The Listening Forums provide a chance for residents and park service users to speak face-to-face with Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr. on the park topics of their choice. If you were unable to attend the Listening Forum in your area, you may provide comment via our online form. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROVIDENCE DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: MAY 2009
Fairfax County Park Authority Director, John Dargle, Jr., convened a Listening Forum in Providence District at Oak Marr RECenter on May 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. Citizens and long time park friends were in attendance. Staff representing FCPA divisions attended.
ISSUE: Non-emergency crime
- Vandalism around garden plot areas was discussed. The Town of Vienna has been dealing with this.
- Friends groups have put up signs with the non-emergency police number.
- Staff will meet with police chief if necessary. Keep FCPA informed.
ISSUE: Oakton Schoolhouse
- Compliments on the schoolhouse. A concern about a turn into property. Suggestion to lobby VDOT in terms of entrance road issues.
ISSUE: Equestrian interests
- Laurel Hill horse facility has parking problems in the lot
- The first ring needs attention
- There are no riding facilities on county parkland.
- There are business opportunities for county to allow private venders to give lessons on county land.
- There are no riding lessons or camps.
- Members of Fairfax for Horses are working with park staff on opportunities.
ISSUE: Cross County Trail
- Many happy trail users.
- Would like to see more natural surface trails.
- Applaud the partnership with the county and volunteers.
ISSUE: Laurel Hill Growth
- Fastest growing area in county
- Challenges for community with BRAC will be important and impact our parks and facilities
- Improving the network of trails in Laurel Hill
ISSUE: Jeb Stuart Park
- In the Bailey's Crossroads area
- General discussion about Master Plan amendment in relation to the lights
- Fenced off for soft ball field; criticism of the need with reference to Title IX
- Call to rescue the forest surrounding the field and specifically to rid the area of invasive plants.
ISSUE: Land Acquisition
- A former Park Authority Board Member and park enthusiast, Fred Crabtree, advocated for aggressive land acquisition.
- History of land acquisition was touched upon from various sources such as proffers.
- The development of Tyson's was discussed. The importance of the concept of urban parks was debated.
The Director summarized the evening's discussion. He asked what FCPA could do?
Asked the participants to help the Park Authority by advocating for parks.
Stressed the need to reposition ourselves to a higher place in the county's quality of life.
We will be a part of the critical needs.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES MASON DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: APRIL 2009
A small group of park enthusiasts, customers and members of Friends organizations from around the county gathered at Green Spring Gardens to discuss issues of concern to them with the director and Mason District representative, Frank Vajda. Representatives from Resource Management Division, Park Services, Park Operations and the Public Information Office attended as well as managers of park facilities in Mason District.
This meeting was held at the height of the budget discussions; therefore, the cuts the Parks had to take; suggestions for raising money, and the budget in general were the overwhelming issues of interest that evening.
ISSUE: Restoration of FY 2010 funds
- Of original required 15% General Fund reductions, $825,840 was restored to Park Authority budget by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, April 27, 2009
- Restoration of 11 positions at lakefront parks was included in restoration of funding
- General criticism that the majority of cuts were coming from Resource Management Division (RMD) sites
- Concerns about using donations for staff retention
ISSUE: Discussion about restoration of funding and fees
- Revisit gate fees
- Questions about the use funds and revenue at RMD sites
- Importance of the education which takes place at the RMD sites.
- How to increase donations for specific purposes
- Could Friends groups earmark subsidizing certain salaries?
It was determined later that funding for positions by Friends group was allowable. For more information contact the appropriate site manager.
ISSUE: Field positions vs. headquarter positions
- Discussion of how and why decisions were made to cut positions
- Explanation of positions that were cut.
Director Dargle pointed out that it wasn't a lack of appreciation for or a perceived lack of importance of the RMD staff. The cuts were mandated in the General Fund and therefore tended to hit that division hardest. However, original reductions and reductions taken since have resulted in staff cutbacks across the board and the absorption of positions into the revenue fund when possible. Each and every division in the Park Authority has been impacted by cuts. Currently, an assessment is underway to determine if some cuts are simply too deep and need to be revisited.
ISSUE: General Fund and Revenue Fund
- The importance of educating the public and especially members of advocacy groups such as Friends groups on the sources of funds was made clear.
- Bring the budget process for the parks to the public through presentations to Friends Groups, citizen associations, councils and the federation
- Encourage proactive involvement in budget process
The discussion continued and the Director took the opportunity to go into funding specifics:
- Explanation of General Fund and Revenue Fund
- Explanation of 170 or Revenue Fund
- Bond usage and capital project funding
- Discussion of the evolution of the old conservation and education divisions to RMD
- The need to move RMD towards becoming revenue producing division.
Other discussion ensued with these suggestions and requests:
- Constituents encouraged the Park Authority to lobby the Board of Supervisors much as Fire and Rescue and Fairfax County Public Schools do. Similarly, Director Dargle encouraged constituents to speak to their elected officials about funding priorities.
- Advocating for the Cold War Museum
- Advocating for the Sportsplex
- Add a tax specifically for the parks
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