City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 23, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM T. TAYLOR, DIRECTOR,
RECREATION, PARKS, AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Submission of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Litter Prevention and Recycling Program for Funding of the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding to support the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve a non-competitive grant application due June 30, 2026, to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding in the approximate amount of $32,124 for the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program (the exact amount to be determined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by September 30, 2026);
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required; and
3. Thank all the organizations participating in this program for their support and efforts to improve the appearance of the City parks and, thereby, experience of the residents visiting these parks.
DISCUSSION: The City's Adopt-A-Park program began in 1978, with the first litter grant award. Through this program, local participant groups enter into an agreement with the City to pick up litter (paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum) in their assigned park areas. This program has been very successful in increasing cleanliness in the parks, controlling litter, and involving participants in their neighborhood park. Approximately 44 park areas are being maintained and monitored through this program in 2026. The ongoing marketing efforts including increased social media presence, in-person events, and direct mail marketing to community groups have assisted in the increase of adopted spaces and expanded participation in the West End from three to five locations, and eleven more throughout Alexandria. The program had five (5) new groups to join, twelve (12) repeat groups, and , and fourteen (14) additional parks and green spaces adopted
The Adopt-A-Park program is managed by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA). RPCA staff conduct monthly inspections and rate the park areas for cleanliness based upon the points rating system described in the program procedures (Attachment 1). The amount of the cash award is determined by the amount of grant funding received each year and the rating system. A list of the participating groups and the amount of their Litter Control awards for FY 2026 is provided (Attachment 2). Attachment 3 reflects the total potential cost of this program if all parks receive the maximum award. The grant period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
Awards are not required to be used to improve public amenities. Most often, groups support their own initiatives, however several groups voluntarily use their funds to support the park often by planting trees and seasonal flower beds and purchasing park furniture such as benches and picnic tables. Groups will continue to use their funds as they want, and RPCA will continue to work with individual groups who use the funds towards the park.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is a positive fiscal impact on the City as the participant group efforts provide a donated value of contributed goods and volunteer services to the City. There is no requirement for the City to provide a cash match or an in-kind match for the grant funds.
FY 2027 grant monies will determine the point values earned at the end of the program year. The City is responsible for administrative costs associated with this grant, including monitoring the operation of the program and financial oversight. These costs are absorbed in staff time.
It is anticipated that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program will provide grant funding of approximately $32,124 in FY 2027 for this project (Attachment 3). The exact amount of this year's grant will be determined by September 30, 2026. All grant funding will be expended in FY 2027. No funds will be carried out for the next fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: FY 2026 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Procedures
Attachment 2: FY 2026 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Awards
Attachment 3: FY 2027 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Budget Recorder
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Jack Browand, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Oscar Mendoza, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Raychel Frye, Natural Resources Manager, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Faye Maslaki, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Benjamin Naidorf, Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office