Ewald Park is a 3.88-acre park located in the West End of Alexandria that currently has a lighted basketball court, playground, and parking lot. Anticipated improvements include the renovation and relocation of the playground, Parkour fitness equipment, and stormwater management improvements. A major renovation of the park is in the planning process.

The approved FY2024-2026 Public Art Annual Workplan recommends that public art be added to the park to reinvigorate the park and further the goals of the park renovation. 

One of the first steps in the City's public art process, as outlined in the Public Art Implementation Plan, is for the Commission for the Arts to appoint a Public Art Project Task Force that will advise on the project development process. The Task Force was appointed by the Arts Commission in August 2025.

timeline

• August 2025: Public Art Task Force Members appointed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
• September 2025: Development of public art project goals.
• October 2025: Approval of the Public Art Project Plan by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
• February 2026: Posting of the Artist Call and beginning of artist selection
• June 2026: Selection of artist team UrbanRock Design approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
• October 2026: Community meet and greet with UrbanRock Design at Patrick Henry Recreation Center on Oct. 8.

• Improve the visibility of the park and create a community landmark.
• Draw visitors into the renovated park from Duke Street to have a positive and memorable experience.
• Bring exciting new artwork to Alexandria that embraces the cultural diversity of the West End, celebrates this community, is inviting, and makes visitors feel welcome.
• Celebrate motion, activity, sound and/or interaction at this city park, which has a variety of active uses from sports to parkour. 
•  Support the park’s goals of being a safe place for children to explore, create social connections, and encourage community activities.

UrbanRock Design is an art and design studio founded by Jeanine Centuori, FAIA, and Russell Rock. Working at the intersection of art and design, the studio’s interdisciplinary focus enables it to collaborate effectively with arts and construction professionals. The practice takes an integrated approach, with both partners contributing to the development of concepts, imagery, and production documents. Jeanine is a registered architect and visual artist, while Russell is an artist with experience in urban design. Their collaboration spans more than twenty years. The studio is located at the Brewery Arts Complex near downtown Los Angeles.

UrbanRock Design participates in the production process as needed and works closely with local fabricators, allowing the studio to explore an expanded palette of materials and processes using state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. Its fabricators have included digital makers, concrete tradespersons, glaziers, welders, electricians, sign installers, and general contractors. The studio regularly collaborates with tradespeople, contractors, and consulting professionals.

The studio has a successful track record of developing urban-sited and architecturally integrated public artworks in multiple cities for municipal, nonprofit, and private clients. UrbanRock Design brings strong budget management skills and expertise in overseeing fabrication and installation processes professionally. The studio has successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary design teams to complete architecturally integrated projects in public parks, transit stations, on public building facades, and in urban plazas.

UrbanRock Design’s public art projects seek to sustain and celebrate the history, culture, and environment of place through the integration of imagery into building skins and other architectural components. Jeanine Centuori’s work with UrbanRock Design and in academia has been recognized through her election to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows.

The City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities is currently in the process of addressing the approved 2025 park improvement recommendations. For more information about the overall planning, design, and implementation process, please visit the project page for the John Ewald Park Improvements Project.