Alexandria officials presented a proposal on Tuesday night to replace the Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park with a 210,000‑square‑foot indoor sports and events complex, a project that could become the largest venue of its type in Northern Virginia. According to WTOP, the new facility—dubbed the Alexandria Sports and Events Complex at Cameron Run—would be publicly owned, financed with $107 million in city funds, and slated to open in 2031 if approved.
The complex would feature courts and turf for volleyball, basketball, soccer, pickleball, field hockey, lacrosse and track, plus 50,000 sq ft of community space that could include walking and running trails, an amphitheater, a tot lot and a dog park. A local nonprofit, ALX Sports, created by the Alexandria Soccer Association, would lease the venue and contribute a minimum of $10 million, with an upfront $4 million required before any city financing is released. The nonprofit also agreed to host a set number of regional and national events, and to require tournament attendees to use designated hotel blocks and on‑site food and beverage services, with financial penalties if obligations are not met.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins emphasized that the project is more than a new sports facility, describing it as an “opportunity to create a vibrant, accessible year‑round destination for indoor recreation and events, both for visitors and tourists, but more importantly for Alexandrians.” The city’s Economic Development Partnership, led by President and CEO Stephanie Landrum, noted that over a 30‑year period the water park generated about $11 million in local tax revenue, while the proposed complex is projected to bring $160 million in revenue over the same span.
City officials highlighted that the current lease with NOVA Parks, which operates the water park, mini‑golf, batting cages and holiday lights, expires in 2028. While NOVA Parks expressed appreciation for its half‑century stewardship of the site, it acknowledged the city’s decision to pursue an alternate vision and pledged continued collaboration at other city parks.
Community input will be sought through a series of public‑engagement sessions, the first of which is scheduled for Thursday, according to WTOP. The city plans to finalize a term sheet in the coming months, after which the Alexandria City Council is expected to vote on the proposal, potentially on Jan. 12.
Regional neighbors—including Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the District of Columbia—are also exploring similar facilities, prompting Alexandria leaders to move quickly to keep the site competitive.
What’s next: Residents can attend the Thursday public‑engagement session to share feedback. The finalized term sheet will be presented to the city council later this year, with a vote anticipated on Jan. 12. If approved, construction would begin after the 2028 lease ends, aiming for a 2031 opening.
Sources: wtop.com
