Ewald Park Survey
We apologize for the inconvenience; this survey will be active starting December 13 at 5 p.m.
Project Information
John Ewald Park (4452 Duke St)
About the Park
The 3.88-acre park located in the West End of Alexandria currently has a lighted basketball court, playground, and parking lot. Anticipated improvements include the renovation and relocation of the playground, Parkour fitness equipment, and stormwater management recommendations gathered from the public.
Endorsed Recommendations
In 2014, the process to improve John Ewald Park started with reaching out to the community for their input on desired changes. In 2015, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the following recommendations. While all of these items have been endorsed, the current funding will only cover the relocation of the playground, parkour equipment, ADA, and stormwater requirements.
- Create a turnaround & landscaped median in the parking lot
- Create pedestrian entrance near Duke St./Jordan intersection
- Install a second basketball court & maintenance path
- Renovate the turf & install a walking path
- Replace the paved blacktop 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 west side of the park
- Install shade structure & picnic area
- Reserve a space for a community building
During the project planning phase, we will conduct additional community outreach to evaluate the ten recommended priorities.
Check out the 2015 Neighborhood Parks Improvement Plan for more information.
Completed Improvements
Since the endorsement of the plan, the following park improvements have been completed:
- Barrier removal for the accessible route connecting to the basketball court & playground (2021)
- Installation of an interim “traffic garden” in the footprint of the former pool area (2021)
- Installation of one van-accessible ADA parking space (2021)
- Demolition & removal of the pool building and pool (2020)
- Installation of a new Park Identification sign, benches & pedestrian entrance along Duke Street; Recommendation #2 (2019)
Project Schedule & Process
*Project Updates
July/August 2024: Staff began initiating the project in the project management system and prepared the community survey and project webpage. Staff continues to work on collecting site data, existing conditions, and site analysis.
September/October 2024: A community survey regarding the 2015 park improvement recommendations was released in late August. The survey will be open until October 31. Staff are planning additional community engagement this fall and winter. Other planning phase activities are in progress.
November/December 2024: A pop-up event was held on November 16 at the park. Staff continues planning phase work including park design options. A community engagement schedule was finalized, with events scheduled for December 11, December 16, January 30, and February 10.
Planning Phase
Estimated Timeline:
July 2024 - February 2025
- Conduct community engagement to reaffirm park goals & objectives
- Revisit park improvement recommendations & identify updates.
- Complete park asset conditions assessment
- Conduct park & recreational facility gap analysis
- Collect site data
- Develop site design concepts
- Develop a preliminary cost estimate
- Coordinate with partner departments
- Continue to research grant funding opportunities for construction
- Hold Park & Recreation Commission Public Hearing
Design Phase
Estimated Timeline:
March 2025 - January 2026
- Refine & complete technical design for proposed park program & project requirements
- Complete construction documents
- Obtain required permit approvals
- Conduct final cost estimating
- Determine project phasing
- Coordinate with partner offices
- Seek grant funding opportunities
Construction Phase
Construction Procurement Phase:
February 2026 - August 2026
Construction Start:
Late 2026
- Conduct competitive bidding process for construction services
- Implement Park Plan in phases
- Obtain construction permits
- Seek grant funding for construction/park plan phasing
Project Documents
- Update on proposal to amend Ewald Park Plan to include Parkour Equipment (2018)
- November 15, 2018, 7 p.m. - Park & Recreation Commission scheduled to vote on proposed amendment
- November 3, 2018 - Open house held & community feedback received
- September 20, 2018 - Presentation at Park & Recreation Commission
- E-mail responses to Ewald Park Draft Improvement Plan from adjacent civic associations & neighbors (2015)
Community Events
Park Design Community Meetings
Join City staff as we present the park concept design. We’ll show you how we’ve incorporated feedback from the fall community survey and how the park components are arranged to create a more welcoming, accessible, sustainable, and functional park. We’re interested in learning how the concept design works for you and how it might be improved.
Park Design Community Meeting Flyer
City eNews Release
- Park Design Virtual Community Meeting #1
Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Meeting Registration Link (Zoom Link) - Park Design Community Open House #1
When: Monday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Avenue
Drop by to view display boards, discuss the park design with staff, and share your feedback. Light refreshments will be provided. - Park Design Virtual Community Meeting #2
January 30, 2025, 7 p.m.
Meeting Registration Link (Zoom Link) Park Design Community Open House #2
When: Monday, February 10, 7 p.m.
Where: Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Avenue
Drop by to view display boards, discuss the park design with staff, and share your feedback. Light refreshments will be provided.
Previous Community Engagements
- Ewald Park Pop-Up Event
Saturday, November 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
John Ewald Park, 4452 Duke St. - Ewald Park Survey 2024
- To identify the improvements our community values most
