Meet and Greet with UrbanRock Design
Thursday, October 8 ● 6:30-8 p.m. Remarks at 7pm.
Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room C
Come meet the artist team who has been selected to design public art at Ewald Park.
About the Project
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.
Project Goals
- 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.
About the Park Improvements Project
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.