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The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at the Oswald Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St., to receive public comments on a $12.5 million plan to replace Old Town Pool.
The project would replace the existing pool and bathhouse at 1609 Cameron St. — built in 1975 and found to be out of code compliance — with a modernized complex featuring an 8-lane, 25-meter lap pool with a dive well, a zero-entry family pool with spray features, and a redesigned bathhouse with universal changing rooms, updated mechanical systems, shaded areas and flexible event space. Bather capacity would increase from 250 to 286, and deck space would expand from roughly 8,900 square feet to more than 12,600 square feet.
The push for a new facility has grown more urgent in recent years. The pool closed for emergency repairs last summer due to what the city described as critical filtration system issues. Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Director Hashim Taylor said at the time that as the pool turned 50, the city was looking forward to completing major improvements to ensure consistent service for the community.
Architectural drawings filed with the city in December show the existing white stucco bathhouse would be completely razed and replaced with a new single-story brick structure designed by RRMM Architects of Arlington. The proposed design features hardwood slat accents, rooftop solar panels, and a painted steel canopy marking the main entrance. The new bathhouse would total approximately 3,888 square feet.
Because the pool sits within the Parker-Gray Historic District — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010 — the project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Permit to Demolish from the Board of Architectural Review.
The city has hired RRMM to lead architectural and engineering services, with Michael Baker International serving as the owner's advisor. Design services are expected to run through winter 2026, with contractor procurement slated for fall 2026 through spring 2027. Construction is anticipated to run from spring 2027 through fall 2028, meaning the pool could be closed for up to two full summers. The city said staff are exploring options to accelerate the timeline. Substantial completion is projected for summer 2028.
Planning for the replacement dates to 2012, when the city's Aquatic Facilities Study recommended replacing the aging pool. The project is funded through Alexandria's Capital Improvement Program.
The April 16 hearing is the first in a series of public proceedings planned this spring. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the project on May 5 at 7 p.m., followed by a City Council public hearing on May 16 at 9:30 a.m., and a Board of Architectural Review hearing on June 17 at 7 p.m. All three will be held at the Redella S. "Del" Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive, Room 1305, and can be viewed live on government Channel 70 or streamed on the city's website. Remote participation via Zoom is also available; registration links are available at alexandriava.gov/rpca/alexandria-park-and-recreation-commission.
Commission members at the April 16 hearing will hear testimony and consider staff recommendations before proceeding to their regular monthly meeting.
Residents who cannot attend in person may submit written comments by email to jack.browand@alexandriava.gov or by mail to the City of Alexandria, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, Attn: Old Town Pool Replacement, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.
Project materials are available for review in advance at alexandriava.gov/parks/project/old-town-pool-replacement-project. Additional information on public hearing items can be found at alexandriava.gov/rpca/alexandria-park-and-recreation-commission.
