Alexandria proposes $117 million sports complex
City officials seek to replace waterpark with indoor facility operated by nonprofit.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Alexandria City Council considered a proposal on Nov. 10 to redevelop Cameron Run Regional Park into a major sports destination. The plan calls for a $117 million indoor facility at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue to replace existing recreational structures.
The proposed 210,000-square-foot building would host flexible court sports, turf activities, training sessions, and large tournaments. City officials also plan to pursue an additional 50,000 square feet for outdoor park uses, including trails, a dog park, and an amphitheater, subject to community feedback. The project would replace the Great Waves Waterpark, mini golf site, and batting cage currently operated by NOVA Parks.
Stephanie Landrum, CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, stated the project addresses a capacity problem in local recreational facilities. She noted the new venue would be the largest event space in the city, accommodating high school graduations and other large gatherings. The city intends to transfer the property to the state-enabled Industrial Development Authority, or IDA. The IDA would finance construction and lease the facility to ALX Sports, a new multisports nonprofit, for 30 years.
Jim Parajon, the city manager, described the youth sports industry as a booming economic engine. He said Alexandria would be the first in the region to capitalize on this trend due to its partnership with the Alexandria Soccer Association, which is part of ALX Sports. Tommy Park, executive director of the soccer association, emphasized the need for indoor space to keep local families from traveling to other areas for practice and competition.
The financial structure involves the city issuing general obligation bonds for $107 million. ALX Sports has committed a minimum of $10 million, with $4 million due before city financing begins. Repayment will come from rent, an admissions tax, a hotel tax, and food and beverage taxes. The IDA and the nonprofit will split capital reserves for major repairs over the 30-year term.
Landrum explained that most similar U.S. facilities are publicly run, but this deal uses a nonprofit for day-to-day operations. She argued this combines efficient city borrowing with expert event management. The agreement requires ALX Sports to host a minimum number of regional and national events to drive hotel and food revenue. The city can use the facility for 10 signature events annually, with financial penalties if the operator misses quotas.
NOVA Parks, which has operated the site for nearly 50 years, stated in a statement that it will cease operations in 2028. Justin Wilson, NOVA Parks executive director and former mayor, said the organization remains hopeful to continue its partnership at other Alexandria sites. The park system will not operate its outdoor ice rink in 2026. Its Bright Nights holiday lights event will run from Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2027.
City officials estimate the proposed center will generate $160 million over 30 years, compared to $10.9 million from the current waterpark. Mayor Alyia Gaskins said the plan aligns with the ALX Forward vision for a year-round recreation destination. If approved, targeted groundbreaking is set for 2029, with an opening in 2031. The first public meeting on the proposal is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
