4MR Park Plans ready for review

The draft of the long range plan for Four Mile Run Park has been released for public review and a meeting to discuss the draft designs is slated for this Wednesday evening at Cora Kelly Rec Center.

Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities began a multi-year process last year to develop a Citywide Large Park Improvement Plan, the goal of which was to review the existing conditions and future needs for Alexandria’s large, city-owned, multi-use parks. Along with Four Mile Run Park, the other parks studied include: Simpson Stadium Park, Chinquapin Park, Henlsey Park, Holmes Run Park, and Ben Brenman/Boothe Parks (click on each to go straight to the draft plans).

Four Mile Run Park Draft Improvement Plan

The full Four Mile Run Park Draft Plan, based the user needs identified during the process is available online, here.

Or, the public has been invited to attend a park workshop to discuss the plan on Wednesday, May 15, 7:30 – 9:00 at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue.

Here's a summary of what the Parks department heard from the park users (click here to see a full Summary of Community Feedback on Four Mile Run Park):

Ranking of 4MR Park Priorities

Athletics

• Develop better pick-up game areas
• Install covered dugouts and fix the backstops
• Renovate the courts
• Re-orient field #3 for better shade and enhance seating area
• Install netting along Frank Mann field
• Improve parking for athletic fields 

Natural Resources

• Preserve and enhance the Park’s natural areas, including the wetlands
• Remove invasive species
• Plant trees along the alleyways 

Access

• Improve the connections between the trail, pathways and Park uses
• Build a bridge over the channel to connect areas of the Park near Cora Kelly
• Re-pave the asphalt trail through the Park and connect it to Cora Kelly Recreation Center and School 

Athletics

• Develop better pick-up game areas
• Install covered dugouts and fix the backstops
• Renovate the courts
• Re-orient field #3 for better shade and enhance seating area
• Install netting along Frank Mann field
• Improve parking for athletic fields 

Design and Fixtures 

• Increase Park security through CPTED
• Cluster activities at entrances
• Formalize the overlook at the entrance to the wetlands
• Install area for fitness equipment behind Cora Kelly Recreation Center
• Add more park furniture
• Remove unfenced dog area and provide a fenced dog area
• Install a community garden
• Install mile markers
• Locate the playground in a more visible location
• Provide natural play spaces such as boulders and climbing features 

4MR Park Existing Conditions

Through the Citywide Large Park Improvement Plan, RPCA intends to determine budgeting priorities and recommendations for both short and long term incremental improvements, ensuring the Parks serve Alexandria’s needs now and into the future. Please contact Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5491 with questions or concerns.