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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The city wants to turn a parking island in Del Ray into a small neighborhood park and is asking residents to help shape its design at two community meetings this summer.
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is proposing the pocket park on Clifford Avenue, transforming an existing parking island at 3000 Fulton St. into a community green space planned around public input. The agency calls it the Clifford Avenue Park Project.
City officials say the park would create space for rest and gathering, improve walkability and pedestrian safety, and add to the character of the surrounding area. They also frame it as part of Alexandria's Open Space Master Plan, expanding access to parks within walking distance and strengthening connections among parks, neighborhoods and bike routes.
The project carries environmental aims as well. Officials say replacing pavement with green infrastructure would improve stormwater absorption and reduce runoff, and that new trees and vegetation would help cool an area that traps urban heat.
Two meetings are scheduled at the site. An introductory session is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, followed by a 6 to 7 p.m. follow-up meeting Thursday, July 16.
For more information, residents can contact Jose C. Ayala, principal planner and project manager with the parks department, at jose.ayala@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-5491. Project updates are posted at alexandriava.gov/parks/clifford-avenue-park-project.
