Athletic Field Lighting Proposed For 5 Locations In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — More locations in Alexandria could get athletic field lighting with approval by city authorities.

The city's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has proposed lighting at five athletic fields. The proposed locations are Francis C. Hammond Middle School at 4646 Seminary Road, Patrick Henry K-8 School and Recreation Center at 4643 and 4653 Taney Avenue, Jefferson Houston K-8 School at 1501 Cameron Street, George Washington Middle School at 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue and Eugene Simpson Stadium Park at 426 East Monroe Avenue.

City Council had already approved funding for athletic field lighting at two locations in the fiscal year 2023 budget. The two locations for the funding could include Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jefferson Houston K-8 School or George Washington Middle School. With additional funding, the city could add lighting at other athletic fields — Patrick Henry K-8 School and Recreation Center in fiscal year 2024 and Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in fiscal year 2025.

According to a city news release, athletic field lighting will help meet school and community program needs, meet a city goal of equitable access to facilities and services, and support a City Council 2022 priority to expand capacity for youth programs.

The Park & Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing and accept public comment on July 21. Comments will also be accepted by email or by mail to RPCA, ATTN: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 until 5 p.m. July 20.

A Planning Commission public hearing is expected Oct. 4, followed by a City Council public hearing on Oct. 15. For more information, visit the 2022 Athletic Field Lighting Proposals project website.

The introduction of athletic field lighting at Alexandria City High School's Parker-Gray Stadium in 2021 was a significant step after opposition from neighbors. As Black residents were displaced from their homes through eminent domain to make room for the high school, an original condition for building the high school prohibited lighting for athletic facilities. When City Council approved lighting and other updates to the stadium in 2018, Alexandria City Public Schools had faced lawsuits from residents. However, a settlement was reached in 2020 between 15 homeowners, the school board and City of Alexandria, allowing installation of stadium lights to move forward.