Shirley Tyler Unity Park
Address
3550 Commonwealth Avenue
Hours of Operation
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunrise to Sunset
Location Features
ADA Access
BBQ
Community Garden
Picnic Area
Park Details
City Council adopted the renaming of 3550 Commonwealth Ave. Park to Shirley Tyler Unity Park through a community engagement process on February 20, 2021. Mrs. Shirley Tyler was a community leader in Alexandria for more than 40 years. Tyler and her family moved to Arlandria in 1965 where she was a resident until her death in February 2018. They were the first African American homeowners in their neighborhood. Tyler became involved in the Arlandria Civic Association. In 1973, Tyler was appointed to the Alexandria School Board. From 1974 to 1976, she served as vice chair, and from 1980 to 1982, served as the first African American female chairperson. She was an educator. From 1969 to 1979, she was a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Grace Episcopal School. In 1975, she became the Headmistress and remained in that position until her retirement in 1989.
To learn more about the PARKnership program and Rebuilding Together Alexandria, please visit PARKnerships with RPCA | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov).