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Great Parks, Great Communities Pohick Planning District: Existing Conditions Summary Demographic Data Parkland Park Resources Interactive Map Listening Forum Pohick Planning District Demographic Data   Pohick Fairfax County District Rank Total Population       1980 Population     71,543 596,901 2 of 14 2005 Population     139,932 1,041,242 2 of 14 2005 Population Density 3.1 per acre 4.5 per acre 13 of 14 2000 Households (HH) 44,925 348,714 2 of 14 w/o Children     55% 63% 13 of 14 w Children under 18     45% 37% 2 of 14 Total Population in 2000 137,166 969,749 2 of 14 White     75.4% 69.9% 3 of 14 Black     5.9% 8.6% 10 of 14 Asian & Pacific Islander     13.2% 13.1% 9 of 14 Other or Two or More     5.5% 8.5% 13 of 14 Hispanic (can be of any race)     6.7% 11.0% 13 of 14 Supervisory District(s): Braddock, Mount Vernon, Springfield Workshop Summary: Braddock District Workshop Summary: Mount Vernon Workshop Summary: Springfield District Maintenance Area(s): 4, 5 Watersheds: Accotink, Little Rocky Run, Pohick, Johnny Moore, Wolf Run, Sandy Run, Mill Branch, Old Mill Branch, Popes Head, Ryan’s Dam, and Occoquan Major Trails and other connections: The Cross County Trail, South Run Download Complete Existing Conditions Report: Pohick Planning District We Want to Hear from You! The Great Parks, Great Communities planning initiative provides an opportunity for each community to help the Park Authority examine how our park system, facilities and services are balanced at the local level. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and ideas. Share your thoughts on BUILDING THE PARK SYSTEM Share your thoughts on RECREATION Share your thoughts on NATURAL RESOURCES Share your thoughts on CULTURAL RESOURCES Share your thought on parks in general Join E-Mail List Parkland Data Total District Acreage: 45,532 Total Public Parkland Acreage: 8,335 Percentage of Parkland: 18.3% Number of Parks: 56 Major Private Providers: Burke Center Conservancy, Golf Courses Parks Significant Recreation Resources Significant Natural Resources Significant Cultural Resources Braddock Park     Burke Lake Park   Confederate Fortifications Historic Site   Hidden Pond Park Patriot Park   South Run District Park     Twin Lakes Golf Course     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 SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM - JULY 2009 Cindy Messenger chaired the meeting in John Dargle's absence. The staff in attendance included: Laura Marquart, manager of South Run RECenter, Charlie Reagle, manager Burke Lake Park, Hidden Pond Nature Center Manager Jim Pomeroy and representatives of the Resource Management Division (RMD), Park Operations, Park Services, Planning and Development (P&D) and the Public Information Office. Several Fairfax County Park enthusiasts from the general Springfield area came mostly to praise the parks and give some constructive criticism. At this particular time the master plan for Stratton Woods, a park and community in Hunter Mill District, was in the process of being amended. A member of that community used the Listening Forum to express her concerns. People came with photos to support their suggestions for improvements on trails as well as other amenities such as the road into the RECenter. In all cases, safety was the major concern. It was noted that record crowds use every aspect of South Run from the fields to the exercise rooms, classrooms and pools clearly demonstrating the popularity and appreciation for the RECenter. ISSUE: Traffic concerns near the RECenter Several regular RECenter users expressed their concerns with the narrow approach road. The narrow road is compromised by cars parking on the side or simply the numbers of vehicles. Reports of car accidents at the corner. In addition to parking, the cross walk was mentioned. Dave Bowden, director of P& D, reported that money left over from the South Run expansion was aside to improve parking and widening the road. ISSUE: South Run Staff Frequent users complimented the facility and service providers They expect the same level of service from all employees Life for many in community would not be as rich without South Run RECenter. Offered praise for the new fitness center as well as the manager ISSUE: Facility Require cleaner locker rooms and surfaces and floor. Clean more often during camp season when more kids are using facility. Excessive heat in exercise area. The issue of leaving doors open could be the cause. The temperature is set at 68 degrees and gets down to 65. Request to preserve racquetball was made. This has been a running issue with users at this site ISSUE: Friends of Hidden Pond regarding budget cutbacks Susan Sousa, president of the Friends of Hidden Pond Nature Center noted she is representing 100 people who greatly appreciate Hidden Pond Nature Center The education offered and message presented by staff for stewardship is excellent The community's concern about budget cutbacks and effect on Hidden Pond's ability to serve the community was discussed A 40% reduction was too much. She claimed there is concern that headquarters' staff was increasing while resource staff decreasing and being asked to do much. Deputy Director addressed challenges of General Fund reduction. ISSUE: Further need to help constituents understand the budget Constituents expressed concern about budget cuts they heard about and didn't understand. The Park Authority's commitment to budget education was reiterated by staff who encouraged residents to ask questions and attend approaching budget hearings. Assurances were given that the Park Authority remains committed to do everything that supports the mission Deputy Director cautioned about more reductions and tough times ahead. Deputy Messinger reiterated that there was great appreciation for the contributions that Friends group make in supporting sites. This includes funding for interns as well as other personnel and items supported by Friends. ISSUE: Trails Trails along certain areas, especially South Run Stream Valley were in need of repair. The steps need to be fixed. Jenny Pate had promised to get this done. Rainbow Bridge is a problem. It was proffered in the '70's when the development was built. FCPA has not done anything to improve it. Photos taken in 2000 documented the issue, and the bridge is much worse now. There is a finger lake that has bee totally forgotten. Great appreciation expressed for the work done on the Cross County Trails. Mention of the Laurel Hill trail where it meets Lorton Road and the RR tracks as dangerous. Staff reported that a solution is planned for that crossing when road is redone. Staff spoke to the fact that the trail strategy plan was completed and available on our website. Again trail users complimented FCPA on the wonders of connecting runners, bikers, walkers throughout the entire county. ISSUE: Stratton Woods The Master Plan amendment process was discussed in reference to Stratton Woods. The criticism suggested that citizens are left out. More data is needed to satisfy constituents. Differences pointed out between Stratton Woods and South Run. Comparisons between Stratton Woods and Lewinsville neighborhood and the lighting used for their park were deemed to be worthless. Staff noted the effectiveness of neighborhood involvement as seen in planning Lewinsville Park. Staff explained proffers to correct misunderstanding of their use. Staff explained field allocation and the relationship between the Athletic Council and Park Authority Board. ISSUE: Miscellaneous There was discussion about the recent editorial in the South County newspaper about the Sportsplex. Comment was offered on the solid waste landfill in relation to Sportsplex and clearly this constituent does not want any project to move forward that might extend or expand the life of the landfill. There was criticism and a call for censure of the staff members on the team that examined merits of PPEA. No comment was offered from staff on the matter. A boy scout and his mother attended to receive a badge. She was most complimentary about the Listening Forum and told of her appreciation of our Park and Recreation.