Joseph Hensley Park Reopens Following Major Renovation

As the City of Alexandria celebrates Park and Recreation Month this July, Joseph Hensley Park has reopened following a comprehensive renovation that delivers the first phase of improvements identified in the City's 2014 Citywide Parks Improvement Plan. This year's National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) theme, "The Power Of...", celebrates the many ways parks and recreation strengthen communities through connection, play, belonging, nature, and well-being. The transformation of Joseph Hensley Park reflects that vision by creating a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant destination for residents of all ages.

New Athletic, Recreation, and Community Amenities

The renovation includes a new synthetic turf upper diamond field, a full-size natural turf softball field on the lower level, a replacement picnic pavilion and bathhouse, and a brand-new playground for children. Athletic amenities have also been enhanced with LED field lighting, new scoreboards, safety netting, dugouts, spectator seating, and batting cages. A flexible court and event space provides additional opportunities for recreation, neighborhood events, and community programming.

"Joseph Hensley Park represents our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that bring people together," said Hashim Taylor, Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.

Built for Accessibility, Sustainability, and Connection

The project also includes a new maintenance building, an enclosed maintenance yard, expanded parking, upgraded stormwater management facilities, ADA-accessible pathways, improved wayfinding, and updated signage to create a more welcoming and accessible park for everyone.

A Vision Shaped by the Community

The renovation reflects the vision established through the 2014 Citywide Parks Improvement Plan, which was shaped by extensive community engagement. Residents identified key priorities, including improved drainage, upgraded athletic fields, additional parking, more trees, a playground, and enhanced accessibility.

Creating Lasting Community Benefits

These improvements expand access to quality athletic facilities and play spaces, support inclusive recreation for people of all ages and abilities, improve on-site stormwater management through green infrastructure and permeable pavement, and strengthen Alexandria's urban forest with new and diverse tree plantings. Together, these enhancements embody the spirit of Park and Recreation Month by creating spaces where neighbors can connect, play, and build a stronger community.

Reserve a Picnic Area

There's no better time than Park and Recreation Month to experience everything Joseph Hensley Park has to offer. Whether you're planning an end-of-summer celebration, family reunion, birthday party, or fall gathering, the park's new amenities provide the perfect setting.

Joseph Hensley Park's picnic areas will be available for online reservations beginning August 1. If you prefer to reserve in person, in-person reservations for Joseph Hensley Park will begin Monday, August 3, at the Reservation & Registration Office in the Lee Center.

In the meantime, all other City park reservations are available now through the Reservation & Registration Office at the Lee Center. Reserve your picnic area today!

More Information

For more information about the project, please reach out to [email protected].

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact [email protected] or call 703.746.5550, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email [email protected] or call 703.746.3960.