A sweeping redevelopment promises to bring fresh amenities and improved access to Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, but staff at the Alexandria YMCA say that the project will have a severe impact on the nonprofit.
Plans presented at a recent community meeting reveal that 53 city-owned parking spaces in front of the YMCA, located at 420 E. Monroe Avenue, have been designated as a construction area. The actual construction of the project, which was unanimously approved by the City Council in 2023, is scheduled to begin this month and is expected to be completed by September 2026, with a phased reopening of the park starting in August 2026.
“The entire parking lot closed for the duration of the project would impact our ability to serve the same ways, beyond basic operations,” YMCA Alexandria Executive Director Nick Dorazio told City Council on Tuesday night (July 1). “We are committed to continuing to develop and foster a relationship together, and we’ll look forward to a successful completion of this project that will benefit many more in Alexandria.”
The rear parking lot at the facility will remain open.
A number of YMCA officials thanked Council for their partnership with the organization. Kristen Oberanac, board chair of YMCA Alexandria, said that the facility needs safe, accessible parking for older adults and families with young children.
Cindy Robertson is the President of the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, which manages the Simpson Park Demonstration Garden. She’s also a YMCA member.
“I joined the Y about three years ago, mainly for their aqua fitness program because I suffer from chronic foot pain,” Robertson said. “Eliminating access to both sides of Leslie Avenue in front of the YMCA is likely to create barriers for me and others I know who depend on the Y to help them with their mobility issues. Many of my fellow aqua fitness friends are recovering from knee and hip replacements or walk with canes for added support. They cannot walk far to reach the YMCA and will simply stop coming if adjacent parking is unavailable.”
Mayor Alyia Gaskins informed the YMCA staff at the meeting that the city will continue to seek solutions to the issue.
“We, too, look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing what’s possible,” Gaskins said.
