Lighting, Synthetic Turf: Eugene Simpson Stadium Park Renovations Head To City Review

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Proposed renovations like synthetic turf, basketball court with lighting and a concessions stand at Del Ray's largest park will head to final review by the City of Alexandria.

The Alexandria Planning Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on development special use permits related to Eugene Simpson Stadium Park's renovations. If advanced, City Council's public hearing would be scheduled for June 17.

According to a city staff report, proposed renovations will affect two baseball fields and other park structures. The city plans to install new bleachers and dugouts on both fields, synthetic turf at Big Simpson field to address drainage and field condition issues, and regrading of natural turf at Little Simpson field to improve drainage.

Existing sports lighting poles would be utilized on both baseball fields under the proposal. The city also proposes relocating a basketball court next to Monroe Avenue and adding lighting and add pedestrian pathway lighting in some areas.

Other proposals include expanding the surface parking lot to add 16 more parking spaces (two ADA spaces), adding walkway paths, adding a pedestrian plaza and stadium plaza near Big Simpson field, adding a dedicated concessions stand with an adjacent picnic area, additional storage near Big Simpson, and a planted tree buffer along the E. Duncan Avenue alleyway.

Residents can view the proposed park design in English or Spanish.

Proposed park renovations resulted from community feedback that led to the 2014 Simpson Stadium Park Improvement Plan. Additional improvements for the big and little baseball fields were recommended by the community after the 2014 plan.

Final design for the park renovation is expected to be complete in January 2024. Construction could begin in fall 2024 and be complete in 2025.

See the project web page for more information.