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Improvements to John Ewald Park in Alexandria’s West End heading to public hearing Thursday

By James Cullum
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A relocated children’s area, enhanced lighting and multi-use courts are just a few of the proposed recommendations to revitalize John Ewald Park (4452 Duke Street).

Plans have long been in the works for the West End park, and the city’s Park and Recreation Commission will hold its public hearing on the improvements on Thursday (June 26) at 7 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue).

John Ewald Park (image via RPCA)

The park currently consists of an open field, a basketball court, a playground, and a parking lot. Below are the recommendations for the park.

Short-term recommendations:

PARK SAFETY AND SECURITY
Prioritize safety and security by improving site lines and lighting.

  1. Relocate the children’s play area: The play area is relocated to the west side of the park, where it is visible from Duke Street but away from the busy road.
  2. Relocate parking: The parking lot is relocated to the east side of the park. The highest elevation on the east side provides clear site lines across the park and will improve maintenance access. The parking will have a turnaround for safe ingress and egress from Duke Street. The parking lot will be lit.
  3. Enhance lighting: Add lights for activity areas and luminate pathways. Standard hours for lighted parks are 5 a.m.-10 p.m. to indicate the park is closed.
  4. Pedestrian safety: Provide safer pedestrian access at the Duke Street and Jordan Street intersection through already planned projects in the City’s Complete Streets Program.
  5. Park utilities: Restore and expand utilities such as water and sewer and increase electrical capacity. Consider solar power where possible. New water service can support water filters and drinking fountains.
  6. Repurpose existing parking: Re-purpose the existing parking lot with interim uses to help activate the park along Duke Street. Remove the hedge of evergreens that block site lines. Consider a flexible sports court like Cameron Run Regional Park and add lighting.
  7. Multi-use sport courts: Add multi-use sports courts that can accommodate a variety of hard surface court games. The courts can be and implemented in phases.
  8. Parkour fitness: Add the parkour fitness course as funded by the community and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
  9. Open lawn: Preserve and expand the open lawn to the greatest extent possible. The lawn will be available to the community for pick-up games and other informal uses.
  10. Walking paths: Provide a loop walking path that connects activity areas and improves access and visibility to all areas of the park.
  11. Existing Basketball Court: Preserve the existing basketball court. Consider adding additional goals for half-court/individual play, similar to Potomac Yard Park.
  12. Picnic pavilion/shade structure: Provide a picnic pavilion, with tables and a grill, that is available for drop-in community use and does not require reservations.
  13. Children’s play area: Replace play equipment to serve multiple age groups. The play area may have integrated shade sails, picnic tables, seating, and a soft surface for flexible play. The location will take advantage of topography changes by using climbers and other creative play components.

The city also released these long-term recommendations:

Concept plan park recommendations at John Ewald Park in Alexandria’s West End (via City of Alexandria)

Future opportunities

  1. Park building: Explore the feasibility of a small building. This building could be a hub for teenagers with year-round programs and activities. The location will need to be further studied with parking and fire safety taken into consideration. In addition, potential opportunities may also arise through the City’s Small Area Plan (SAP) process and SAP redevelopment.
  2. Duke Street realignment: Explore widening the Duke Street sidewalk and creating larger buffers between the street and the park. Opportunities include realigning the road as part of the Duke Street Transitway project. In the interim, provide fencing, plantings, and defined entrances.
  3. Park access: Explore alternate access routes to get to the park, other than Duke Street. Identify potential opportunities through the SAP process and adjacent property redevelopment. Work with private property owners to consider publicly accessible conservation easements and other access easements.
  4. Interactive fountain/sprayground: Study the feasibility of a children’s water feature in Ewald Park. The study would evaluate fiscal impacts, infrastructure needs, and access compared to other parks located in the West End of Alexandria.
  5. Restrooms: Restroom facilities will be explored and may be integrated with future structures or buildings. Temporary restroom structures should be considered as an alternative to permanent structures. These structures may require additional utility connections.

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.