News

Two alternatives to a larger plunge pool for the Taylor Run stream stabilization project — with fewer impacts to trees — were proposed as the project moves closer to construction.

The city is conducting the Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization project on about 1.7 acres around Chinquapin Park near Alexandria City High School. It replaced the original stream restoration project that City Council sent back to study in 2021 amid controversy over its environmental impacts. The project aims to address erosion around the stream while protecting surrounding infrastructure, including sanitary sewer pipes, manholes, stormwater pipe outfalls and the park’s trail.


News

Discounts, activities, raffles and more are coming to the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center this month to celebrate the facility’s 40th anniversary. All December long, residents can receive a 15% discount […]


Around Town

The Ethiopian Community Support and Assistance Center will host its fifth annual Ethiopian Fall Festival on Sunday at Chinquapin Park, featuring live music, traditional dance and authentic cuisine.

The event runs from 1-7 p.m. at the park at 3210 King St. and is open to the public.


News

The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility will reopen Monday, Sept. 22, after being closed for renovation for more than a month.

The recreation center closed for the $1.2 million project on Aug. 9. The city estimates the project to wrap up Jan. 31, 2026, and said that visitors may “notice some construction activity, including occasional noise and dust.”


News

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.


News

It’s about to get more expensive to have fun at city-owned properties in Alexandria.

On Wednesday, April 30, the City Council will consider approving rental fee increases for several of the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities programs.


News

The world’s fastest man is coming home to Alexandria next Sunday (Sept. 22).

Alexandria native Noah Lyles will return to Alexandria after winning the gold medal in the 100 meters in a photo-finish and bronze in the 200m at the Paris Olympics. There will be a rally celebration in his honor at Chinquapin Park and in Alexandria City High School’s gymnasium starting at 3 p.m.


News

Alexandria’s popular Tons of Trucks event is returning next month to Chinquapin Park (3210 King Street).

The annual event brings all of the big city vehicles out to the park for attendees to see and explore. Tickets were previously $5 per person, but this year the event is free.


News

All of Bishop Ireton High School skipped classes today for a good cause.

More than 700 students, teachers and administrators participated in a cleanup of 30 sites in and around Alexandria, including along the city’s waterfront, Holmes Run and Four Mile Run Park.


News

There’s a basic underlying principle behind an event this weekend that’s applicable to all ages, from children to seniors: trucks are cool.

The city is bringing its vehicle fleet out to Chinquapin Park (3210 King Street) for Tons of Trucks 2023 on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.


News

Taylor Run stream in pretty bad shape, but the City of Alexandria wants to revitalize it into a healthy stream rich with native vegetation.

“It’s in the design phase right now,” said Jesse Maines, division chief for Stormwater Management. Maines estimated the design was about halfway completed, but the department is still reaching out to local stakeholders and continuing internal discussions about the eventual design.


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