Martha Walker Park Development is now complete in southwest Arlington. Martha Walker Park, a 13-acre, heavily wooded site located at 7509 Sharon Lee Drive, is now open and ready to be explored. A ground breaking ceremony was held December 17, 2015 and construction started January of this year.

The park is named after Martha Walker, an instrumental part of the city's success and the first female elected to the Arlington City Council. She served on the City Council from 1972 to 1982. Walker helped found the Fielder Museum, helped plan the Fourth of July celebration from 1974 to 1976 and volunteered in various church, school and Chamber of Commerce activities.

' My wish is for children of all ages to enjoy the park,' Martha Walker said. ' Thank you, Arlington.'

The park, largely paid for by park fees, offers new playground and fitness equipment and new hike and bike concrete trails that give patrons the opportunity to explore the wooded and open areas of the park.

' Besides several new amenities, the park offers a playground area located strategically to take advantage of the existing shade trees,' said Mitali Mandlekar, Park Project Manager and Landscape Architect for Arlington Parks and Recreation. ' Great care was taken to protect the mature shade trees during construction. The playground area offers play equipment with integral shade canopies for two age groups, fitness equipment, picnic tables, benches and a water fountain.'

A park dedication is scheduled for 2 p.m. October 20.

For more information about the park system, visit the park finder here.