Alexandria Unveils $117 Million Sports Complex Plan to Boost Economy and Expand Youth Opportunities

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A $117 million proposal could transform Cameron Run Regional Park into a year-round sports and entertainment destination. City leaders envision an economic engine that would support local businesses, expand youth athletics and improve neighborhood recreation.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) and Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) introduced the proposal on November 10.

Their plan calls for a 210,000-square-foot indoor sports and events complex. It also includes at least 50,000 square feet of new community amenities.

Alexandria Soccer Association established ALX Sports, a new nonprofit organization, specifically to operate and manage the proposed complex.

The partnership aims to strengthen Alexandria’s economy while giving residents more opportunities to play, compete and gather.

From Seasonal Water Park to Year-Round Destination

The proposed development would replace Great Waves Waterpark and related attractions at Cameron Run Regional Park on Eisenhower Avenue.

Currently, Great Waves operates seasonally. The new complex would welcome athletes, families and visitors throughout the year.

Its flexible courts and turf areas would accommodate multiple sports, tournaments, practices and community events.

City officials believe the development could attract visitors while meeting Alexandria’s growing demand for indoor recreation.

A Potential $160 Million Economic Return

The project’s financial projections provide a compelling argument for redevelopment.

AEDP estimates the complex could generate approximately $160 million in local tax revenue over 30 years.

By comparison, the existing water park could generate about $11 million during that same period.

That $149 million difference represents the additional tax revenue city officials hope to capture.

Regional and national tournaments would attract athletes, coaches and families. Those visitors would book hotel rooms, dine at restaurants and shop at local businesses.

Their spending would generate hotel, meals and admission tax revenue.

However, these figures remain projections. Actual returns would depend on tournament attendance, visitor spending and operating performance.

Affordable Housing Could Also Benefit

The proposal could support another pressing Alexandria priority: affordable housing.

AEDP estimates that approximately $20 million in projected tax revenue would become available for affordable housing over three decades.

Alexandria already directs a portion of its meals tax revenue toward housing needs.

Additional restaurant spending from visiting teams and spectators could strengthen that funding source.

How the Public-Private Partnership Works

The financial structure involves three principal partners: the city, its Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and ALX Sports.

The city would borrow $107 million through general obligation bonds.

ALX Sports, the new nonprofit established by Alexandria Soccer Association, would contribute at least $10 million.

The IDA would oversee development and hold ownership of the facility. ALX Sports would operate and manage the complex under a proposed 30-year lease.

The public would retain ownership of the property and complex.

Who Pays the Bills?

ALX Sports would pay annual rent and cover routine operating and maintenance expenses.

The city would use that rent, along with visitor-generated tax revenue, to help repay its borrowing.

The agreement would require ALX Sports to contribute $4 million before the city issues financing.

It would also establish financial guarantees, tournament requirements and penalties for missing certain revenue targets.

Both the public partners and operator would contribute to a reserve for major repairs.

This arrangement aims to protect taxpayers while allowing an experienced nonprofit to operate the facility.

More Playing Space for Alexandria’s Youth

Alexandria families have long faced shortages of available courts and athletic fields.

Young athletes often compete for limited practice space. Many families must travel outside the city for games and tournaments.

The proposed complex could ease those pressures.

Its flexible indoor facilities would accommodate sports beyond soccer and futsal.

The Alexandria Soccer Association has served local families for more than 55 years. It created ALX Sports to manage the new complex and build partnerships with other sports organizations.

“Our vision is simple, more sports, more opportunity, one Alexandria,” said ASA Executive Director Tommy Park.

Keeping Young Athletes Closer to Home

The complex would give Alexandria athletes more opportunities to practice and compete locally.

Families could attend regional and national tournaments without routinely traveling to neighboring jurisdictions.

Additional indoor space could also reduce demand at existing city facilities.

Moreover, the complex would create opportunities for sports organizations to expand programs and serve more young people.

 Neighborhood Equity Takes Center Stage

The proposal addresses an important question: Who benefits from Alexandria’s public investments?

City leaders recognize that some neighborhoods lack convenient access to year-round recreation.

The Cameron Run project aims to expand those opportunities while creating additional public gathering spaces.

Its location could strengthen recreational access in Alexandria’s central corridor.

Great Waves Charges Admission — and Draws Many Outside Visitors

City officials highlighted an important distinction between Great Waves and the proposed redevelopment.

Great Waves charges admission and operates primarily during warmer months.

During the briefing, officials cited past analysis suggesting that most water park visitors come from outside Alexandria.

Many travel from Maryland and surrounding jurisdictions rather than from neighborhoods within the city.

City leaders believe the redevelopment could offer broader benefits to Alexandria residents.

The plan would open additional outdoor parkland for free public recreation throughout the year.

However, the indoor sports complex would operate differently. Officials have not yet established all the details governing fees and local access.

New Public Amenities Beyond the Sports Complex

The proposal includes at least 50,000 square feet of additional community amenities.

Potential features include walking and running trails, a dog park, an amphitheater and gathering areas.

Residents would help determine the final mix of improvements.

The development would preserve Lake Cook, Ward’s Woods and the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

These improvements could transform portions of the property into public spaces that residents could enjoy throughout the year.

Sports Tourism Could Strengthen Local Businesses

Sports tourism forms a central part of the project’s economic strategy.

Regional and national tournaments could bring thousands of athletes and spectators to Alexandria over time.

Their visits would create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, retailers and food-service providers.

ALX Sports would commit to hosting a minimum number of qualifying events.

The operator would also implement a hotel-booking policy designed to direct tournament lodging toward participating hotels.

Financial penalties would apply if the operator missed certain revenue requirements.

A Venue for More Than Athletics

The proposed complex would also accommodate major community gatherings.

City officials envision a flexible venue capable of hosting events that Alexandria currently struggles to accommodate.

High school graduation ceremonies represent one potential use.

The agreement would reserve 10 signature events annually for city use.

The facility could also attract organizations seeking large indoor gathering spaces.

Together, these activities could diversify Alexandria’s economy beyond traditional office development.

What Happens to Great Waves?

The current NOVA Parks lease expires at the end of 2028.

Under the proposal, the city would replace Great Waves and related attractions after that lease ends.

Officials pointed to Alexandria’s recent aquatic investments, including facilities at Minnie Howard.

The city also plans improvements to the Old Town Pool.

Nevertheless, some residents may question the loss of a popular seasonal water park.

The redevelopment would require the city to balance existing recreational preferences against broader economic and community goals.

Residents Will Help Shape the Project

The City Council has not approved the development.

Officials plan public meetings, community discussions and additional opportunities for residents to review the proposal.

The city must also address questions about traffic, building design, access and neighborhood impacts.

A detailed agreement would return to the City Council for consideration in the coming months.

That agreement would outline financing, operating responsibilities, performance standards and protections for the public.

A Possible 2031 Opening

If the city approves the proposal, the project could open around 2031.

The timeline allows officials to complete financing, design, public review and construction after the current lease expires.

For Alexandria, the decision involves more than replacing a water park.

It presents an opportunity to use public land to generate revenue, strengthen businesses and expand recreational access.

The proposal also raises important questions about affordability, public investment and neighborhood priorities.

If the partnership meets its goals, Cameron Run could demonstrate how economic development and community equity can work together.

For local businesses, the promise is greater economic activity. For young athletes, it is more room to play.

Moreover, it promises Alexandria residents a valuable public resource designed to deliver year-round community benefits.