City of Alexandria Purchases Polk Avenue Property for Use as Open Space

On December 11, 2012 City Council authorized City Manager Rashad M. Young to contract for the acquisition of the property at 5325 Polk Ave. for $1.9 million. The City’s purchase of this 2.34 acre property used the $1.5 million provided by the Department of Defense to mitigate loss of open space in the West End, as well as $0.4 million in City Open Space funds. The Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group recommended the acquisition of this site in October 2012 after reviewing 8 sites in the City’s west End which had been nominated by City residents.

Acquisition of this property was contingent on the December 4, 2012 approval by Alexandria’s Planning Commission, who reviewed the proposed purchase at their regular meeting. Following the purchase of the property, staff will initiate a public process this winter to consider the future use for the new park. This public process will include community outreach to provide input on any future improvements to the site.

For additional information, contact Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at laura.durham@alexandriava.govor 703.746.5493.