Alexandria officials presented a proposal Tuesday night to transform the Great Waves Waterpark site at Cameron Run Regional Park into the Alexandria Sports and Events Complex at Cameron Run, a 210,000‑square‑foot indoor facility that would become the city’s largest event venue.
According to WTOP, the publicly owned complex would be financed with $107 million in city funds and operated by a new nonprofit, ALX Sports, created by the Alexandria Soccer Association. The nonprofit would lease the venue, contribute a minimum $10 million up‑front, and must bring $4 million to the table before any city financing is released. In return, the lease requires ALX Sports to host a set number of regional and national tournaments and to direct attendees to designated hotels and food‑service providers, with penalties if obligations are not met.
The development would preserve the existing 25‑acre property’s lake, recreational area and animal shelter while adding courts and turf for volleyball, basketball, soccer, pickleball, field hockey, lacrosse and track. An additional 50,000 square feet of community space could include walking and running trails, an amphitheater, a tot lot and a dog park.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins emphasized that the project is “more than just a new sports facility” – it is intended to create a vibrant, year‑round destination for indoor recreation, tourism and community gatherings. She noted that past analysis showed many water‑park visitors were non‑residents, while the new complex would generate $160 million in revenue over 30 years, compared with the water park’s $11 million in local tax revenue during the same period.
Tommy Park, CEO of the Alexandria Soccer Association and ALX Sports, said the city has lacked sufficient indoor space for a variety of sports and that families have had to travel outside Alexandria for practice and competition. He called the proposed complex a potential game‑changer for local youth and adult athletics.
Stakeholders from NOVA Parks, which has operated the site for nearly half a century, expressed willingness to collaborate on the transition, noting continued partnership at other city parks.
The city plans a series of public‑engagement sessions to gather resident feedback. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, and a term sheet will be finalized in the coming months. The Alexandria City Council is expected to vote on the proposal, with a possible vote date of Jan. 12.
What’s next: Residents can attend the Thursday public‑engagement session to voice support or concerns. After the term sheet is completed, council members will consider the deal, with a vote potentially slated for Jan. 12. The complex is projected to open in 2031 if approved.
Sources: wtop.com
