Joseph Hensley Park

Joseph Hensley Park is a public recreational area located in Alexandria, Virginia. The park is named after Joseph M. Hensley, who served as the City of Alexandria's Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities from 1977 until his retirement in 1986.

Spanning over 17 acres, Joseph Hensley Park offers a variety of athletic facilities and outdoor spaces for community use. The park is primarily known for its sports fields, which are frequently utilized by local leagues and teams. It features multiple softball diamond fields, which are in the process of being renovated to include two regulation-sized adult softball fields. Additionally, the park contains a multi-purpose field that is being upgraded to synthetic turf.

In recent years, Joseph Hensley Park has undergone significant renovations to improve its facilities and enhance safety measures. The park renovation project, estimated at over $11 million, includes upgrades such as addressing stormwater and site drainage issues, increasing parking capacity, upgrading sports lighting, and improving site circulation and ADA access. The project also includes the addition of a play space, a second park shelter, and a multi-use court/performance space.

To ensure the safety of both park users and nearby traffic, the park is implementing new safety features. This includes the installation of 30-foot netting and fencing around the athletic fields to protect adjacent roadways from errant balls during games and practices.

The park serves as a vital recreational space for the Alexandria community, hosting various sports activities including adult sports leagues, high school softball teams, soccer associations, and lacrosse practices.