Alexandria — Oronoco Bay Park this past Saturday night was the best. Despite a torrential downpour an hour before the symphony began, thousands of people of all ages, races, income levels, beliefs, speaking numerous languages, and dressed for a hot summer night came with picnic baskets on different modes of travel — to sit on the ground to have a good time. Proof they did? Big cheers, shouting kids, roars drowning the cannon fire, and utter silence for this year’s incredible firework finale!
Without paying a penny or making a reservation months in advance, families and friends shared a great night together in one of Alexandria’s beautiful public parks — compliments of the people of the City of Alexandria, whose taxes are dedicated to providing people from around the world green space to relax, walk, and play in. Early the next morning, the park was returned to joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, exercise classes and morning strollers. The temporary stage was dismantled, so a view of the river, flotillas of geese and gulls was fully restored.
In contrast, the recent unsolicited proposal from outsiders to lease Hensley Park and construct a high-end sports complex is a violation of the fundamental principles of public space. By its very nature, as a membership and dues facility it will lock out many of those who enjoyed Oronoco Bay Park. To characterize it as an exclusionary private use of public space is fair. It is no accident that Hensley Park, adjacent to a major highway is an attractive site. It would serve the facility by funneling regional members, and as proposed, excluding soccer and rugby players who use it regularly.
Let’s keep our parkland publicly available to everyone regardless of ability to pay to play.
Kathryn Papp
Alexandria