi-year process with the public to develop a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan. The goal of this initiative was to study and understand the existing conditions and future needs for Alexandria's parks that are over 10-acres, municipally owned, and have multiple uses. The Citywide Parks Improvement Plan was endorsed by the Park and Recreation Commission on April 10, 2014. The Citywide Parks Improvement Plan includes 14 recommendations for Joseph Hensley Park. The park is funded for design through the Capital Improvement Program and will be implemented in phases using Capital funding.

The City acquired a 13-acre portion of Hensley Park in 1977 with the assistance of a U.S. Land & Water Conservation Fund Act grant to supplement the use of City park bond funds. Today, Joseph Hensley Park is a destination park predominantly used for sports activities. The renovation will maintain athletic uses on site, address stormwater and site drainage issues, increase parking capacity, upgrade the sports lighting and playing fields, and improve site circulation and ADA access. The project will replace the current restrooms and add a play space and a multi-use court/performance space. Review the design concept at alexandriava.gov/119380.

For comments or questions, please contact Ana Vicinanzo, Urban Planner II, at ana.vicinanzo@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5494. Comments will be accepted by mail or email until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Please mail written comments to 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact ana.vicinanzo@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5494, Virginia Relay 711 

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