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Mount Jefferson Park still has drainage issues and other site work before reopening

The renovation of Mount Jefferson Park is complete, and the city will conduct inspections between now and May 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It turns out that the work on Mount Jefferson Park isn’t finished after all.

The 4.6-acre park has been closed since January 2022 and is part of an agreement by developer Stonebridge to build the Oakville Triangle project. The project, which includes removing invasive species and reshaping trails, was initially scheduled to wrap last September but encountered delays with weather, supply chain issues and design revisions.

Last week, the city said that city inspections were standing in the way of it opening.

Park work has not been completed,”  Alexandria Park Planner Judy Lo told ALXnow. “There is remaining work to be done, including the East Raymond Ave. crossing and storm sewer, park signs, and general site restoration.”

Additionally, Lo said that the city is “aware of drainage issues in the dog exercise area.”

The project’s website says that City inspections are scheduled between now and May.

“Our Staff and Stonebridge understand the need to reopen the park as quickly as possible, which could be prior to our slated May date, but that is dependent on the public’s cooperation with not entering the park area,” Lo said. “These entries cause delays in park work and park inspections, can damage new plants and turf grass, and exacerbate the issue of ponding water and soil compaction. We are asking the public to follow all posted signs and to not enter the park area for any reason so that our teams are able to complete work as quickly as possible.”

Alexandria has been planning to renovate the park since 2015.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.