Eugene Simpson Athletic Diamond Fields Renovation Plan

In 2014, the City completed a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan for six parks, including a plan for Simpson Park. Several plan recommendations have been implemented since 2014 and this project will address the remaining outstanding recommendations. Improvements will also address drainage and surface improvements on the two diamond fields.
Page updated on Dec 5, 2024 at 12:17 PM
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PROJECT BACKGROUND

In 2021, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) began designing renovations of Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. Proposed improvements are based on the findings of substantives community outreach, which culminated in the 2014 Simpson Stadium Park Improvement Plan. Between completion of the improvement plan in 2014 and the start of design in 2021, the community identified the need for improvement to both Big and Little Simpson Ball Fields. In totality, the proposed park renovation project seeks to implement the park improvements listed below:  

  • Install a planted tree buffer with native vegetation along the E. Duncan Alleyway 
  • Extend the hardscape trails to the north-eastern section of the park 
  • Install a new ADA compliant access off E. Monroe to the dog park and rectangular fields 
  • Install new bleachers at Big and Little Simpson 
  • Improve the dugouts at Big and Little Simpson 
  • Install additional storage at Big Simpson 
  • Install a dedicated concessions stand at Big Simpson 
  • Install a new passive use and picnic area adjacent to the concession stand 
  • Improve traffic flow and expand the parking lot 
  • Install synthetic turf at Big Simpson to address drainage and playability issues  
  • Re-grade the natural turf field at Little Simpson to address drainage issues

PROJECT UPDATES

The City is currently procuring construction for the renovation of Eugene Simpson Park. The project will implement the recommendations of the 2014 Eugene Simpson Park Improvement Plan as amended in 2021 and approved in 2023. The procurement process is anticipated to continue into early 2025. Please be advised that utility relocation work in Monroe Avenue will begin in early 2025 to support this project.

DESIGN PHASE

The design phase developed and permitted a fully constructible design, which satisfies the objectives listed and does not exceed the project budget. The design phase concluded in fall of 2024.

PROJECT CONSULTANTS

Gordon  

Gordon is a recognized professional services design firm providing civil engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, land planning, and physical site security design to a broad spectrum of market sectors and clients. Gordon practices in both the public and private market sectors.  

Timeline and Project Updates

PLANNING PHASE 

In the summer of 2012, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) began a multi-year process with the public to develop a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan. The goal of this initiative was to study and understand the existing conditions and future needs for Alexandria's parks that are over 10-acres, municipally owned, and have multiple uses, including: Ben Brenman and Armistead L. Boothe Parks, Chinquapin Park, Four Mile Run Park, Joseph Hensley Park, the Holmes Run Park System, and Simpson Stadium Park. These parks serve as vital open spaces for our community, providing recreational opportunities, areas for picnic and relaxation, and ecological benefits to the City. 

The Park and Recreation Commission formally endorsed the Citywide Parks Improvement Plan on April 10, 2014. Final Simpson Park Improvement Plan (2014). 

In 2021, the community advocated for additional improvements at athletic fields citywide. To understand the community’s needs at Simpson Stadium Park, a park plan amendment was proposed in July 2021 to include the option to convert one or both diamond fields to synthetic turf. Following community engagement, the amendment was approved in November 2021.

DESIGN PHASE TIMELINE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Construction is estimated to commence in early 2025 and conclude in early 2026. RPCA will coordinate with schedule user groups to facilitate programing at alternative locations where and when possible. Please stay tuned for additional updates.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS & PUBLIC OUTREACH

pUBLIC COMMENTS

View written comments submitted during the April/May 2023 public comment period.

 

Past Meetings

  • June 17, 2023 
    City Council Public Hearing, City Hall (301 King St), 9 a.m.
  • June 6, 2023 
    Planning Commission Public Hearing, City Hall (301 King St), 7 p.m.
  • May 30, 2023 
    Del Ray Citizens Association Land Use Committee
  • May 18, 2023
  • May 5, 2023 
    Online Survey/Public Comment Period Closes
  • April 26, 2023 
    DPI, RPCA and the design consultant held a community meeting in the park to present the proposed design and collect feedback from the community.
  • April 19, 2023 
    DPI and RPCA staff hosted a community pop-up/open house event at the park to collect feedback on the proposed design.

  • April 10, 2023 
    DPI and RPCA presented to the Youth Sports Advisory Board on the proposed 60% design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design.

  • March 16, 2023 
    DPI and RPCA presented to the Park and Recreation Commission on the proposed 60% design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design and community engagement process.

  • June 17, 2022 
    RPCA provided an update to the Park and Recreation Commission on the proposed concept design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design 

  • June 13, 2022
    RPCA provided an update to the Youth Sports Advisory Board on the proposed concept design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design. 

  • April 21, 2022
    RPCA introduced the design process and community engagement proposal to the Park and Recreation Commission and collected feedback on the design and process. 

  • 2021 Eugene Simpson Stadium Park Citywide Park Improvement Plan Amendment 
    The community is invited to provide feedback on a proposed Plan Amendment to the 2014 Plan to provide an option for one or both diamond fields to be converted to synthetic turf.