City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 18, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM T. TAYLOR, DIRECTOR
RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund to Support Improvements at John Ewald Park.
BODY
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ISSUE: That the City Council consider support of a grant application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to fund improvements at John Ewald Park.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve a grant application, due by August 28, 2025, to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, to provide additional funding up to $2 million for the John Ewald Park Improvements; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and submit all necessary documents that may be required to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
BACKGROUND: The Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program (LWCF) is a federal matching reimbursement program established in 1965. The program supports the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Grantees must be able to fund 100% of their project while seeking periodic reimbursements.
DISCUSSION: In 2016, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) completed a multi-year process to develop a series of Neighborhood Park Improvement Plans, including John Ewald Park. In 2025, RPCA completed a planning process to update the 2016 John Ewald Park improvement plan aimed at improving safety, desired recreational activities, and overall improvement to the site configuration.
Staff recommends submitting the John Ewald Park project for this grant because it is part of the 2016 Neighborhood Parks Improvement Plan and has been updated ...
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