Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
Most of the content here is written in English. Translate your search to find more content? Translating "" to English... Searching for English phrase ""
  • Live
  • Play
  • Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Projects & Plans
  • Calendar
  • I want to…

Oswald Durant Center

Oswald Durant Center features an arts & crafts room, creative playspace, kitchen, meeting rooms, four multi-purpose rooms, one large multi-purpose room with stage, gallery, exhibit space & free WiFi.
Page updated on June 2, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Recreation Centers

  • Locations
  • Fitness Passes
  • Recreation Programs
  • Registration Information

Share

Bluesky Share on Facebook Share on X Share via Email
Translate icon
Translate icon
XWARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.
Front view of the Oswald Durant building, showcasing brick and trees on the right side and bushes in the front

 

View Schedule

CREATIVE PLAYSPACE
M-F: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This facility is available for pre-scheduled programming and private use on demand. We are closed on all City Holidays.

View annual holiday hours (federal and observed holidays)

RPCA Register Now Webbox

Register for Programs

Explore programs designed to keep you engaged, active, and connected. From fitness and enrichment to arts and recreation, our programs offer something for everyone. Register today and jump in!

At a Glance

Directions: 1605 Cameron St.
Contact Us: 703.746.5560
Center Director: Tarryn Lee

Amenities

  • Arts & Crafts Room
  • Creative Playspace
  • Exhibit Space
  • Four Multi-purpose Rooms
  • Free Wifi
  • Gallery
  • Kitchen
  • Meeting Rooms
  • One Large Multi-purpose Room With Stage

History

This brick building was purchased by the City after serving as a USO during wartime, when thousands of American service members found a home away from home. After renovations in 2004, it reopened as the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center. Today, it serves the community through recreation and events.

About Dr. Oswald Durant

Dr. Oswald Durant was a World War I veteran, physician, and community leader in Alexandria. One of the City’s few African American doctors at the time, he dedicated his career to public health and service. Dr. Durant passed away at the age of 57 on April 10, 1953 in his home at 708 Pendleton St.

Plan Your Visit

Two children playing with an interactive toy on the wall

Creative Playspace

Creative Playspace: $5
For ages 18 mos.-5 years

  • Books
  • Reading Nook
  • Puppet Theatre
  • Stuffed Animals
  • Coloring Area
  • And More
Icon for Facility Rentals

Durant Center Rentals

Facility features:

  • One grand multi-purpose room with stage
  • Four multi-purpose rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Gallery
  • Patio

Interested in renting Durant for your next event? Fill out the rental packet today!

For a complete list of RPCA facilities and park rentals, visit alexandriava.gov/parks/rentals.

Know Before You Go

RPCA Financial Assistance Icon Webbox

Financial Assistance

  • Learn more and access resources: Financial Assistance Information
  • Policy: Financial Assistance Policy
  • Application: English | Español | አማርኛ | العربية
    • For aquatics, submit application in person at the pool or email to Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov.
  • Questions? Call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902
Icon of Safety Policy

Guest & Youth Safety Policy

Teens 13–17 must be supervised by a paying adult (18+) unless a Teen Registration Form is on file. Children 12 & under must be with an adult at all times; ages 5 & under require the adult in the water within arm’s reach. Guests 13+ must show a photo ID. This ensures safety for everyone at the pool.

Explore the Center

RPCA RO Playspace 12
RPCA RO Playspace 20
RPCA RO Playspace 18
RPCA RO Playspace 9
RPCA RO Playspace 11
RPCA RO Playspace 30
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 9
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 15
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 16
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 14
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 17
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 11
Durant Center Foyer
of
Grid View Close Modal
RPCA RO Playspace 12
RPCA RO Playspace 20
RPCA RO Playspace 18
RPCA RO Playspace 9
RPCA RO Playspace 11
RPCA RO Playspace 30
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 9
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 15
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 16
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 14
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 17
RPCA RO Oswald Durant Center 11
Durant Center Foyer

Outdoor Area

Oswald Durant Center is surrounded by other fun outdoor amenities such as Buchanan Park, Jefferson Houston Synthetic Field, and Old Town Pool.

Buchanan Park 9

Leatrice Byrd Playground at Buchanan Park

RPCA RO Jefferson Houston Synthetic Field 20

Jefferson Houston Synthetic Field

OTP preseason

Old Town Pool

Connect With Us

RPCA Recreation Social Webbox

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Follow Us on Instagram
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on X
RPCA News Webbox

Keep Up With RPCA News

Stay informed about Department programs, special events, community meetings, and more. Sign up for our free news platforms today:

  • RPCA Community Connection (Recreation, Parks & Arts updates)
  • Alexandria eNews (Important news & emergency alerts)
Dark yellow background with lighter yellow highlights and a white magazine icon in the middle

Receive Our Program Guide by Mail

Stay in the know! Receive RPCA’s free seasonal program guide and view offerings before registration opens.

  • Subscribe to Our Guide
  • Update Your Address
Recreation Page Webbox

Back to Recreation Homepage

Back to Homepage Recreation

Back to RPCA Homepage

Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • BlueSky
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Jobs
  • Payments
  • Departments
  • Newsroom
  • Social Media
  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Accessibility
  • FOIA Requests
  • Privacy & Legal
City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2023 City of Alexandria, VA and others.
Hold on, redirecting...