Athletics, history and environmental responsibility will all converge when the Witter Property facilities are complete in 2010. That is the aim of this unusual endeavor being developed as part of the City's Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project mitigation.
Located south of Duke Street with the eastern end abutting the new Telegraph Road interchange and paralleling the Capital Beltway, this 13.5 acre plot will contain two multi-purpose, rectangular recreational fields with lights and irrigation; a diamond shaped, lighted softball field, maintenance and concession buildings; a walking path; and parking for 145 vehicles to accommodate daily use.
Two of the site's most unusual features are an 18th/19th century cemetery and a prehistoric archeological plot. Both will be maintained and enhanced in the development process.
"This will be a place where people can come to enjoy active recreation and learn some history at the same time. We think this is a wonderful resource. We want to bring the history of this site forward," said Ron Kagawa, urban planner/landscape architect for Alexandria Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Department.
"All the interments will be carefully preserved. We have been working closely with Alexandria Archeology to make sure of that," he said.
ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL side there will be a 30 feet wide parking lot island that will serve as a rain basin to catch storm water run off. The majority of storm water will feed into a drainage area on the south side of the property that will be a connection to a storm sewer, according to Emily Baker, city engineer, for Alexandria Transportation & Environmental Services Administration.
Recreational lighting on the property is designed to focus on the playing fields and not overflow onto adjacent areas. The new technologically designed lights are hooded. Other environmental elements of the design include: water quality and quantity management; native species plantings; green buildings and site technology; contaminated soils mitigation
Both the concession pavilions and the restrooms/maintenance building with utilize both rooftop solar panels and allow daylight
access to minimize utility use and capitalize on natural light internally during the day, according to Kagawa. The roofs are also designed in two segments pitched toward a drain area to catch and properly direct rain water.
The property will be surrounded by plantings, which will include a rain garden. Primary access to the facility will be from Duke Street and Witter Drive.
Each of the recreational fields will be 360 feet by 225 feet aligned east/west. The 275 feet softball field will be located at the eastern end of the property adjacent to the Telegraph Road Interchange ramp.
Acquisition of the property and project development is being implemented with federal funds received in conjunction with the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. The overall cost of the project is estimated at $19 million, which includes its purchase, design and construction, according to Baker. $12 million of that total is attributed to its purchase. A. Morton Thomas Associates, Inc., a sports consultant and design engineering firm, is providing the conceptual design.
Thus far seven Park & Recreation Commission public meetings have been held on the project since its initial unveiling on June 16, 2005. It is schedule to be submitted to City Planning Commission and City Council this Fall.
Final Design Special Use Permit plan development and Virginia Department of Transportation review and approval is anticipated in late 2007 or early 2008. Advertisement for bids and commencement of construction is presently scheduled for 2009.