This essay is part of a series in which we’ve asked Alexandrians to envision our region in 2050.
Learn more about the series and read more essays on the Alexandria 2050 project page here.
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When I think of 2050, I envision picking up my granddaughter, Daniella, from an interactive lecture held at Founder's Park, along the water. When she sees me, she jumps up and runs over to me. I wave to her teacher, and she gives me a smile and calls, "You've got it from here?" I smile and nod. We turn and begin to walk along a beautiful path lined with a sea of flowers of all colors and hews: Phlox, Columbine, Rhododendrons, Serviceberry, and Hydrangeas. Butterflies flutter overhead, dancing back and forth between the symphony of blooms.
Holding hands, Daniella begins asking me questions about what I assume was the topic of her lecture: Oysters in the Potomac. I begin to recount the factoids of a docket discussion from decades prior, while overlooking a crystal clear river teeming with dolphins, seabass, birds, and turtles. Our waterfront looks different than 2021: Sea walls now protect the parks against the higher water levels. But it's hard to believe that there was ever a time it was more beautiful. Waves splash along the sides with ecological habitats moored offshore.
We make our way towards Waterfront Park for an annual and momentous celebration: Alexandria was once again awarded the Best City to Live, Work, and Visit in the World!
At the park entrance, we pick up a fresh fruit and spinach smoothie sourced from our FRESHALX FARM only a few miles up Eisenhower Avenue. It's delicious. A distant memory of empty parking lots flashes into my mind's eye, and I think to myself, "what an opportunity it was to have that space."
On stage stand a diverse group of women and men, proud of the legacy of greatness in the City they all clearly love. On either end of the stage, artists feature the world's finest and most creative art pieces. Some are stationary, others hover by as they circulate along the pathways and sidewalks. Each is designed to be inviting and interactive for children and their parents alike. We both watch and smile.
The ceremony ends and our City Council begins to walks up King Street, making their way past Union and Lee Streets. We follow, passing thriving restaurants, boutiques, and studios each of which boasts long histories of prosperity. I think back to investments as a small business, each with the belief and optimism in what the future would bring.
We pass by an INOVA clinic, which offers preventative and routine wellness and urgent care, complementary of the Landmark state-of-the-art INOVA campus at the other end of Duke Street.
Above us stand tall a beautiful tree canopy, which casts a cooling shade along the sidewalks and in the streets where we are walking. The shade and breeze it creates is a reprieve from what otherwise is a warm Virginia Spring Day.
We pause to visit with an interactive kiosk at the corner of King and Royal Streets. It stands about 8 feet tall and is an obelisk reminiscent of the masonic template. An informational “i” at the top of it the sculpture glows. On each of its four sides is a queue of upcoming meetings as well the status of all matters currently being considered, analyzed, planned for, or forecasted by the City Council, School Board, or any one of the City Boards and Commissions.
"You know.." I begin to recount a story of how these came to be and what they do when Daniella snapped, “I know grandpa!” while jumping the way only a veteran hopscotcher knew how to claim the spot in front of the adjacent side. She proudly says, “Please, tell me about school.” Immediately the obelisk activates, and Alexa's voice begins, “Alexandria is proud to be home to a vibrant eco-system of world-class educational institutions. Secondary school students graduate with core skills in social and financial literacy, world, national, and local history, Civics, technical and mechanical basics, and personal health and wellness self-care skills." Alexa continues, "Students who complete the open-access ALX WRX program are provided jobs and access to affordable housing that support the City’s principal needs, as determined by each student’s passion and career goals. Tracks include Green Space Maintenance, Stormwater Infrastructure Services, Technical Systems Management, Information Technology, Transit, Engineering, River and Tributary Ecology, Urban Farming, Child Care, Education, Food Preparation and Serv…” “Nooo, tell me about my school,” Daniella smartly and sharply corrects the computer.
I think to myself, "Wow, what a list of options.” Alexa apologizes and begins to tell Daniella about her homework assignment, meanwhile a gentleman to our left submits verbal feedback on his neighbors' zoning docket item under consideration. I hear a confirmation “Your testimony has been submitted for consideration. Would like for it to be made part of the public record?”
Before I know it, I hear Daniella calling for me to catch up.
As we continue up King Street, we pass walking tours of international visitors who have traveled from around the world to admire what we and generations prior created. They admire the rich culture of the historic buildings. I glance down the street and see a group circling a hologram of George Washington in front of Gadsby's enjoying chilled Paw-Paws. I’m reminded of how Alexandria history is American history.
I hear, “Dad, over here!” I look to see my beautiful daughter now a grown woman waving to get my attention. I pick up Daniella and say, “Let’s get you back to your Mom. Grandpa’s ready for a nap.”
Patrick Moran is running for city council in Alexandria in 2021. His candidate website is at patrickmoran.org.
