ALEXANDRIA, VA – As the design phase continues for the spray park portion of the Del Ray Gateway project, the next public meeting is scheduled for October.

The Del Ray Gateway project will redevelop the Triangular Park at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. The current project planned by the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and Del Ray Gateway Partners is focused on the former Colasanto Pool Spray Park at 2700 Mount Vernon Avenue. The 2012 study of the city’s aquatic facilities recommended that the closed Colasanto swimming pool be converted into a spray park. Future phases will focus on other parts of the Del Ray Gateway site, including a memorial garden named in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.

Earlier this year, the city and the LSG design team presented three possible design concepts for the spray park: Enter the Cloud, Nautilus Gateway Park, and Roundhouse at the Gateway. All concepts include splash-proof fountains, seating, greenery, and potential toilets.

The redevelopment of the pool into a water park will be funded by the City Capital Improvement Program and a matching grant with the Del Ray Gateway project. According to the city’s website, the design is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and construction could begin in 2022.

The next meeting will seek community feedback on the site design. The meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. Participants can register through Zoom or use the dial-in number (301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 913 2989 0257, Access Code: 719632).