Survey of Residents Will Gauge Interest in Shared Aquatics Facility with Arlington County

IMAGE shows rendering of Long Bridge Park Aquatics, Health and Fitness Facility proposed for Crystal City

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Citing growing demand for enhanced aquatics amenities such as a 50-meter pool, recreation planners from the City of Alexandria and Arlington County have informally discussed the possibility of establishing a joint facility at Alexandria’s Chinquapin Park or Arlington’s Long Bridge Park, according to a news release from the City.

• See: Arlington and Alexandria Exploring Fitness Facility Partnership

As part of this initial consideration, Alexandria and Arlington will survey their respective residents to determine whether there is further interest in a joint effort.

“We often look for innovative approaches to meet community needs,” said City Manager Mark B. Jinks. “Although we’re far from the point of any specific negotiations or design specifications, we’re pleased to be exploring partnership opportunities with Arlington that could benefit everyone involved.”

The City has already begun its annual Park and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey, which helps establish priorities for future development of parks, recreation programs, and cultural services. An independent research firm is contacting a random sample of Alexandria residents, to produce a statistically valid representation of community opinion. One question asks for feedback on a proposal to partner with Arlington County to develop a 50-meter pool at Long Bridge Park instead of Chinquapin Park.

Results will be available in Fall 2015, and will be published at www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation. Meanwhile, Arlington will conduct a resident survey in Fall 2015 and include a similar question.

If residents of both localities show interest in a joint facility, Alexandria and Arlington staff will consider financial and operational issues and make recommendations to their respective leadership.