News

New fitness equipment, trees and shrubs are coming to a half-mile segment of the Ben Brenman Park walking trail.

The improvements at 4800 Brenman Park Drive, which are expected to arrive by early spring, are being coordinated through a partnership between Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and a professor at George Mason University.


News

Alexandria’s Natural Resources Division is introducing new leadership and a slate of upcoming community engagements in 2026.

The city has hired Raychel Frye and Katrina Napora as new natural resource managers, it announced yesterday (Wednesday), with Oscar Mendoza continuing to oversee the division as chief. Under the new leadership, Natural Resources will have a “renewed focus on education, stewardship, and community engagement.”


Around Town

Alexandria is calling on artists, makers and small businesses to apply for vendor spots at PatCon 2026, the city’s grassroots anime festival.

Vendor registration is open now through Jan. 23 for the festival, which is happening from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center at 4653 Taney Avenue. The annual celebration is hosted by the recreation center’s Anime Society and is free to attend.


News

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities has released its Winter 2026 Program Guide, detailing new seasonal classes, activities and more.

Starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Alexandria residents can sign up for RPCA’s winter programs, which start next month and run through April 2026. Registration for nonresidents opens two days later, on Dec. 19.