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PARKnerships with RPCA

The PARKnership Program oversees partnerships, sponsors, volunteers, and donations for the development, design, construction and operation of recreational and park facilities and/or programs with the intent to support the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities’ goal for a healthy and thriving City of Alexandria.
Page updated on March 20, 2025 at 12:34 PM

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Alexandria PARKnerships

About Us

Alexandrians have a strong sense of civic pride and desire to connect with their neighbors. This is most evident when individuals and groups work together to enhance the facilities and programs they enjoy. Whether it's through the dedication of time or monetary resources, when residents collaborate with the City they ultimately create a higher level of service and strengthen their connection to the community as a whole.

PARKnerships coordinates these efforts under a single umbrella aiming to cultivate sustainable support, volunteers, and partnerships in alignment of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities' (RPCA) goal for a healthy and thriving City of Alexandria.

RPCA PARKnerships FY24 Report Webbox Final

FY2024 Report

Our FY24 PARKnerships wrap-up has arrived!

Click here to view the report.

Previous Summary Reports

FY2023 Annual Report

FY2022 Annual Report

More Reports...

PARKnerships Programs

Adopt-a-Bench

Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities offers the community a personal opportunity to honor a friend or loved one by adopting a bench at one of our parks. When you adopt, City Staff will install a personalized plaque on either an existing or a new park bench.

  • The plaques take approximately 8 weeks to produce and install. You can write the plaque inscription yourself or let the recipient write their own.
  • Full payment must be received before you can reserve a bench.
  • Multiple donors may contribute through honorary or memorial funds.
  • Bench adoptions are fully tax-deductible. Payment can be made by check or credit card. 

Adopt-a-Bench Form

COSTS:

  • Add plaque to existing bench: $800
  • Install a new black steel bench without a plaque: $1,400*
  • Install a new black steel bench with a plaque: $1,600*
  • Install new wood bench without a plaque: $1,875*
  • Install new wood bench with a plaque: $2,175* 

All new benches require on-site placement consultation with park staff. 

*Price for a new bench may vary based on site conditions.

To adopt a bench, please first complete the Adopt-a-Bench form. The PARKnership manager will consult with you to identify a location. We are happy to provide maps of any of your preferred locations and/or meet with you on-site.

Adopt-a-Garden

The Adopt-a-Garden initiative is a collaborative effort between the City of Alexandria and community organizations. Under this program, an individual or a group can commit to taking care of an existing garden located on public property for a minimum of two years through an agreement with the City. A sign displaying the name of the adopting group or individual will be placed in the garden. Please note that this does not apply to the community garden plot program. 

Click Here to Apply

The organization will be responsible for:

  • Designing a maintenance plan for a garden to be approved by the City Horticulturist
  • Installing plantings according to the approved design 
  • Keeping the garden weed-free
  • Cutting back & mulching the garden in appropriate seasons
  • Removing litter and debris
  • Watering the garden as needed
  • Reporting dead, damaged, and diseased plants to the City Horticulturist
  • Providing a monthly progress form to the City Horticulturist

Adopt-a-Park

The Adopt-a-Park program is a collaboration between the State of Virginia, the City of Alexandria, and community groups to enhance the appearance and condition of small urban parks and open spaces in Alexandria.

  • The community groups are responsible for monitoring and cleaning up their park at least once a week from April to November.
  • City officials visit the parks once a month and award points based on their condition.
  • At the end of the season, participating groups receive cash awards based on the points earned. These organizations often use the award funds to improve the park by adding benches, play equipment, drinking fountains, and landscaping. The project is funded annually by the State of Virginia Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant and the City of Alexandria.

How do I get my group involved?

Submit an Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Application to the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities for review. A department representative will contact you.

Volunteer Application

Living Landscape Fund

The Living Landscape Fund offers an opportunity to beautify Alexandria while commemorating a special occasion or a loved one. The donations help improve the landscape or park facilities throughout the city. The fund contributes to the city's goal of beautification and optimization of open spaces. 

Your tax-deductible contribution can apply to the following categories:

  • General Donation

Support your city by making a monetary donation for park amenities and landscape improvements. Donate a gift as an individual or organization.

  • Tree Canopy Donation

You can financially support tree planting in our parks and neighborhoods. Your donation will expand and support a healthy urban tree canopy and help Alexandria reach a target goal of 40% tree canopy by 2035.

Make a Donation

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Can I plant a tree in memory of someone?

You can donate on someone’s behalf to support tree planting on public land throughout Alexandria. If requested, we can send donation acknowledgments to the honoree or their family.

 

  • Can I specify where a tree can be planted?

Your donation supports general tree planting throughout the City and is not for a specific site.

 

Click here to make your tax-deductible donation to Alexandria's Living Landscape Fund!

Volunteers & Sponsorships

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers

Many city programs and events need volunteer support to provide services to residents. Volunteers are valued members of the community who provide and produce tremendous value to the City. Some of the many opportunities include sports program coaches, event set-up, naturalists, park clean ups, and invasive species removal.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Volunteer to sign up or seek opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sponsorships

As an individual, group, or business, you can provide a one-time or ongoing donation of money or labor and other applicable resources to the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. Sponsorship may include a quid pro quo agreement, such as a logo on a park sign or recreation program materials.

Partnerships

A partnership is a cooperative venture between two or more parties with a common goal such as partners for park and recreation facilities or program improvement.  The partnership organization should be well representative of the surrounding communities who use the park or program. While developing a partnership, the organization should work closely with park management to understand the specific needs of the park or program and how they can best assist in meeting those needs. Once a groups submits a proposal, staff will work with them to draft a Community Group Agreement. The agreement will stipulate the administrative framework including both the group and city responsibilities, expectations, project costs, and site boundaries. For additional information, contact Lucresha Murphy, PARKnership Manager, at Lucresha.Murphy@alexandriava.gov or 703.746-5489.

Partnership Application

RPCA thanks the following partners who make a big difference in our park and recreation facilities and programs:

RPCA Parknerships ACHS Women in STEM

ACHS Women in STEM Club

RPCA ROrme Duke Street Dog Park 2

Alexandria Beautification Commission

RPCA Parknerships Alexandria Choral Society Webbox

Alexandria Choral Society

parknerships logo

Alexandria City High School JROTC

RPCA Parknerships Alexandria Country Day School

Alexandria Country Day School

RPCA Parknerships Alexandria Fatherless Coalition Webbox

Alexandria Fatherless Coalition

RPCA Soccer Field Webbox 2

Alexandria Little League

APD Chief at Community Event

Alexandria Police Department

Special Operations Team

RPCA Parknerships Alexandria Soccer Association Webbox

Alexandria Soccer Association

RPCA Parknerships All About Fitness Webbox

All About Fitness

RPCA PARKnerships ArtStream Webbox

ArtStream

RPCA Outdoor Ball Court Futsal Webbox

ASA Temporary Futsal Courts

Alexandria Soccer Association @ Ben Brenman

parknerships logo

Boys To Men

RPCA PARKnerships Braddock Metro Partner Webbox

Braddock Metro Citizens' Coalition

RPCA PARKnerships Campagna Center Webbox

The Campagna Center

RPCA PARKnerships CHRC Community Writers Partner Webbox

Charles Houston Community Writers

RPCA PARKnerships Civic Air Patrol Partner Webbox

Civil Air Patrol

RPCA RO Dale Street Community Gardens 3

Compost Alex

RPCA PARKnerships Del Ray Citizens Association Webbox

Del Ray Citizens Association

RPCA PARKnerships Del Ray Gateway Partner Webbox

Del Ray Gateway Project

RPCA PARKnerships English Empowerment Center Webbox

English Empowerment Center

RPCA PARKnerships Fly Mind Partner Webbox

Fly Minds

RPCA Dog Park Image

Founders Dog Park

RPCA Founders Park 14 EB

Founders Park Community Association

RPCA ROrme Four Mile Run Park 14

Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation

parknerships logo

Friends of Founders Park

RPCA Park Garden Webbox

The Garden Club of Alexandria

RPCA PARKnerships Hopkins House Partner Webbox

Hopkins House

RPCA PARKnerships Jen Walker Team Webbox

Jen Walker Team

RPCA PARKnerships Kelly Cares Partner Webbox

Kelly Cares Foundation

RPCA RO King Street Gardens Park 4

King Street Gardens Park Foundation

parknerships logo

Light it Up!

RPCA PARKnerships Little Free Pantry Partner Webbox

Little Free Pantry

RPCA PARKnerships Little Rising Stars Partner Webbox

Little Rising Stars

RPCA PARKnerships Master Gardener Partner Webbox

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

RPCA Sports Miracle League 1

Miracle League of Alexandria

RPCA PARKnerships Momentum Collective Partner Webbox

Momentum Collective Inc.

RPCA Parknerships Move2Learn Sponsorship Webbox

Move 2 Learn

RPCAParkFarmersMarketWebbox1920x1080

Old Town North Farmer's Market

Pedal Positive Logo Webbox

Pedal Positive

RPCA PARKnerships PK Move Partner Webbox

PK Move

RPCA PARKnerships Potomac Yard HOA Partner Webbox

Potomac Yards HOA

Potomac Yard Park Image 27

Potomac Greens Home Owners Association

RPCA PARKnerships Rebuilding Alexandria Together Webbox

Rebuilding Together Alexandria

parknerships logo

Ronald Cooper

RPCA PARKnerships Simpson Dog Park Partner Webbox

Simpson Park Dog Park Owners Group

RPCA Kids Book Swap Webbox Spitfire Club

The Spitfire Club

parknerships logo

Taylor Run Parkway Association

RPCA Sports Coed Softball

TC Softball Boosters Club

TFAC

Torpedo Factory Artists Association

RPCA Parks Tree Planting Webbox

Tree Stewards of Arlington & Alexandria

RPCA PARKnerships True Worshippers Partner Webbox

True Worshippers

RPCA PARKnerships Two Birds Partner Webbox

Two Birds

RPCA PARKnerships UpCycle Partner Webbox

UpCycle

RPCA PARKnerships VA Tech STEM Workshop Webbox

VA Tech Innovation Campus

K-12 Initiative

RPCA PARKnerships Vola's Dockside Grill Partner Webbox

Vola's Dockside Grill

RPCA PARKnerships VTV Care Partner Webbox

VTV Family Outreach Foundation

RPCA PARKnerships West End Farmers Market Partner Webbox

West End Farmers Market

RPCA PARKnerships Young and Mannered Partner Webbox

Young and Mannered (Y.A.M.)

parknerships logo

Zeta Phi Beta

Community Matching Fund

The Community Matching Fund leverages collaborative community partnership opportunities with the City that expand and improve the quality of recreation, park, and cultural experiences. The Fund provides matching 1:1 dollars (up to $50,000 of City funds) for groups that propose fundraising for park and recreation facility improvement projects. The Fund fosters public/private partnerships and cultivates innovative ways for residents to have a greater stake in improving the park and recreation facilities that they use. 

More Information

Fiscal Year 2023 Awardees:

Lake Cook Pocket Park

Applicant: Townes at Cameron Parke Resident Group


Project Description: This project includes planting native trees, managing invasive species, and installing signage to help identify the park and create a sense of place for future improvements.


Total Project Cost: $25,000
Proposed City Contribution: $12,500

Paddling Access at Four Mile Run

Applicant: Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation 


Project Description: The project is a public water access point, including a raised boardwalk from the Four Mile Run Trail to a gangway extending to a floating dock, maintaining ADA-compliant slopes and level landings.


Total Project Cost: $436,885
Proposed City Contribution: $50,000

Tucker Community Garden

Applicant: Samuel Tucker Elementary School PTA

Project Description: The Tucker Community Garden Project will develop and ‘green’ a natural space adjacent to the Samuel Tucker Elementary School and provide an outdoor learning classroom for students.

Total Project Cost: $21,238.38
Proposed City Contribution: $10,619.19

Other Ways to Get Involved

Open Space Fund

Make a donation to our open space fund to help acquire and sustain open space.

More information coming soon...

Recreation Center Advisory Councils

  • Charles Barrett Recreation Center
    3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5551 for information.
  • Charles Houston Recreation Center
    3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5552 for information.
  • Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center
    3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5554 for information.
  • Mount Vernon Recreation Center
    3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5556 for information.
  • Nannie J. Lee Memorial Center
    2nd Monday at 7 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5550 for information.
  • Patrick Henry Recreation Center
    2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5557 for information.
  • William Ramsay Recreation Center
    3rd Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.         
    Call 703.746.5558 for information.

Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please call the recreation center in your neighborhood or visit alexandriava.gov/RecreationCenters for additional information.

RPCA Commissions

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities commissions and committees compose a formal system through which citizens can advise the City Council on issues affecting the City. All meetings are open to the public. Position vacancies are advertised in the local newspapers and through civic associations. Applicants for commission and committee vacancies may obtain application forms and additional information by calling 703.746.4800 or visiting the Office of Communications & Community Engagement.

  • Alexandria Park & Recreation Commission 
  • Alexandria Commission for the Arts 
  • Alexandria Beautification Commission 
  • Alexandria Waterfront Commission

Previous Annual Reports

Click here to view more

FY2023 Annual Report

FY2022 Annual Report

FY2019 Annual Report

FY2018 Annual Report

FY2017 Annual Report

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301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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