Eugene Simpson Athletic Diamond Fields Renovation Plan

In 2014, the City completed a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan for six parks, including a plan for Simpson Park. Several plan recommendations have been implemented since 2014 and this project will address the remaining outstanding recommendations. Improvements will also address drainage and surface improvements on the two diamond fields.
Page updated on Apr 28, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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Project Background

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park (426 E. Monroe Ave)

In 2021, the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) began designing renovations for Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. These proposed improvements are based on extensive community outreach efforts, culminating in the 2014 Simpson Stadium Park Improvement Plan.

Between the completion of the plan in 2014 and the start of the design phase in 2021, the community identified specific needs, particularly regarding improvements to both Big and Little Simpson Ball Fields. The overall renovation project aims to implement the following enhancements:

  • Park Beautification & Native Vegetation: Install a planted tree buffer with native vegetation along the E. Duncan Alleyway
  • Enhanced Pedestrian Access: Extend hardscape trails to the northeastern section of the park
  • Improved Vehicular Access: Expand the parking lot and improve traffic flow
  • ADA Accessibility: Add a new ADA-compliant entrance from E. Monroe to the dog park and rectangular fields
  • Ballfield Accommodations: Install new bleachers, dugouts, and storage facilities at both Big and Little Simpson
  • Ballfield Drainage Improvements: Install synthetic turf at Big Simpson and regrade the natural turf at Little Simpson
  • Support for Multi-Generational Use: Construct a dedicated concessions stand at Big Simpson with adjacent passive-use and picnic areas

Project Updates

Current Progress Update – Construction

The City is currently in the process of procuring construction services for the renovation of Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. This project will implement the recommendations outlined in the 2014 Improvement Plan, as amended in 2021 and formally approved in 2023.

The procurement process is expected to continue into early 2025. Please note that utility relocation work along Monroe Avenue is scheduled to begin in early 2025 to support the upcoming construction phase.

Project Schedule

  • Construction Phase: October 2024 – May 2025
  • Construction Procurement: October 2024 – May 2025
  • Public Construction Kickoff Meeting: June 2, 2025
  • End of Programmed Park Activities: June 15, 2025
  • Park Closure: June 30, 2025
  • Construction Period: July 2025 – September 2026
  • Phased Park Reopening: August 2026

Construction Phase

This phase focuses on partnering with a qualified contractor to bring the community’s vision for the park to life—plans that were shared with the City Council and the public on June 17, 2023. Throughout construction, the City is committed to minimizing disruptions for park users and neighbors. We look forward to celebrating the park’s grand re-opening together in 2026.

Project Contractor

The City’s procurement process is nearing completion.

Design Phase

The goal of the design phase is to develop a fully constructible plan that meets project objectives without exceeding the approved budget. This phase includes permitting, engineering, and continued community engagement to ensure a design that reflects community needs.

Key Aspects

Key aspects of this phase include:

  • Developing a final site plan ready for construction
  • Evaluating potential impacts on existing park facilities and user groups
  • Hosting community meetings to build consensus and address concerns

Timeline

Planning Phase

In the summer of 2012, the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) launched a multi-year initiative to develop a Citywide Parks Improvement Plan. The plan aimed to assess the current conditions and future needs of Alexandria’s larger parks—those over 10 acres, municipally owned, and designed for multiple uses. Parks included in this study were:

These parks provide vital open space, recreational opportunities, and ecological benefits for the community.
 

The Park and Recreation Commission formally endorsed the Citywide Parks Improvement Plan on April 10, 2014.

Simpson Park Improvement Plan (2014)

Project Consultants

Gordon  

Gordon is a recognized professional services design firm providing civil engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, land planning, and physical site security design to a broad spectrum of market sectors and clients. Gordon practices in both the public and private market sectors.

Community Outreach Events & Materials

Historic Updates

  • April 8, 2019: Project update presented to the Youth Sports Advisory Board
  • November 19, 2020: RPCA introduced the proposed amendment to the Park and Recreation Commission
  • December 17, 2020: RPCA presented a park design and amendments to the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvement Plan for the renovation of Joseph Hensley Park to the Park and Recreation Commission
  • January 21, 2021: The Park and Recreation Commission endorsed the 60% design and improvement plan amendments
  • March 2, 2021: The Planning Commission approved the Development Special Use Permit for the park renovations
  • June 14, 2021: The Youth Sports Advisory Board recommended converting the upper diamond field to synthetic turf
  • June 17, 2021: The Park and Recreation Commission approved an amendment to convert the upper diamond field to synthetic turf
  • September 17, 2022: City Council approved a Special Use Permit to raise the protective netting from 20 feet to 30 feet

Public Comments

View written comments submitted during the April/May 2023 public comment period.

Previous Community Meetings

2023 Meetings

  • June 17, 2023
  • City Council Public Hearing, City Hall (301 King St), 9 a.m.
  • June 6, 2023
  • Planning Commission Public Hearing, City Hall (301 King St), 7 p.m.
  • May 30, 2023
  • Del Ray Citizens Association Land Use Committee
  • May 18, 2023
  • May 5, 2023
  • Online Survey/Public Comment Period Closes
  • April 26, 2023
  • DPI, RPCA, and the design consultant held a community meeting in the park to present the proposed design and collect feedback from the community.
  • April 19, 2023
  • DPI and RPCA staff hosted a community pop-up/open house event at the park to collect feedback on the proposed design.
  • April 10, 2023
  • DPI and RPCA presented to the Youth Sports Advisory Board the proposed 60% design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design.
  • March 16, 2023
  • DPI and RPCA presented the Park and Recreation Commission with the proposed 60% design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design and community engagement process.

2022 Meetings

  • June 17, 2022
  • RPCA provided an update to the Park and Recreation Commission on the proposed concept design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design
  • June 13, 2022
  • RPCA provided an update to the Youth Sports Advisory Board on the proposed concept design for Simpson Park and collected feedback on the design.
  • April 21, 2022
  • RPCA introduced the design process and community engagement proposal to the Park and Recreation Commission and collected feedback on the design and process.

2021 Meetings

  • 2021 Eugene Simpson Stadium Park Citywide Park Improvement Plan Amendment. The community was invited to provide feedback on a proposed Plan Amendment to the 2014 Plan to provide an option for one or both diamond fields to be converted to synthetic turf.