After years under development, the ribbon was cut today on the new synthetic turf sports field at Patrick Henry K-8 School.
It took six years to construct the field in front of the renovated West End school at 4643 Taney Avenue, which reopened next to the old school in early 2019.
In 2021, the old Patrick Henry building, which is where the new turf field is located, was used as swing space while Douglas MacArthur Elementary School was under construction until it opened in Aug. 2023.
Alexandria City Public Schools leadership joined city leaders in cutting the ribbon.
“Thank you for you patience in seeing us through to the final phase of this very long project,” ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said. “This field and parking lot are the third and final phase of the Patrick Henry Redevelopment Project.”
The new synthetic turf field is striped for soccer and baseball, and has lighting for evening events. The field will be used by Patrick Henry students during school days, and otherwise is available for community use via the Patrick Henry Recreation Center.
“We’ll all be able to use this space for years to come,” said School Board Chair Michelle Rief. “It’s a great community asset.”
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley said that the outdoor lights keep neighbors in mind.
“The lights were very carefully chosen by design, as well,” Bagley said. “They are compliant with Dark Sky regulations and they’re designed to keep all that light focusing down and not into neighbors’ yards and back yards, so if people want to play at night, surrounding neighbors can still have a nice quiet experience.”
