John Ewald Park Improvements
Project Information
The 3.88-acre park located in the West End of Alexandria currently has a lighted basketball court, playground and a parking lot. The park has reached the end of its useful life and is currently underused with dated amenities. Anticipated improvements include the renovation and relocation of the playground, Parkour fitness equipment and stormwater management recommended by the 2015 Neighborhood Park Improvement Plan and its amendments in 2018.
The determination of improvements to John Ewald Park began in 2014 with initial outreach to the community about the improvements they'd like to see in the park. Recommendations were developed, and in 2015, the Park and Recreation Commission endorsed the recommendations which included ten items:
- Create a turnaround and landscaped median in the parking lot
- Create pedestrian entrance near Duke St./Jordan intersection
- Install a second basketball court and maintenance path
- Renovate the turf and install a walking path
- Replace the pool and pool house with two multi-use courts
- Restore the existing playground to forest area
- Work with Alexandria Police Department to improve park safety, particularly in areas not visible from Duke Street
- Move the playground to the former tennis court area
- Install shade structure and picnic area
- Reserve a space for a community building
Although these items have been recommended, current approved funding will address the relocation of the playground, parkour equipment, ADA, and stormwater requirements.
During the planning phase of the project, there will be additional community outreach where we assess the ten recommendation priorities.
Completed Improvements
Since the endorsement of the plan, the following park improvements have been completed:
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Installation of a new Park Identification sign, benches, and pedestrian entrance along Duke Street; Recommendation #2 (2019)
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Demolition and removal of the pool building and pool (2020)
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Installation of an interim of a “traffic garden” in the footprint of the former pool area (2021)
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Installation of one van accessible ADA parking space (2021)
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Barrier removal for the accessible route connecting to the basketball court and playground (2021)
Project Schedule
Planning Phase: EST. JuLY 2024 - February 2025
DESIGN Phase: EST. MARCH 2025 - jANUARY 2026
CONSTRUCTION PHASE PROCUREMENT: EST. FEBRUARY 2026-AUGUST 2026
CONSTRUCTION START: EST. LATE 2026
Community Engagement
PLANNING PHASE (EST. JULY 2024 – FEBRUARY 2025)
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Conduct community engagement to reaffirm park goals and objectives;
revisit park improvement recommendations and identify updates
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Complete park asset conditions assessment
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Conduct park and recreational facility gap analysis
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Collect site data
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Develop site design concepts
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Develop preliminary cost estimate
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Coordinate with partner departments
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Continue to research grant funding opportunities for construction
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Hold Park and Recreation Commission Public Hearing
July 2024: Staff continues to work on preparations for upcoming community engagement scheduled for summer/fall 2024.