Cameron Run Regional Park Update to City Council

At a City of Alexandria City Council update on November 13, 2026, staff presented a proposal to replace the current Cameron Run Regional Park lease with a year-round, 210,000-square-foot sports and events complex operated by a new nonprofit, Alex Sports, with the Alexandria Soccer Association as its local partner. The city would retain ownership of the site and use the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to help implement the project. The concept also reserves space for community amenities and calls for protection of environmental features. The current lease with NOVA Parks ends in December 2028; staff’s target schedule is groundbreaking in early 2029 and opening in 2031.

The proposal estimates a $17 million project cost, with Alex Sports committing $10 million and the city financing the remaining project costs through borrowing; the transcript’s stated borrowing figure is unclear. Alex Sports would be required to provide $4 million before financing proceeds, pay rent, operate and maintain the facility, and meet event-performance commitments. Staff said rent and visitor-related tax revenues would cover the city’s debt, and estimated $160 million in tax revenue over the project term, including $20 million for affordable housing, compared with an estimated $11 million over 30 years if the water park continued in its current form. No action or vote was taken at this meeting. Staff will conduct public engagement and return with a finalized term sheet for council consideration, with a vote anticipated in January; if the partner fails to provide the required contribution, the city could pursue a competitive RFP.