News

After years of planning, a splash pad along Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue will soon be available for families to enjoy in the summer season.

The Colasanto Interactive Fountain, which replaced a pool that’s been closed since 2010, is being constructed behind Del Ray Artisans at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. The latest timeline calls for completion in late April, according to the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.


News

The Alexandria Health Department is raising concerns about the rise of tickborne illnesses as spring progresses.

The health department and Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities are partnering for a tick bite prevention campaign this spring, when tick activity increases as temperatures warm. The city is placing 30 educational signs across parks and trails encouraging residents to do tick checks. There will also be educational sessions about tick prevention and giveaways of tick removal tools at the events and the Alexandria Health Department headquarters (4850 Mark Center Drive).


News

A new kayak launch now open at Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria is one of 11 projects that earned a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The Four Mile Run Conservancy, in partnership with the city, completed the public kayak and canoe launch with a 187-foot raised boardwalk ramp, 775-square-foot floating dock, a roller-entry launch, wheelchair transfer platform and 30-foot gangway. It is the city and region’s first ADA-accessible paddling access to the Potomac River.


News

A new plaque honoring past arborists has been installed at Alexandria’s Fort Ward Park, adding to the existing Charles W. Hendryx Memorial.

City of Alexandria’s Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities spokesperson Catrice Callands confirmed to ALXnow a new plaque was added to the Fort Ward Arborist Memorial. The arborists honored on the plaque are Gregory A. Kernan, Jennifer Hollings, Tere O’Rourke, John Noelle and John Marlin.


News

Alexandria’s annual Adopt-a-Park program is returning this spring, bringing community groups together to beautify the city’s parks and open spaces.

The program is kicking off with a celebration hosted by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities from 6-7:30 p.m. next Wednesday, March 18 at 2900 A Business Center Drive. The event is an opportunity for applicants and groups to connect with fellow volunteers, meet city staff, review updated procedures, get supplies and ask questions about the program.


News

The City of Alexandria is expected to provide an update next week about ongoing plans to replace the Old Town Pool.

City staff will share updates on the project’s design and construction timeline, and attendees will be able to provide feedback at the meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron Street).


News

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Tuesday, June 24, the 175th day of 2025. There are 190 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102 degrees. Heat index values as high as 111 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 79 degrees. Calm wind.


News

Due to inclement weather, Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) has been forced to cancel Wednesday’s (June 18) Community Cookout at the Patrick Henry Rec. Center (4643 Taney Ave.).

Celebrating its 18th Annual Community Cookout Series, this marks the fourth time this year that RPCA has had to cancel a cookout due to weather. With free food, games, and more, the annual series of cookouts began in late April, aiming to connect residents with their city government and leaders.


News

How’s your calendar looking?

Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities is seeking vendors for the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4643 Taney Avenue). The party’s on October 11 (Saturday), and the deadline to be a vendor is August 1.


News

Alexandria’s brand-new, year-round indoor pool in the new Minnie Howard Campus (2795 West Braddock Road) is now open to the public.

The new facility features a 25-meter competition pool, diving boards, a training pool and more.


News

The badly cracked and damaged tennis courts at Potomac Yard Park are being closed for repairs starting on Friday, Aug. 16.

The two tennis courts in the park are in rough shape, with ruptures running the length of the asphalt. The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities said in a release that the courts will be closed from Friday, Aug. 16, through Saturday, Aug. 31, for repairs.


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