Workshop Tonight on Simpson Park Playground

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) invites the public to attend a workshop to obtain community input on the Simpson Park playground and adjacent lawn renovation on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Staff will provide a presentation, review concept alternatives and facilitate public discussion, according to an announcement about the workshop from the City.

RPCA hired the Alexandria-based landscape architecture firm Lardner/Klein to lead the design process and May + Watkins to incorporate public art within the site. The project implements recommendations from the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvement Plan, which called to (1) improve the open space to accommodate multiple passive uses and activities in Simpson and (2) renovate Simpson playground, including a new configuration, shade, surfacing, and equipment suitable for ages 2-12. The design also aims to connect passive use areas, making it family friendly for multiple age groups.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the initial process for the park and playground renovation and provide feedback on three alternative concepts for the site and public art.This project is funded through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and matching City Capital Improvement Project funds.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide input on the three alternative concepts from May 25 through June 8 on the Simpson Park Playground and Passive Lawn Renovation project website.

In 2014, the City completed a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan, including a plan for Simpson Park. The plan called for renovation of the Simpson Playground and its adjacent open space, as shown in the area marked in the red dashed line below. After receiving a Land and Water Conservation Grant, the City is able to implement this recommendation.