Simpson Park Playground + Passive Lawn Renovation
L/KLA redesigned the existing playground and passive lawn at Simpson Stadium Park in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. The project entailed: reshaping of existing pedestrian circulation paths and street connections; opening up and re-grading the passive lawn for more usable space; incorporating natural play and updating play equipment; developing a planting plan including additional shade trees and a children's garden;
and generating a design scheme that will allow for multiple-generation and inclusive passive and active recreation.
Public art was integrated in the design with the inclusion of the artist team May+Watkins Design. This collaboration of design consultant and artist was an unprecedented approach by the City of Alexandria.
Community meetings and and an online survey were part of the public engagement strategy. A ribbon cutting event was held in March 2019 to celebrate the re-opening of Simpson Park Playground.