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Alexandria to unveil improvements at Hooffs Run Interceptor and African American Heritage Park

The Hooffs Run Interceptor is complete (Via AlexRenew)

It took three years to finish, and on Saturday (June 7), Alexandria will officially recognize the completion of the Hooffs Run Interceptor and a rejuvenated African American Heritage Park.

The large project at 500 Holland Lane transports millions of gallons of raw sewage for processing at AlexRenew, and included a “full-scale restoration of the area surrounding Hooffs Run, including enhancements to the riparian buffer, the establishment of native trees and plants, and the creation of new wildlife habitats,” according to the city.

The project’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the park (500 Holland Lane) on Saturday, June 7, at 10:00 a.m. Speakers will include Mayor Alyia Gaskins, AlexRenew CEO Justin Carl, historian MacArthur Myers, and Reverend Taft Quincey Heatley of Shiloh Baptist Church.

According to the city:

The new Hooffs Run Interceptor will reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to Hooffs Run by 99 percent, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable waterways system. As part of a broader commitment to environmental and community well-being, the surrounding Hooffs Run area has undergone a full-scale restoration. The rejuvenation effort includes the enhancement of the riparian buffer, the planting of native trees and plants to support local wildlife.

The African American Heritage Park has also been thoughtfully restored. Visitors can now enjoy a re-opened trail, complete with a new boardwalk extension offering a scenic loop along the waterway. Newly installed wayfinding signage will help guide guests while sharing the important stories of Alexandria’s African American history.

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.