Next Del Ray Spray Park Design Meeting Planned In October

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the design phase continues for the spray park portion of the Del Ray Gateway Project, the next public meeting is planned in October.

The Del Ray Gateway project will redevelop the triangle park at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. The current project being planned by the city's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and Del Ray Gateway Partners focuses on the spray park at the former Colasanto Pool at 2700 Mount Vernon Avenue. The city's 2012 aquatics facility study had recommended the closed Colasanto Pool be converted into a spray park. Future phases will focus on other parts of Del Ray Gateway site, including a memorial garden named for the late Nancy Dunning.

Earlier this year, the city and the LSG design team presented three possible design concepts for the spray park: Enter the Cloud, Nautilus Gateway Park, and Roundhouse at the Gateway. All concepts include splash fountains, seating, greenery, and potential restroom.

The redevelopment of the pool into a splash park will be funded by the city's Capital Improvement Program and a matching grant with The Del Ray Gateway Project. According to the city's website, design is expected to be done by the end of 2021, and construction could begin in 2022.

The next meeting will seek community input on the site design. The meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Attendees can register via Zoom or use the call-in number (301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 913 2989 0257, Passcode: 719632).

See more information and past meeting presentations online.