How Much is the Office of Historic Alexandria Listening to the Community at Fort Ward Park?

How Much is the Office of Historic Alexandria Listening to the Community at Fort Ward Park?

J. Glenn Eugster

Fort Ward Observer

April 30, 2014

Community interests and government officials have been working hard at Fort Ward Park for nearly seven years now.  The hours, money, meetings and paper generated over time are one indicator of what has been done to date.  Another indicator of what has, or hasn’t, been accomplished is the March 18, 2009 list of “Fort Ward Park Priorities and Issues Identified by Community”.  You may recall that the City of Alexandria sponsored a series of public meetings to seek community input, ideas and interest for what could and should be done with the park to solve problems, protect values, and enjoy recreation pursuits.

The top Historic/ Cultural priorities which were identified during that initial public outreach process included:

African American History 

• Signage of historic African American community, historic markers.
• Restoration of community graves and artifiacts.
• Exhibit for [Fort Ward] museum.
• African American History-Input and Research.

Identification of Historic Areas

• Grave sites, Pre-post Civil War, African American History. Regional significance, others.
• Idenitify w/ signage-visible and clear.

Market Promote “Park Story”/ History

• Recognize historic significance of site. Valuable levels within park.

Interpretive Trail

• Interpretive trail of natural, cultural and African American resources.

As you review the voluminous reports, prepared by city staff and their consultants, and listen to comments on the draft management plan for Fort Ward Park and Museum you may want to look and listen for these and other ideas that you have suggested.  Throughout the management planning process there has been a bit of a debate between city government leaders and community interests about “who knows best” and what role citizens should play in helping to make decisions about Fort Ward Park.  The draft management plan is not likely to be revised or redone for another 50-years so it is in everyones best interest to get it right before it goes to the Mayor, City Manager and City Council.