The Fort Hunt Park, which is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, features picnic areas, jogging trails and educational services. In addition to the recreational activities, Fort Hunt Park has a rich history. The site was used as part of George Washington's farm, a Spanish-American War coastal fortification and the setting for top-secret WWII military intelligence operations, as well as a popular picnic area along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
This location is the headquarters of the American Horticultural society, one of the country's oldest gardening organizations. Founded in 1922, it exists to provide gardening and horticulture information, upholds standards of social responsibility and works in the interest of environmental stewardship. The headquarters is located on the River Farm property that once belonged to George Washington. It is between Mt. Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, and features 25 acres of gardens, grounds and picnic areas overlooking the Potomac. It is open to the public on weekdays and Saturdays in the spring and summer. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated. Group activities are welcome but parties should make a reservation. A schedule of activities and events is available on the organization's website.
Little Hunting Park Club Inc. is a park, pool, and tennis facility where whole families gather for fun and games. Play tennis, volley ball, basketball, swim, or barbeque in the picnic area.
Found in the midst of a quiet treelined area, Little Hunting Park Club is the ideal place to spend leisure time with family on a lovely day. For further information, check out the website or call.
With metal sculptures, hanging and sunken gardens and other elements, King Street Garden Park is a place for relaxing and contemplation within the dense urban surroundings. Its improvement and maintenance is overseen by the King Street Gardens Park Foundation.
Fort Ward is a preserved system of Union batteries and forts originally built to protect Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. The site features a museum operated by the City of Alexandria that's dedicated to preserving the history of the site and features exhibits. Education programs, lectures, tours and living history activities are offered. The 45-acre site also includes a park with picnic areas that may be reserved. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
A large farm home located on 25 acres of gardens and lawns, the River Farm serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It is also open to the public for various community events, children's programs, weddings and special occasions, as well as general visits.
Operated by the city's recreation department, the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center allows visitors to see local wildlife and learn about the natural and cultural history of the adjacent Dora Kelley Nature Park. The center features several year-round exhibits, including live snakes, turtles, toads and salamanders, an aquarium with native fish, a mounted black bear, turkey, red fox, bobcat, a greenhouse, art work, interpretive exhibits on local history and geology, a reference library and children's activity stations. The center also offers a variety of programs, including an after-school care, scout activities, school field trips and birthday parties. The facility is available for rent to community organizations.
Huntley Meadows Park incorporates 1,425 acres of forestry and wetlands. The site is a popular place for bird watchers and families.
Visitors can stroll along the park's half mile long boardwalk. There is also a vistor's center, where there are brochures, periodic exhibits and restrooms.
Supporting the park is the group Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, with more than 400 members.
Located on the banks of the Potomac River, Founders Park features a dog exercise area, a volleyball court and walking paths. The 4.67-acre park is cared for by the Founders Park Community Association. The Alexandria Marina is located on the southeastern edge.
Armistead L. Boothe Park is named after native Alexandrian Armistead Boothe, who was a former city attorney and supporter of school integration during the 1950s. The 10-acre park features a multipurpose athletic field, a basketball court, playground, picnic pavilion, tennis courts,and walking and biking trails.
Windmill Hill Park is a community area and local park. The 3.43-acre park offers a range of facilities for residents to use, including a playground, basketball court and sand volleyball. There also is riverfront seating. Check its website for details on park features or for information on upcoming events.
