On April 10, ground was broken for Long Bridge Park, a new urban park and recreational facility at the north end of Crystal City. The former industrial site is one of the largest remaining pieces of open space in Arlington. The project will both reclaim a contaminated “brownfield” (which once housed a scrapyard, concrete company, and vehicle towing and storage yards) and add badly needed parkland.

Phase I of park development will add three lighted athletic fields, picnic areas, and restrooms and storage facilities. In a partnership with Arlington County, Marymount University will fund the construction costs of one of the fields in exchange for use of the field by the University’s soccer and lacrosse teams.

One of the most dramatic features of Phase I will be a half-mile long raised walkway — the “Esplanade” — that will connect the park and its recreational facilities. The Esplanade will be designed for strolling, bicycle riding, and other leisure activities, with dramatic views of the Potomac and monuments and other sights across the river.  Read more about Long Bridge Park