The Arlandrian: The $200 Park goes LARGE

Neighborhood volunteers teamed with City staff to forge ahead even in face of economic troubles and budget crises. For just $200, using garden cast-off plants donated by neighbors and mulch from cut-down, unhealthy, storm-battered trees formerly used to screen the old substation, it started to resemble a park. For regular readers ofThe Arlandrianthis is not news. We documented the progress along the way with our stories: "Where Did THAT Garden Come From?" and "New Park Uncovered At Spring for Alexandria". The tale of a community coming together is something that we are really amazed by and, frankly, more than a little proud.

And that gamble by citizens, that investment out of pocket and in blood, sweat and tears, didn't go unrewarded.  Today they get their reward.  Dominion Power, already supporters of theFour Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Marketthrough theirDominion Greenoutreach program, have stepped up to assist at the Reed Avenue Park as well.  Here's their press release:

Dominion volunteers will work with City of Alexandria Department Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and community volunteers to turn a former substation into a beautiful community park. Alexandria community volunteers began to create the neighborhood park by adding flower beds and a walking path. Dominion volunteers will help continue the transformation by replacing shrubs and trees that have signs of decay and rotting with new trees that will provide shade for park users expand the walking path and plant additional flowers in the garden.

The Dominion Foundation donated $2,500.00 to help with the project and more than 20 employees will spend part of the day volunteering. Thursday, October 27, 2011 8am–1pm.

The Arlandrianstopped by early this morning and the teams were already well along.  We'll provide further updates later.