Alcova Heights Park Wins 'Best New Renovation/Addition' Award
Published on September 20, 2024
Arlington County's Department of Parks and Recreation won the "Best New Renovation/Addition" award at the 2024 Virginia Parks and Recreation Society (VRPS) conference for its innovative and community-centered renovations to Alcova Heights Park, Phases 1 and 2.
The Alcova Heights Park Renovation project transformed an aging and outdated park into a vibrant public space that better serves the recreational needs of the community. The 13-acre park, which features a variety of amenities, including picnic shelters, a playground, a basketball court, and walking paths, was revitalized with a focus on improved circulation, community safety, and environmental preservation.
"This award reflects our commitment to creating sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable public spaces that meet the evolving needs of our community," said Jane Rudolph, Director of Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation. "We are grateful for the collaboration between project staff and community members and their contributions to a wonderful renovation."
Key upgrades include improved pedestrian safety measures, enhanced walking paths, new lighting for the basketball court, and additional picnic areas. The project also prioritized the park’s natural features, ensuring the protection and enhancement of its mature tree canopy and the Doctors Run stream.
A signature component of the renovation was the innovative stormwater management approach that aligned with the County’s Forestry and Natural Resources Plan. The project prioritized reforestation areas and conserved open spaces over traditional stormwater infrastructure, such as bioretention areas, considering that most of Alcova Heights Park is in a Resource Protection Area. The result is a park that now has an additional 1,200 shrubs, 2,300 grasses, and 250 new trees contributing to Arlington's 40% tree canopy goal.
About Virginia Parks and Recreation Society
The Virginia Parks and Recreation Society aims to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The annual conference, held this year in Norfolk, Virginia, is a learning exchange for recreation and park professionals. The highlight of each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards honoring individuals, departments, and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of the several areas during the previous year.
About Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation
The Department of Parks and Recreation promotes wellness and vitality through dynamic programs and attractive public spaces. Facilities range from parks, sports fields, nature and community centers to spraygrounds, playgrounds and a skate park. DPR are stewards to the County’s natural resources and provide affordable recreational programs and services for people of all ages, abilities and interests.
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