Arlington is collecting feedback on proposed renovations at Douglas Park, a month after the County Board approved a 0.31-acre expansion of the recreation area.
Renovation plans at the five-acre park — in the neighborhood of the same name — call for replacing a wooden pedestrian bridge, a picnic shelter and site furnishings including picnic tables, park benches and waste bins. The project also aims to upgrade walking paths, improve stormwater management and remove invasive plants.
One lingering question is whether to convert a steep gravel pathway near the park’s western entrance at S. Stafford Street into a paved surface or a set of long timber steps.
An online feedback form also asks for input on potentially relocating the park’s eastern entrance to the crosswalk at the corner of S. Quincy Street and 16th Street S.
“This would result in the current mid-block park entrance on S. Quincy St. to be fenced off and removed,” the form says. “The concept includes adding a new paved trail at the 16th St. and S. Quincy St. entrance that connects to the rest of the park.”
The park at 1718 S. Quincy Street is on track to grow after the County Board approved a $1.1 million real estate purchase in July, with plans to deconstruct a dwelling at 4030 16th Street S. The Dept. of Parks and Recreation is in charge of coordinating next steps on incorporating the parcel into the park.
Respondents have until Friday, Sept. 6 to provide input on proposed renovations. A second round of feedback is scheduled to take place this winter, and the project is expected to wrap up in winter 2025.
