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
DRANESVILLE DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: MARCH 2009
As requested, staff phoned both Robert Voas and Jenifer Joy Madden who spoke regarding trails at the listening forum. Mr. Voas’ concern was echoed by Ms. Madden. Ms. Madden had numerous additional concerns which are generally summarized below.
Wolf Trap Stream Valley connection (Voas and Madden)
ISSUE: Missing trail connections between Wolf Trails Park, Wolf Trap Stream Valley and Waverly Parks near the intersection of Old Courthouse Road and Besley Road
- Gap across parcel 5, recently rezoned with road dedication and a 6’ asphalt trail paralleling the road included on the development plan, should be constructed when land is developed, though it will not connect to the existing trail on the south side of Burlwood Court
- Gap between Wolftrap SV trail and Besley Road
- Gap between Besley/Old Courthouse and trail in Waverly Park
Suggestion by Mr. Voas to build a temporary solution on parkland was evaluated in the field by Park Authority trail staff and FCDOT bicycle coordinator, Charlie Strunk
- Long term solution involves trail connection across parkland and bridge across Wolftrap Creek, crosswalks on both Besley and Old Courthouse, acquisition of easement on property on the northeast side of Old Courthouse, and trail connection to existing trail in Waverly Park – or alternatively, a trail in conjunction with relocation of Old Courthouse – either of these solutions would need approval by the governing body and funding
- Short term solution suggested by both Madden and Voas is not viable because of lack of available land and the location of guardrail at intersection
- Long term solution could be considered for future funding.
Missing sidewalk along Creek Crossing Road at southern end of Foxstone Park
ISSUE: Sidewalk desired across park – road crossing and speeding issues also
- Would require a creek crossing/bridge to complete on parkland
- Project is not currently funded
- Existing trail on opposite side of Creek Crossing Road
- Probably not a reasonable request at this time
- Project could be considered for future funding.
Trail along Beulah Road frontage in Freedom Hill Park (Madden)
ISSUE: Desire by trail community to construct a bike lane and parallel asphalt along the south side of Beulah Road at Freedom Hill Park
- Partial trail exists currently on parkland
- Additional trail and/or right-of-way dedication would be supported by the Park Authority barring any unknown constraints regarding historic resources – no currently approved project or funding.
- Consider for future funding
Additional trail connections to the CCT and south of Dulles Access Road
ISSUE: Trail users want a loop trail with the CCT through Sun Valley subdivision, a connection from the CCT to Meadowlark Gardens, a connection from Meadowlark to Lahey Lost Valley Park
- A connection to the CCT from Meadowlark will be constructed by NVRPA, another possible connection is on Park Authority land, but the trail would end at a fence on Meadowlark property unless NVRPA opens the fence or an easement is acquired on HOA land
- Fairfax County Park Authority is willing to work with citizens on both the Sun Valley loop and connection to Lahey Lost Valley if a group is interested in building the trail and adopting it for maintenance – current efforts by individual citizens to build trails without Park Authority approval are considered encroachments and are not appropriate use of parkland
Process concerns re customer surveys, swim lane allocations, registration
ISSUE: Mr. Rick Rawson spoke to his concerns about the aquatics program and facility management at Spring Hill RECenter He alleged that staff was involved in some inappropriate behavior/conduct and addressed other topics including
- efficacy of customer satisfaction surveys and asked that the results of those surveys be shared with customers.
- complained that there was no appeal process for unresolved complaints and reiterated previous complaints about site management.
- noted growing dissatisfaction with swim lane allocations.
- requested that customers be told who the instructor would be for a class at the time of registration.
Turner Farm/ Annalema Society programs appreciated
ISSUE: Paul Reistrup expressed his pleasure and support for the work of the Annalemma Society at Turner Farm. The society is ready to keep moving forward on the roll top observatory and that each Friday night when skies are clear, families come out to enjoy a look at the heavens.
- Rolltop observatory project needs to move forward
- Equestrian project work by Park Operations in putting up the new ring and getting rid of the old pole barn was described as exemplary.
Observatory Park – Existing Observatory Building
Park Authority staff has worked closely with the Analemma Society to develop a project scope within the available budget. Staff has negotiated a proposal with Centennial Contracting Corporation to perform Phase I of the renovation work on the building. The renovation work for the existing observatory will be contracted by the end of July for completion by the end of 2009. This work will create a functioning observatory. The second phase, which is not funded, will provide improvements for remote offsite operation of the building and telescope functions. The Analemma Society has agreed to work with the Park Authority to raise that funding.
Observatory Park - New Roll-Top Observatory Building
A new rolltop observatory building will be constructed at the site. The building design is 95% complete and will be submitted for permitting this summer. Funding for this building and related improvements was approved with passage of the 2008 Park Bond. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011.
Equestrian Area
Park Authority staff members are constructing equestrian improvements at Turner Farm Park. Improvements include an oversized state-of-the art outdoor fenced arena, a small pony pen, a trail from the existing parking area, improvements to the parking area to assist with vehicular traffic unique to the equestrian communty, landscaping, low impact development features to manage storm water, and related ste improvements. Construction will be complete by fall 2009.
Funding of Riverbend Park intern positions/ discussion of Clarks Branch Bridge
ISSUE: General concerns aired about the cancellation of the funded park internships which are supported by the friends of Riverbend according to Eleanor Anderson. Discussion about status of bridge replacement
- Reiteration of importance of these interns to support stewardship education goals.
- Enthusiasm shown for reconstruction of Clarks Branch Bridge at Riverbend Park.
Budget reductions have resulted in the elimination of funding from the General Fund for a paid intern program. For the summer season of June 2009-August 2009 (spanning FY2009/FY2010), the Park Authority, has invited candidates to a wide variety of unpaid opportunities and have “employed” 24 interns volunteering for resume and experience enriching projects. Additionally, the Park Authority has received contributions into the Revenue Fund from friends groups directed to paid intern projects for this summer, and so six interns are being compensated from those resources.
IMA Program lauded
ISSUE: Alan Ford, an IMA program volunteer thanked the Park Authority for supporting this program and noted this was “an exceptional effort based on science.”
- There is interest in seeing the program continue and expand
- General discussion ensued about the County’s deer management program and the threat of Lyme disease. It was noted that the county’s wildlife biologist position was vacant and not slated for filling.
Funding for the county’s deer management program was originally eliminated for FY10 as part of the necessary austerity measures due to the current economic crisis. However, $42,000 for deer management for FY10 was restored. This amount will be used to fund sharpshoots and managed hunts. Specific activities for deer management for FY10 have not yet been identified.
The County Wildlife Biologist resigned from the county in February 2009. The position was advertised in April 2009, and interviews were held on May 12. Victoria Monroe was selected, accepted the position, and began as the new County Wildlife Biologist as of June 8, 2009.
White-tailed deer populations continue to increase region-wide, resulting in excessive deer browse to native vegetation and the decimation of many of our regions forest ecosystems and the animals that rely on them. The reported cases of Lyme disease appear to be on the increase. Specific information on Lyme disease trends and status can be obtained from the Fairfax County Health Department.
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