On September 17, 2016, more than 60 RunningBrooke volunteers came together to help prepare a Taney Ave park for a new playground that will serve more than 1,500 kids, many of whom are from families that live well below the federal poverty line.
Volunteers dug holes and planted 20 Virginia-Native trees. They mulched walking paths, cleared invasive brush, and pruned existing trees. They cleared garbage and debris, including rusted old bikes, parts of a metal swing set, bags of trash and a rusted out road sign. One volunteer, Diana W., said, “Each time I pick up a piece of broken glass, it makes me happy to know it’s helping make it a safe place for the kids who will be playing here.”
The project is designed and guided by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities, and was made possible by the 400 donors who gave to RunningBrooke during April’s Spring2Action event. RunningBrooke is grateful for its partnership with the City, ReBuilding Together Alexandria, BrightView, and Rosemont Landscaping & Lawncare.
The kids are excited! And the parents are happy, too, as this newly renovated and better-lit community space will unify the neighborhood and bring families together. An entire neighborhood will now have an “outdoor living area” to play in, socialize and get active as families.
A volunteer who lives in the neighborhood said, “It’s a great addition to the neighborhood. The park has been an asset, but also a liability. To get some attention in this part of town, the West End specifically, is great.”
The new playground will be completed in October, when crews will build out the new playground equipment and install an entry plaza, water foundation, benches, picnic tables and a grilling area. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place later this fall.
“We are so pumped about this new playground! It’s awesome to see so many people from the community come together and give their time and money to help make this park possible for the families who live near Taney Ave.” – Brooke Sydnor Curran, Founder RunningBrooke.
To learn more, please visit www.runningbrooke.org.
