Park and Recreation Commission

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities commissions and committees compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on issues affecting the City. All meetings open to the public. Position vacancies are advertised in the local newspapers and through civic associations.

Page updated on Sep 16, 2019 at 5:17 PM

The Park and Recreation Commission is an eleven-member advisory unit established by City Council in March 1970. The Commission advises City Council in matters relating to parkland, recreation and culture, and participates in planning recreational activities and services through its advice to Council, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The members of the Park and Recreation Commission are selected to represent one of the three Park Districts in the City and two youth representatives. The Commission meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For additional information call 703.746.5500. For a list of vacancies, to submit an application or for additional information, visit Boards & Commissions.

For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Division Chief, with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5504.

To return to Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Commissions and Committees' information, click here.

Note: The Commission meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm, meeting location TBD. The public is welcome. Minutes are approved at the next scheduled meeting.

2019 Meeting Information

January 17, 2019: Public Hearing & Regular Meeting - Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.

February 21, 2019: Regular Meeting - Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave.

March 21, 2019: Regular Meeting - Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.

April 25, 2019: Regular Meeting - Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave.

May 16, 2019:   Public Hearing & Regular Meeting - Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.

June 20, 2019:  Public Hearing & Regular Meeting - Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave.

July 18, 2019: Meeting Cancelled

August 2019: No Regular Meeting

September 19, 2019:  Regular Meeting - Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave.

October 17, 2019: Regular Meeting - TBD

November 21, 2019: Regular Meeting - TBD

December 2019: No Regular Meeting

Alexandria Health Department Crumb Rubber Review 

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has found no evidence to date that the chemicals present in the City of Alexandria’s synthetic turf playing fields present a health concern.
> Alexandria Health Department Crumb Rubber Review
> Fairfax County Synthetic Turf Health Study

State of Washington Health Department 

The State of Washington Health Department recently concluded a study on the claims regarding crumb rubber infill. 

In 2009, the University of Washington women’s associate head soccer coach became concerned that several soccer goalies had developed blood cancers at around the same time. By 2014, the coach had compiled a list of soccer players with cancer. The initial information included 30 current or former Washington residents who played soccer and developed a variety of cancer types between the mid-1990s and 2015. By 2016, this number had grown to 53 people. In light of this, DOH and researchers at the University of Washington School of Public Health formed a project team to investigate issues related to soccer playing and cancer.

The conclusion of the report found less cancer among the soccer players as a group than the general population as a whole.  Should parents be concerned about children playing on a crumb rubber infill surface:

“Parents should be aware, but not concerned. We know that crumb rubber is made from tires that contain chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer. However, what is critical to consider are the routes of exposure and potential dose someone receives. The available research suggests exposures from crumb rubber are very low and will not cause cancer among soccer players. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who enjoy soccer continue to play regardless of the type of field surface.”

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