PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION – ANNUAL UPDATE

Public Spaces Master Plan - Implementation Advisory Committee April 2021

1 AGENDA

. Introduction:

o PSMP-IAC Co-Chairs Updates o Virtual Meeting Ground Rules . Public Comment . County Board Guidance - Progress . Selected Recommendations – Progress . Next Steps

2 MEETING GROUND RULES

. Thank you for being here! . This meeting is being recorded . Public comments go first . For this meeting, please: Mute your microphone unless you are o speaking Raise your hand using the “raise hand” o feature to ask questions If you’re on a phone, dial “*6” to mute and o unmute yourself

o Use the “Chat” option for technical issues o Do not interrupt Committee’s discussion Presentation and meeting recording will be o posted on the PSMP-IAC website 3 PUBLIC COMMENT

4 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE – QUICK UPDATES

TASKS ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE Kick-off meeting- October 1, 2019, 8 Appoint the PSMP Implementation Advisory Committee (PSMP-IAC) meetings so far Initiated in Spring 2020, anticipated Refine the Casual Use Space concept (Action Steps 1.3.1, 1.3.2 page 61) completion Fall 2021 Initiated in Summer 2020, Update the Natural Resources Management & Urban Forest Master Plans 1st Virtual feedback completed in (Priority Action 10, Action 3.1., page 96) November/December 2020

Field availability & utilization (Priority Action 4, Action Step 1.2.5., page 60) Virtual engagement held in early 2021

Update the County’s zoning regulations as they relate to parks and public Anticipated kickoff with the PSMP-IAC spaces (Action Step 1.5.10., page 68) Spring 2021

Review options and identify a preferred formal process for adding lights to TBD athletic fields (Action Step 1.5.5., page 67)

5 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE - PROGRESS PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN-IMPLEMENTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PSMP-IAC) Progress: . The PSMP-IAC was appointed by the Membership: County Manager in Fall 2019 . Co-Chairs: o Bill Ross, Park and Recreation Commission . 8 meetings held so far (4 virtual) o Jane Rudolph, Department of Parks and Recreation . Arlington Public Schools: Bill Gillen . Bicycle Advisory Committee: Elizabeth Kiker Next Steps: . Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission (C2E2): TBD . . Economic Development Commission: Daron Coates Spring/Summer Topics: . Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission: Peter Robertson o field availability & utilization . Forestry and Natural Resources Commission: Caroline Haynes mountain biking . Park and Recreation Commission: Sergio Enriquez o . Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Andrea Walker o casual use spaces . Planning Commission: Jane Siegel o zoning study . Sports Commission: Nancy Sharkey . Department of Parks and Recreation designee: Erik Beach

6 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE - PROGRESS FIELD AVAILABILITY & UTILIZATION PSMP Recommendation: Priority Action 4 1.2.5. Analyze athletic field utilization to improve data on the current use and assess future athletic field needs. The County will work with the community to determine a set of use assumptions that will enable consistent evaluation of field utilization and capacity. This will be used in conjunction with the Level of Service recommendations (see 1.2.4.).

Progress: . 2 meetings with the PSMP-IAC . Online engagement conducted in early 2021, with input from 107 participants . Feedback is posted online

Next Steps: . Present the results of online feedback to the PSMP-IAC in Spring 2021 . Beginning of a framework for Athletic Field Availability and Utilization . Additional public engagements in Summer/Fall 2021 7 CASUAL USE SPACES PSMP Recommendations: Priority Action 5: 1.3. Ensure access to spaces that are intentionally designed to support casual, impromptu use and connection with nature. 1.3.1. Undertake an inventory of casual use spaces to better understand their distribution and gaps. Casual use space is a new concept, and as such, has not been inventoried. Further refining this concept should enable an inventory to be completed. Progress: 1.3.2. Explore opportunities to develop . Worked with the PSMP-IAC to inventory casual use standards for casual use spaces. spaces & discuss the concept/definition revisions As this concept is new and there is no inventory . Incorporated casual use space concept in various park or benchmarking data available, the County master plans and site plans should explore ways to develop standards for casual use spaces. Next Steps: 1.3.3. When developing plans for public . Finalizing Inventory (Summer/Fall 2021) spaces, include intentionally designed . Potentially refining the concept (Fall 2021) casual use spaces where appropriate. . Exploring standards (Fall 2021) 8 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE - PROGRESS FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

PSMP Recommendation: Priority Action 10 3.1. Update the Urban Forest Master Plan and the Natural Resources Management Plan through a combined process.

Progress: . Project kickoff in Summer 2020 . Benchmarking 6 jurisdictions completed in February 2021 . First public engagement held in November/December 2020 1,018 submissions from 576 individuals . Focus groups held December 2020 to February 2021 with 28 stakeholder groups

Next Steps: . Draft FNRP Plan anticipated in Fall 2021

9 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE - PROGRESS ZONING ORDINANCE STUDY

PSMP Recommendation: 1.5.10. Review and consider updating the County’s zoning regulations related to parks and public spaces in “S-3A” and “PS” districts, and other County codes as needed, related to setbacks, athletic field and other lighting, parking and parking options, dog parks and dog runs, signage, height, water features, fencing and temporary use of public and private property as public space.

Progress: . Initial review & research . Coordination with CPHD

Next Steps: . Present approach & Timeline to the PSMP-IAC in Spring 2021

10 COUNTY BOARD GUIDANCE - PROGRESS FIELD LIGHTING PROCESS

PSMP Recommendation: Action Step 1.5.5.: Define a transparent civic engagement process for adding lights to athletic fields.

Progress: . N/A

Next Steps: . Contingent upon the Zoning Study

11 SELECTED PSMP RECOMMENDATIONS PROGRESS

12 PSMP CONTAINS 200+ RECOMMENDATIONS

Progress: . Tracking of progress & responsibilities . PSMP-IAC regular meetings

Next Steps: . Continuing collaboration with other County departments & APS on implementation & regular updates to the PSMP-IAC

13 PUBLIC SPACES ENVISIONED IN PLANS

Site plans w/public spaces approved since April 2020 (various PSMP Recommendations: construction & easement timelines): . Priority Action 1: 1.1. Add at least 30 acres of Future privately owned Address Estimated SP Approved by new public space over the next 10 years. public space Acres the County Board Artis Senior Living 2134 N. Taylor St. 0.23 April 2020 . Priority Action 2: 1.1.2. Secure or expand the public spaces envisioned by sector, corridor Fairfax Drive #SP 386 3901 Fairfax Dr. 0.19 November 2020 and other plans adopted by the County Board Crystal City Gateway Park 1.25 November 2020 — including the Clarendon Sector Plan, (land conveyance) Virginia Square Plan, Courthouse Sector Plan, Ames Center 1820 Fort Myer Dr. 0.17 January 2021 Rosslyn Sector Plan, Crystal City Sector Plan Courthouse Landmark 2050 Wilson Blvd. 0.22 March 2021 and Columbia Pike Form Based Codes — and Block SP #457 ensure they provide amenities that meet Crystal City Water Park 1601 & 1505 Crystal Dr 1.4 March 2021 County needs. SP #167 Total: 3.46

Anticipated site plans to be considered by the County Board in near future:

Associated Site Plan (SP) Address

Potomac Yards Landbay C Along Potomac Ave. between 29th and 33rd St. S.

PenPlace SP #105 Bordered by Army Navy Dr., S. Eads St., 12th St. S. and S. Fern St. 14 PICKLEBALL

PSMP Recommendation: 1.4.3. Establish a dedicated pickleball facility to meet the growing demand.

Progress: . In Fall 2020, 4 new outdoor pickleball courts were open at the Lubber Run Community Center and Park. . In 2021, the pickleball web pages were updated to make it easier for people to find courts and how to access them. Additional signage was also placed at the courts.

Next Steps: . In 2021, 3 permanent pickleball courts will be striped at the Walter Reed Community Center. . Continue to explore ways to use the Walter Reed tennis courts as a tennis/pickleball multi-use opportunity. . Create criteria for adding pickleball court striping to existing courts in the County. Lubber Run Park – new pickleball courts

15 DOG PARKS & RUNS

PSMP Recommendation: 1.2.6. Implement the revised standards for dog parks and new standards for dog runs identified in Appendix III, Dog Parks and Dog Runs.

Progress: . Dog run approved @ Met Park . 2 new temporary dog parks/runs (Gateway Park & Virginia Highlands Park)

. Next Steps: . Proposed a new dog run at PenPlace . Continue to encourage dog parks & runs on County & privately owned public spaces

Met Park Dog Run (rendering) (approved September 2020)

16 ADOPTED PARK MASTER PLANS IMPLEMENTATION

PSMP Recommendations: . Priority Action 6: 1.5.2. Complete the implementation of adopted park master plans. . 1.8.1. Implement the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan, Four Mile Run Valley Parks Master Plan and Area Plan and the Short Bridge Park Master Plan.

Progress: . Benjamin Banneker Park – opened in Fall 2020 . Mosaic Park: opened in Fall 2020 . Jennie Dean Park: in construction - anticipated opening 4th Quarter 2021 . Rosslyn Highlands Park (RHP+): in construction (anticipated opening 4th Quarter 2021) . Long Bridge Park: in construction (anticipated opening in 2021)

Next Steps: . Anticipated transfer of ownership for Short Bridge Park Mosaic Park 17 NEW PARK MASTER PLANS

PSMP Recommendation: Priority Action 7: 1.5.9. Develop park master plans for all new parks or when renovation of an existing park requires a major rearrangement of park amenities.

Progress: . Met Park Master Plan adopted in September, 2020

Next Steps: . Anticipated new park master plans for: o New Park @ Eads St in Spring 2021 o PenPlace (amended 2014 park master plan) in 4th Quarter 2021

18 ATHLETIC FIELDS CONVERSION

PSMP Recommendation: 1.5.4. Utilize the criteria and methodology identified in Appendix III (Athletic Fields) to convert existing natural grass fields to synthetic turf and/or add lighting to existing fields to increase available hours of play.

Progress: . TJ Upper Field conversion underway

19 PUBLIC ART

PSMP Recommendations: 1.5.20. Include public art that interprets the five priority themes described in the Public Art Master Plan: “Federal Arlington,” “Historic Arlington,” “Global Arlington,” “Innovative Arlington” and “Sustainable Arlington.” 1.9.6. Incorporate public art into public spaces in alignment with the Public Art Master Plan.

Long Bridge Park public art concept Progress: . Public art being incorporated into Long Bridge & Jennie Dean Parks

Next Steps: . Continue to incorporate public art into public spaces in alignment with the Public Art Master Plan

Jennie Dean Park public art concept 20 WI-FI

PSMP Recommendation: 1.6.5. Consider adding Wi-Fi to provide public internet access in public spaces that are programmed more than half of their time (e.g., community centers, sports fields) as well as in plazas and other public spaces in high- density corridors.

Progress: . Wi-Fi was added to outdoor areas at 15 park and community center locations across the County. (Summer 2020)

Next Steps: . Wi-fi infrastructure planned for inclusion in future capital improvement projects.

21 BOATHOUSE

PSMP Recommendation: 1.8.3. Collaborate with the National Park Service to develop a boathouse for non-motorized boating and enhance access to the Potomac River.

Progress: . Proposing a Cooperative Management Agreement between NPS & County that would grant extensive County use of the NPS-owned property and boathouse.

Next Steps: . FY 2019-2028 CIP envisions $500,000 in FY2022 for development of management model/long-term use arrangement and $2.245M in FY2026 for final project design.

22 TEMPORARY SPACES/USES & PARTNERSHIP PSMP Recommendations: . 1.10. Enhance spaces with temporary uses and “pop-up” programming. . 1.2.6. Implement the revised standards for dog parks and Rosslyn and Crystal City new standards for dog runs identified in Appendix III, Dog have limited access to dog parks according to the PSMP Parks and Dog Runs. Access Based Level of . 4.3.2. Identify and acknowledge partnerships with individuals, Service Analysis (LOS) groups, corporations and foundations to support defined projects in parks and public spaces.

Progress: . In partnership with the community, 2 new temporary dog parks/runs in the areas in need identified in the PSMP LOS: . Gateway Temporary Dog Park opened January 2021 . Virginia Highlands Temporary Dog Run received positive feedback from the public engagement process

Next Steps: . Virginia Highlands Temporary Dog Run final agreement & construction

23 TEMPORARY SPACES/USES & PARTNERSHIP (CONT.) PSMP Recommendations: . 1.10. Enhance spaces with temporary uses and “pop-up” programming. . 4.3.2. Identify and acknowledge partnerships with individuals, groups, corporations and foundations to support defined projects in parks and public spaces.

Progress: . Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) - a temporary demonstration garden was installed in September 2020 by Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture in partnership with Arlington County. Maintained by volunteers, the Highlands Urban Garden is located adjacent to the Virginia Highlands Park tennis court practice wall. The garden showcases how edge spaces can be transformed into all-season, productive land that builds a vibrant ecosystem.

. National Landing Interim Space (South Clark Street and Bell Street) funding identified in the CIP

Next Steps: . National Landing Interim Space (CIP) public engagement anticipated 24 in summer 2021 TEMPORARY SPACES & USES (CONT.)

PSMP Recommendation: 1.10.5. Consider locations to present temporary public art exhibitions in public spaces.

Progress: . Art of a Snowflake, a temporary interactive art installation, was placed in Bluemont Park from December 21 to January 25. . A light display, The Eternal Sundown, was installed at Long Bridge Park esplanade for an extension of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Next Steps: . Will continue some type of temporary art exhibits at least on annual basis.

25 TRAILS

PSMP Recommendations: . 2.1.7. Explore opportunities to provide a space for pump tracks and cyclocross on a temporary or permanent basis, while balancing potential impacts on natural resources and trees.

Progress: . Staff is researching best practices for managing natural surface trails, mountain biking, and pump tracks . Several commissions/committees discussed impacts on natural resources & opportunities for mountain biking

Next Steps: . Work with the PSMP-IAC to develop an approach & timeline and appropriate public engagement

Pump Track @ Lake Fairfax Park 26 URBAN FORESTRY

PSMP Recommendation: 3.2.9. Identify areas that generate the most heat, also known as urban heat islands, and develop a plan to increase vegetation and tree canopy in these areas.

Progress: . 2017 Tree Canopy Analysis showed heat maps. . Urban corridors are shown as highest priority. . Forestry continues to work through permit reviews, DES projects, and site plan projects, to increase planting of street trees to help abate urban heat island effects.

27 BIOPHILIC CITIES NETWORK

PSMP Recommendation: 3.3.1. Explore opportunities to participate in and join the Biophilic Cities movement.

Progress: . Formed an interdepartmental core team to track progress of implementation . CPHD & DPR staff attend monthly meetings of the Biophilic Network & actively participate . DPR/CPHD/DES staff has been working with applicants to incorporate biophilic design into private and public projects.

Next Steps: . Staff workshop anticipated in Summer/Fall 2021 . Explore opportunities for broader public workshop . Continue to encourage biophilic design principles in county & private projects and plans . Track implementation

28 PROGRAMS

PSMP Recommendations: . 5.1.2. Continue to monitor local and national recreation trends and best practices and incorporate new and innovative recreation programs to sustain community participation.

Progress: . Benchmarked surrounding jurisdictions, Arlington agencies and private businesses to explore best practices and inform decisions on both virtual and in- person program delivery. . Based on national recreation trends, CRD formed the “Super Squad”, a two-person team that designs sensory sidewalk chalk obstacle courses in Arlington’s parks and neighborhoods.

Next Steps: Continue to monitor trends and best practices on both local and national levels

29 PROGRAMS

PSMP Recommendation: 5.1.4. Promote and increase the availability of programming that caters to diverse ages, interests and abilities.

Progress: . Developed virtual programs for tots, youth, teens, families, seniors and people with cognitive and behavioral disabilities.

. More than 1,100 programs were offered reaching more than 46,000 views. These programs covered an expansive areas of interest, including art, nature, history, cooking and more.

. Data indicates that virtual programming is reaching new audiences in greater numbers.

. Starting in July 2020, DPR offered free outdoor “Programs in the Park” in park locations throughout the County, providing 500+ programs to over 7,000+ participants.

. YouTube stations were launched to support youth, families, art lovers, nature lovers, seniors, exercise enthusiasts and teens. 30 PROGRAMS (CONT.)

PSMP Recommendation: 5.1.4. Promote and increase the availability of programming that caters to diverse ages, interests and abilities. Progress: . Launched a new “Polar Sports” program this winter offering sports activities normally indoors or during warmer months (flag football & 3 v 3 basketball) with 2,500+ participants.

. March 2020, 55+ Programs transitioned “60+ Social Café” from in- person meals to home delivered meals, delivering 8,400+ by March 2021. Activity kits to strengthen cognitive abilities and physical dexterity were also in each delivery.

. Elementary age kids can now enjoy Rec @ Home, which brings fun out-of-school time programs through Facebook and Facebook live.

. In lieu of in-person Spring Break camps, DPR offered virtual camps for elementary age community members.

. The popular Families Unplugged programs, which provide in-person family fun, have begun offering Art to Go Boxes for families to enjoy in the comfort and safety of their homes. 31 DROP-IN OPPORTUNITIES PSMP Recommendation: 5.1.5 – Increase drop-in opportunities to allow more flexibility for residents and improve program participation

Progress: . In winter 2021, DPR opened select natural grass fields for drop-in play. . Typically, natural grass fields are closed from mid- November to mid-March to protect against field damage. . This was a pilot program to allow for drop-in use when most indoor opportunities were not available. . Fields included: Bluemont, Highview, Ft. Barnard, Ft. Scott, Lacey Woods, Utah, Virginia Highlands, Westover

Next Steps: . Drop-In opportunities are a focus of the Athletic Field Availability and Utilization process through the PSMP-IAC. . The process will identify fields and times of year for drop-in play throughout the County.

32 FITNESS, WELLNESS, AND HEALTH

PSMP Recommendation: 5.5.1 – Enhance, fitness, wellness, and healthy lifestyle programming and facilities.

Progress: . DPR’s Wellness Committee posted nutritional content signage near vending areas in community centers. . Outdoor, free fitness programs are now offer for teens, adults and seniors. . Developed a new YouTube fitness station that allows people of all ages to access training videos at anytime, anywhere. Lubber Run Community Center

Next Steps: . New Lubber Run Community Center will be open in Summer 2021. The facility features a gymnasium, walking track and fitness center. . New Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center will be open in Summer/Fall 2021. The facility features a 50-meter pool, leisure pool with play equipment and an 8,000-sf. fitness 33 center. Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center NATURE-BASED PROGRAMS

PSMP Recommendation: 5.5.3. Increase and diversify nature-based programs to provide educational opportunities for residents to better understand and interact with natural resources.

Progress: . Virtual programming has led to an increase in programming opportunities with APS students. o DPR Naturalists reached over 4,000 APS students in their virtual classrooms. o Typically, naturalists would visit every first-grade classroom in person reaching about 2,000 students. . Conservation and Interpretation staff have led 230 virtual programs and 167 programs in the park to all ages and abilities. . A nature-themed YouTube station brings nature programs to the community anywhere and at any time. . Nature-themed Park Pop-ups are reaching new audiences.

. Next Steps: . Continue virtual programming as part of DPR offerings 34 PARK AMENITIES LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

PSMP Recommendation: 6.1.2. Collect and review data on replacing or renovating amenities and facilities based on life cycle/asset management, preventative maintenance and maintenance capital budget for replacement and renovation.

Progress:

. A life cycle assessment of nearly all park assets began in 2020 . Approximately 50% of the parks have been assessed in the first phase of the work effort.

Next Steps: . Reassess the pavement condition of County off-street, multi- use trails in 2022. . Continue work with a bridge engineering consultant to prioritize bridge and low-water ford repairs and replacements. . Complete the assessment of the remaining County parks and public spaces and benchmark this information against other notable park agencies in the country.

35 NEXT STEPS

. Present the Annual PSMP Progress Update to the County Board . Next PSMP-IAC Meeting in May or June? Topics:

o Field Utilization Feedback Summary o Mountain Biking Approach

36 PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION – ANNUAL UPDATE

Public Spaces Master Plan - Implementation Advisory Committee April 2021

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