Azalea Park gets a makeover

Play time at Azalea Park.

Residents of the Hillwood neighborhood and Fairfax County officials celebrated the makeover of Azalea Park Sept. 14 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a block party.

Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon speaks at the ribbon-cutting.

The park, in the Providence District between Seven Corners and the City of Falls Church, has two new play structures, one for young children and one for older kids and new swings, exercise equipment for all ages, benches, and landscaping.

The project was funded with $176,500 in proffers from the developer of the nearby Loren apartment building on Arlington Boulevard. The Loren opened in 2017.

The design and features in Azalea Park were based on the results of a community survey, said project manager Adam Wynn. The Greater Hillwood Citizens Association formed a committee to maintain the park’s landscaping.

Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon said parks are important because they combat obesity, provide a place to recharge and relax, and offer a “mental health reboot.”