The City of Alexandria launched a major accessibility improvement project at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility on Tuesday (July 8), marking the beginning of a six-month construction effort designed to make the popular community hub more accessible to all residents.
The Phase 1 project, which runs through January 31, 2026, will incorporate several key accessibility features, including a new accessibility lift in the main lobby, a more accessible front desk, additional family-changing rooms, and a new lifeguard office. The facility will remain open throughout most of the construction period.
“The project team is working closely with Chinquapin staff to minimize disruptions as much as possible throughout the construction process,” according to the city announcement.
The construction timeline includes two distinct phases. From July 8 to September 20, customers may experience construction activity during normal operations. More significant construction will occur during the facility’s planned closure from August 9 to September 21, when improvements are typically made.
This accessibility project represents the culmination of planning and design work that began in March 2022. The planning phase spanned from March 2022 to March 2023, followed by the design phase from March 2022 to June 2024.
Chinquapin Park Recreation Center serves as one of Alexandria’s 10 recreation centers. It offers extensive amenities, including a year-round 25-meter indoor pool with a diving well, an outdoor basketball court, men’s and women’s saunas, a fitness room, a soft playroom, lighted tennis and racquetball courts, nature trails and a park, a sand volleyball court, and a picnic pavilion.
The facility currently features locker rooms and family changing areas, with additional family changing spaces planned for inclusion in the current improvement project.
“We appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance accessibility and improve your experience at Chinquapin!” city officials said.
Residents can find more information about the project at alexandriava.gov/recreation-centers/chinquapin-park-recreation-center-aquatics-facility.
What to Expect:
Construction begins while the facility remains open
July 8 – September 20, 2025: Customers may see and hear construction activity during normal operations
August 9 – September 21, 2025: Significant construction will occur during the facility’s planned closure for improvements
Improvements Include:
- A new accessibility lift in the main lobby
- A more accessible front desk
- Additional family changing rooms
- A new lifeguard office
The project team is working closely with Chinquapin staff to minimize disruptions as much as possible throughout the construction process.
Project Timeline:
Planning Phase: March 2022 – March 2023
Design Phase: March 2022 – June 2024
Construction Phase: July 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026
