The community engagement process around the modernization of the Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium at T.C. Williams High School begins this week with a city-wide community meeting.
ACPS wants to hear from all groups vested in the future design of the stadium on Monday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Rotunda on the second floor of T.C. Williams.
The meeting will include an introduction of the design firm Hord Caplan Macht, who will be asking those in attendance about their desired outcome for the modernization. The aim will be to involve both the wider community and the civic associations who are immediate neighbors of the high school throughout the process.
Many elements of Parker-Gray Stadium date back to 1965 when the original T.C. Williams building opened. The new design will include a new press box, track facilities and improvements to both home side and visitor’s side bleachers. The modernization will also provide designs for a ticket booth, a concession stand and new bathrooms, as well as a replacement sound system. Lighting upgrades include stadium and security lights for the field, as well as egress and safety lighting. The ultimate goal is to bring the Parker-Gray stadium into line with other modern sporting facilities across Northern Virginia.
The current concession stand lacks some of the basic amenities found in other high school concession stands. Designs will also be drawn up for new restrooms and for a ticket booth, which are missing features of the current field.
As part of the modernization plan, both the turf field and track need to be replaced as they are nearing the end of their life-cycle. The design for the track will include a high jump area, pole vault runway and pit area, long jump runway and sand pit, and shot put circle and landing zone.
Staff recommendations to upgrade Parker-Gray Stadium are based on student capacity. As student enrollment continues to grow, there is increasing need to maintain modern facilities to meet the athletic needs of the current and future student population and the marching band.
Hord Coplan Macht has previous experience in stadium projects of similar size and scope across the region as well as experience in modern sound systems and stadium lighting.
Join in the discussion on Monday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rotunda at T.C. Williams High School.