CHAPTER 3. OVERVIEW OF EXISTING AND PLANNED PUBLIC SPACES

ublic spaces have long been In addition to County-owned land, the public spaces considered a critical element system includes more than 1,200 regional and federal Pin the development of Arlington County’s character. Throughout the past lands and privately held facilities with public access. seventy years, the County has estab- lished a diverse public spaces system Other public space areas within the ic resources are on federal property or which is currently comprised of 1,296 County fall under the ownership of under private ownership. These resourc- acres of park land, indoor recreation federal, state and regional agencies. es – architectural, historic and archaeo- facilities, outdoor active and sports There are approximately 1,052 acres of logical – link the community to its past, facilities, urban public spaces and federal open space, state open space providing a feeling of ordered continuity streetscapes, and cultural and historic primarily along I-66 and Arlington and a sense of history and place. resources. In addition to County-owned Boulevard, and 150 acres of regional land, the public spaces system includes The County offers a broad spectrum of open space within Arlington’s borders. more than 1,200 regional and federal programs and services, including gen- The federal public spaces include the lands and privately held facilities with eral education, fitness, aquatics, art George Washington Memorial Parkway public access. studios, and events for the community, (which includes Spout Run Parkway, along with special programs for seniors, Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, The public spaces system provides people with disabilities, teens, youth, the Mount Vernon Trail and Gravelly facilities including playgrounds, ath- and programs offered by the Point), Arlington National Cemetery letic courts, fields, and small open Cooperative Extension such as environ- and the grounds of federal buildings areas within walking distance of most mental forestry, family and consumer and monuments. State public space neighborhoods. Larger public spaces education, and 4-H. consists of roadways and their rights of provide more active facilities within a short drive including lighted athletic fields, community centers, multi-pur- pose trails, large lighted court facilities, and large picnic areas. Natural areas throughout the County provide opportu- nities to escape the hectic urban pace and enjoy the native flora and fauna. Cultural and historic spaces serve as a reminder of the history and cultural heritage of the community and a vibrant offering of performing and visual arts. Urban public spaces offer opportunities for picnicking, street theatre, concerts, water features, landscaping and quiet areas to sit and contemplate.

Arlington owns a number of cultural and historic resources. In addition, a rich variety of other cultural and histor- Ballston Mall

Arlington, Virginia 23 way, including buffer areas and trails. The Regional Parks include Potomac Overlook, Upton Hill and the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad multi-use trail.

Private open spaces and facilities such as pools and fitness centers are also an essential part of the overall system, typically provided as part of commercial and residential developments or as a private club. The largest private spaces are the Army-Navy Country Club and the Washington Golf and Country Club.

Outside the County, a wealth of fed- eral open space is across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and other local units of government in the Northern Virginia area provide high quality public spaces and facilities to Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center meet demands. Public spaces in these surrounding areas provide additional opportunities for Arlington residents. wellness programs, including Pilates, other community centers, Fairlington A. EXISTING INDOOR yoga, spinning and strength training in and Arlington Mill, are currently being RECREATION FACILITIES classes and with personal trainers. designed. Fairlington will be modern- ized and Arlington Mill will be demol- Arlington has twelve other commu- County-wide and Neighborhood ished and replaced with a new facility. Recreation Centers nity center facilities throughout the Arlington currently has two county-wide County. The table of Arlington’s Public There are three indoor swimming pools facilities, the Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Recreation Centers on the following located at Yorktown, Wakefield and Community Center and the Barcroft page lists the amenities of current cen- Washington, and Lee High Schools. Sports and Fitness Center. Arlington ters. Over the last six years, there has These facilities are operated under built TJ in 1972 and operates it under been a focus on renovating the commu- a joint use agreement with Arlington a “joint use agreement” with Arlington nity centers. Centers at Drew, Carver, Public Schools and are available to Public Schools. In 2000, Arlington built Gunston, Lee and TJ have recently the public during non-school hours. All the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, been renovated. Langston Brown was three pool facilities include a six-lane which includes a gymnasium, gymnas- demolished and a new facility was 25 yard pool, training tank and support tic center, wellness room, fitness room constructed and opened in 2003. facilities. The County’s pools were all and boxing area. At TJ and Barcroft the Walter Reed was demolished and the built in the early 1970’s and are nearly County offers cutting edge fitness and new facility is under construction. Two 30 years old. The Washington Lee pool

24 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan will be replaced as part of the upcom- sium space, swimming pools, outdoor Donaldson Run, Fairlington and Overlee. ing high school renovation. fields, and other school space for sum- Other private pools are located at the mer and holiday camps supporting a Washington Golf and Country Club, The Gunston Park air-inflated structure, wide variety of activities and recreation Army Navy County Country Club, two commonly referred to as the “Bubble”, programs. YMCA’s and the Knights of Columbus. provides a 7,200 square foot, multiple- Marymount University has an indoor pool use indoor space for soccer, softball and Private Recreation Facilities and gymnasium. All but two of these baseball. The structure was recently Arlington has numerous private facilities pools are located in North Arlington. replaced in 2003. The facility is heavily that help satisfy the demand for indoor used but is limited to a capacity of 49 recreational activities, but only for those B. OUTDOOR ACTIVE persons. Because it is heated but not who qualify for membership and/or can FACILITIES AND SPORTS air-conditioned, it operates seasonally. afford the cost. Numerous residential complexes include fitness and aquatic Active recreation and sports are vital The County has plans to build a once-in- facilities and some office buildings offer activities that enable the community a-lifetime park at the North Tract which fitness facilities. A number of private to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The County will include a major aquatic, sports and buildings also use their rooftops for pri- provides diamond and rectangular fitness facility. The first phase of the vate open space or recreation. athletic fields, tennis, basketball and development is currently under design. volleyball courts, and other outdoor This center is expected to be consider- Several private sport and health clubs amenities including playground areas, ably larger than existing centers and is operate in Arlington and nearby areas. community canine areas, running slated to include an aquatics facility Among these are the Sport and Health tracks, a skateboard facility, petanque with a leisure pool, warm-water therapy Club, Gold’s Gym and Aerobic Center, courts and a Frisbee golf course. Some pool, splash area, diving well, and 50 Olympus Gym, Bally Total Fitness, and of these facilities are lighted, typically meter fitness pool; fitness zone with The Center Club. Skyline Health and until 11:00 p.m. cardio, weights and climbing wall; Multi- Fitness Center is nearby at Baileys Arlington is on the leading edge of Activity Centers (MACs); indoor track, Crossroads. Military installations at public agencies nationwide in imple and locker rooms and support spaces. Henderson Hall, Fort Myer and the - Pentagon also include fitness facilities. menting the use of synthetic turf fields School Facilities Typically, fitness centers offer cardio- and the creation of dog exercise areas, Six of the community centers are co- vascular equipment, racket sports, bas- which the County calls community located with school facilities: Arlington ketball, and aerobics classes. canine areas. In separate planning Mill, Carver/Hoffman Boston, Drew, processes citizen/staff work groups Gunston, Langston Brown and Thomas There are five private outdoor pools examined these two areas to develop Jefferson. The County currently uses located in the neighborhoods of recommendations on increasing the 22 elementary schools, 5 middle Arlington Forest, Dominion Hills, number of synthetic fields and develop- schools, 3 high schools, the Career Arlington County was honored as #1 ing standards for community canine Center and HB Woodlawn Secondary Sportstown in Virginia as part of Sports areas. More detailed information is School throughout the year for a variety Illustrated Magazine’s 50th Anniversary included in Appendix F (Synthetic Field of indoor and outdoor recreation and Celebration in collaboration with the Program) and Appendix G (Community community activities. The County works National Recreation and Parks Association Canine Area Guidelines). collaboratively with Arlington Public in October 2003. Schools in scheduling indoor gymna-

Arlington, Virginia 25 Arlington’s Public Recreation Centers

Centers Arlington Mill Center* Aurora Hills Barcroft. Sports and Fitness Carver Center Dawson Terrace Drew Center Fairlington Center** Gunston Center Langston-Brown Lee Center Lubber Run Center Madison Center Thomas Jefferson Center Walter Reed Center

Hours Per Week 75 15 104 62 31 63 66 66 75 70 62 67 80 TBD 1785 + 1970 1965 1975 2000 1950’s 2001 1944 1960’s Fall 2003 1950’s 1956 1948 1972 2005 Construction Date addition Converted from New New Gym Floor New No 2001 Some Some 2002 New facility 2001 No No Major Renovation grocery store1997 facility facility 2002 facility Square Feet 25,479 13,871 25,000 17,000 13,871 15,000 36,688 15,000 25,000 18,000 19,302 34,250 88,917 N/A ADA Accessibility Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Some Yes Yes Yes No Some Yes Yes Gym No No Yes Yes No Yes Small Yes Yes Small No Small Yes Yes Fitness Room No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Multi- Small Small No No Yes No Gym Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Dance/Aerobics Room Purpose Gym Gym Game Room Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Meeting Rooms Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Arts & Crafts Room No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Art Studio Yes Small Small Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Multi-Purpose Room Gym Gym Senior Adult Programs Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Teen Room No No No No No No No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Preschool Room Yes No No No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Admin. Offices Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Front Desk No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes

* Arlington Mill is under design for replacement. ** Fairlington is under design and is scheduled for major renovation in 2007.

26 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES FACILITIES The County’s System Many of the County’s parks have been developed along free-flowing streams. These water resources contribute to the scenic enjoyment of public spaces, pro- vide recreation for the community and maintain important urban habitat for wildlife. The backbone of the County’s public spaces system follows the Four Mile Run watershed, which flows south from the Arlington/City of Falls Church boundary into the Potomac River south of Ronald Reagan National Airport on the Arlington/City of Alexandria bound- ary. Most of the other natural resources are concentrated in the Potomac Palisades along five stream valleys – Pimmit Run, Gulf Branch, Donaldson Run, Windy Run and Spout Run. Pimmit Run enters Arlington from Fairfax County north of Chain Bridge, while the other Arlington National Cemetery from Memorial Bridge four streams begin in Arlington. All five cross the George Washington Memorial As one of the smallest and most dense- Northern Virginia Regional Park Parkway and enter the Potomac River ly populated counties in the United Authority above Key Bridge. States, Arlington County suffers from Regional cooperation plays a key role in providing public space opportuni- The Potomac River frames the north- a shortage of natural areas and other ties to Arlington residents. Arlington, east edge of the community. It is a sites suitable for passive outdoor rec- along with the Counties of Fairfax and distinctive natural feature and a valu- reation. However, the County still con- Loudoun and the Cities of Alexandria, able resource, but county residents tains a wealth of natural habitats that Fairfax, and Falls Church, is a member are separated from it by the George deserve preservation. Its mature wood- of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands, meadows, stream valleys and Authority (NVRPA). The NVRPA owns existing Parkway, under the jurisdiction backyards host more than 200 species and manages 19 parks and more than of the National Park Service, protects of birds, numerous amphibians and 10,000 acres of open space and rec- the green shore of the river but current- small mammals, and a variety of plant reation facilities which are available to ly limits the opportunities for access communities. members from all six local jurisdictions. and enjoyment of the river.

Arlington, Virginia 27 The NVRPA’s parks and recreation facilities include three parks within Arlington County. Potomac Overlook Regional Park is a 100-acre park in a peaceful woodland setting on the Potomac Palisades which offers nature trails, nature center and programs. Upton Hill Regional Park is a 26-acre park that offers an outdoor swimming pool complex, miniature golf and bat- ting cages. The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a 42-mile regional trail that runs from Shirlington to Loudoun County and connects with other local and regional trails. Other regional facilities through- out Northern Virginia offer Arlington Arlington Arts Center County residents access to boat launching, public golf courses, outdoor lic spaces, recreation and cultural and D. ARTS, CULTURAL AND swimming complexes, batting cages, historic resources across the Potomac HISTORIC RESOURCES miniature golf, conference facilities, River in Washington, D.C. The County has a thriving mix of cul- campgrounds, a shooting center, his- tural facilities, from performing and torical sites and special events. Northern Virginia Conservation Trust visual art spaces to nature centers and Another resource to preserve natural Federal Lands historic sites. Over the past 15 years areas is through participation in the The Federal government also contrib- Arlington has gained a national reputa- Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. utes significantly to the preservation of tion for its approach in supporting the In July 2001, the County joined the public spaces within Arlington County, arts. Known as the “Arts Incubator”, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust primarily along the Potomac River. this approach offers arts groups access (NVCT). The NVCT works with pri- The two largest federal public spaces to the rarest of ingredients in a recipe vate landowners in Arlington, Fairfax, are the George Washington Memorial for success: creative space and support Loudoun, and Stafford Counties and Parkway, and the Arlington National services. The Incubator program has the City of Alexandria to secure scenic Cemetery. Several sites within George resulted in an over 500% growth in the and preservation easements. Although Washington Memorial Parkway which number of arts groups, number of activ- these easements are retained in private were acquired in the 1930’s that are ities and monies spent producing and ownership, they are an invaluable way located within Arlington County include presenting arts programs since 1990. to preserve public spaces, particularly sections of the Mount Vernon Trail, the The Helen Hayes Awards now list 92 natural resource areas, and protect them Marine Corps War Memorial, Roaches professional theaters in the Metro DC from possible future development. Other Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, and sections area for 2005, with an additional 75 activities of the NVCT include fundrais- of the . Federal community and educational theaters. agencies also provide a wealth of pub- ing, education, advocacy and outreach.

28 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan Arlington's Public visual arts studios plan for the County’s Water Pollution and exhibition spaces include Lee Control Plant. Two public art pieces Enhancing Urban Areas Through Public Arts Center, Ellipse Arts Center, and by artists Martha Jackson-Jarvis and Access to Private Land: Numerous parks the newly renovated Arlington Arts Erwin Redl will soon be constructed as and public spaces throughout the County Center. Private spaces are located at part of the Shirlington Library project. result from easements. They represent an the Art & Space Studio and Columbia Artist Vicki Scuri has been retained to innovative way to expand public spaces. Pike Artists Studios. Theatres are provide design enhancements for the Pike Park, Welburn Square, Grace Murray located at Thomas Jefferson Theatre, Virginia Department of Transportation Hopper Park and Rhodeside Green are all Gunston Theatres One and Two, Theatre (VDOT) bridge projects along Arlington recent examples of parks made possible on the Run, National Rural Electric Boulevard at both 10th Street North through public access easements on Cooperative and the Rosslyn Spectrum. and N. Courthouse Road. privately owned land. These easements Signature Theatre and Classika Theatre have been obtained through site plans. Free summer performances in music, are privately operated. The County dance, film, theatre and visual arts are provides a prop and costume shop at held at six outdoor venues as part of the Reeves property, the County’s last Gunston that serves as a county-wide the annual Arts Al Fresco program. The dairy farm which ceased operation in resource and regional resource to more events are held at Anna & David Plaza, 1955. Appendix H lists arts and cul- than 80 theaters and performing art Courthouse Plaza, Metro Park, Spice tural facilities. In addition, the County groups in the area. Federal and state of Life Plaza, Welburn Square, Lubber owns several of the original Boundary theatre spaces include the John F. Run Amphitheatre, and Music in the Stones marking the historic boundary Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts Streets. Four of these facilities are pri- of Washington, D.C. when Arlington in Washington, D.C. and the Rachel vately owned plazas with public access County was part of the capital city. M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts agreements. These stones were the first monuments Center on the Alexandria Campus of the erected by the new United States of Northern Virginia Community College. Other cultural facilities include Fort America government. C.F. Smith Park, Fort Ethan Allen Park, With the County Board approval of a Arlington Arts Center, Dawson Terrace, A wealth of other cultural and historic public art policy designating up to one- Fairlington and the Reeves property. resources within the County are privately half percent of the capital budget for Fort C.F. Smith and Fort Ethan Allen owned or on federal property. These County projects for public art, Arlington are former Civil War sites, two of 68 resources – cultural, architectural, his- County experienced a recent surge in forts built around Washington, D.C. for toric and archeological – link the com- interest in the development of public the defense of the capital. Fort C.F. munity to the past, providing a feeling art integrated into County and private Smith includes a late 19th century of ordered continuity and a sense of his- sector projects. Over two dozen proj- building that was renovated in 2002 tory and place. Arlington has 29 locally ects have been completed, including and is now open to the public for event designated historic districts and 51 sites artist Jan Rosen-Queralt as part of the rentals and education programs. Maury that are listed in the National Register design team for the recently opened School was renovated in 2004 and is of Historic Places (Appendix D). Powhatan Springs Park and artist leased to the Arlington Arts Center. Ned Kahn’s “Liquid Pixels” funded Dawson Terrace and Fairlington have by a private developer on a commer- both been adapted for use as com- cial building in Rosslyn. Artist Mary munity centers. The County recently Miss also completed an arts master acquired the remaining 2.5 acres of

Arlington, Virginia 29 E. URBAN PUBLIC SPACES The competition for land is strong and the Capital also makes this a AND STREETSCAPING in these dense urban areas. Thus, very special place regionally and fee acquisition of property for public nationally. Access to the National Arlington has several primary areas spaces is expensive and challenging to Park Service land and the Potomac of more dense urban development assemble. The County has been effec- River virtually doubles the amount – the Rosslyn-Ballston (R-B) Corridor, tive in negotiating public spaces with pri- of public space that Arlingtonians which includes Rosslyn, Courthouse, vate developers. Many of the plazas used can enjoy. Clarendon, Virginia Square and by the general public are actually located k Courthouse is the home to the Ballston; the Jefferson Davis (J-D) on private acreage with public access County governmental offices and Corridor, which includes Pentagon assured through recorded easements. courts as well as a sizable residen- City, Crystal City and Potomac Yards; tial population. The Courthouse Shirlington Village; and Columbia Pike. Each of the sector and other plans for area includes significant public The public spaces and streetscape the County’s urban corridors and centers spaces at Rocky Run Park and Key elements found throughout these cor- includes recommendations to increase Elementary School. The surface ridors include spaces for outdoor cafes, the limited recreational opportunities, parking lot between the county gathering places for community events, improve connections to and from public government offices and the county street trees, benches and other furnish- spaces, improve the overall appearance courthouse building is currently ings and way finding systems. These of public areas, and adjust the balance used for a weekend farmer’s mar- spaces have strong relationships to between open space and the built envi- ket, and has great potential for adjacent commercial and residential ronment. Appendix I provides a sum- redevelopment into a more attrac- buildings and streets. They are vital mary of these recommendations. tive central plaza. Several econom- parts of a healthy environment for day- k Rosslyn is a gateway into Arlington ic development studies of a major time workers, shoppers, visitors and from Washington, D.C. via Key cultural center in this area have residents. The streetscapes adjacent Bridge and Roosevelt Bridge, and suggested that coupling a center to public right-of-ways provide a sense the County’s most densely devel- with an outdoor civic gathering of pedestrian scale, accommodate the oped “downtown.” Gateway Park, space will strengthen the County urban tree canopy, and mitigate the which spans above I-66, is the government complex. impacts of urbanization. largest park in the area. There k are also several small centrally Clarendon is the urban village located urban plazas, Rosslyn in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. Highlands Park, which adjoins the This sector, at the crossroads of fire station and Wilson School, and Washington Boulevard and Wilson Hillside Park. Unfulfilled needs Boulevard, is planned for a bal- include enhanced entrances into anced mix of residential, office and the County from Key Bridge and retail. Over the past decade this Roosevelt Bridge, a central public area has become a regional draw space at the Rosslyn Metro sta- for evening dining and entertain- tion entrance and a boathouse ment. The major public spaces are along the Potomac River. The Clarendon Central Park, located close proximity to National Park adjacent to the Metro station, Service land, national memorials and the park at N. 13th and N. Rosslyn Jazz Fest

30 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan Herndon Streets. Both parks are space in the heart of Ballston. k Shirlington Village offers a mix of currently being master planned. k Pentagon City offers a wide variety residential and commercial space There is a privately-owned park of residential, office and com- and is currently undergoing sub- with a public access easement in mercial development and includes stantial redevelopment. It has an the center of the retail shops at the Pentagon, the world’s largest established café culture, live the- Clarendon Market Commons. office building, as well as regional atre and a pedestrian promenade k Virginia Square is the main educa- shopping facilities and public and is considered Arlington’s home tional, recreational and cultural cen- spaces. The major public spaces for the arts. Major public spaces ter in the corridor. The area includes are Virginia Highlands Park and in Shirlington and Nauck include George Mason University, the newly Aurora Hills Community Center. Shirlington and Jennie Dean renovated Arlington Arts Center, Several privately owned, publicly Parks, Theatre on the Run and Arlington’s Central Library, and the accessible spaces are part of the Washington and Old Dominion largest public park in the corridor, the Pentagon Row development, Railroad Regional Park. Vibrant Quincy Park. Five smaller parks in including an active urban plaza public spaces are planned for the the area will be master planned that is converted to an outdoor ice area along Four Mile Run including in the near future – Maury Park, rink during the winter months and additional land acquisition, arts/ Oakland Park, Mosaic Park, Herselle Grace Murray Hopper Park. New entertainment, festivals, major out- Milliken Park and Gumball Park. public space is planned as part of door recreation and improvements to the natural environment along k Described as the county’s down- a future residential development the stream. town, Ballston has become a called Metropolitan Park. dense, high-rise district at the k Crystal City’s business core of k Columbia Pike, Arlington’s original West end of the R-B corridor. The offices, hotels, stores and residen- main street, is a mix of the old and Arlington Ice Rink project, under tial buildings is connected by pri- new, the down-home and around- construction in 2005 on top of vately owned, publicly accessible the-globe that truly represents the parking garage at the Ballston landscaped parks, including the Arlington’s diversity. A recently Common Mall, will be a primary Water Park and an extensive under- adopted plan for growth will pro- recreational resource in this sec- ground shopping and entertain- vide incentives for new retail, tor when it is completed in 2006. ment complex. Major new public residential and commercial devel- The adjacent future park at the space at the North Tract is planned opment. The major public spaces corner of N. Randolph Street and at the north end of Crystal City. in the three-mile-long Columbia Pike corridor are Arlington Mill N. Glebe Road provides an oppor- k Potomac Yard will be built in phas- Community Center, Tyrol Hills, tunity to add an artist-designed es and includes a mixture of office, Alcova Heights, Doctors Run, miniature golf course to further hotel and residential development. Glencarlyn, and Towers Parks. enliven the area. The stadium at New public space is planned at its Washington and Lee High School, northern end, as a central spine, Quincy Park and Bluemont and along Four Mile Run. The Junction Trail add to the variety area’s proximity to Four Mile Run of nearby recreational resources. connects it to an extensive system Welburn Square, a privately owned of parks in both Arlington and the park with a public access ease- City of Alexandria. ment, is a full-block of public

Arlington, Virginia 31 F. MAJOR FOCUS AREAS nizations and other public agen- North Tract Area Plan Vision: cies to complement direct county New North Tract Park “The North Tract area will be trans- investments and promote compat- The North Tract is the largest capital formed into a distinctive showplace of ible, high-quality redevelopment of park and recreation project that the environmentally sound redevelopment, adjacent privately-owned sites. County has ever undertaken. It is the with a central expanse of attractive development of 30 acres of County- public green spaces and high-quality These elements will be meshed in an owned land on a spectacular location indoor and outdoor recreation facilities attractive, environmentally-sensitive just north of Crystal City and south of that are accessible to all Arlingtonians, overall design with high-quality archi- the 14th Street Bridge. It is bounded conveniently linked with nearby urban tecture, public art and landscaping. on the north by the George Washington corridors and the Potomac riverscape, Key features planned for North Tract Memorial Parkway and the Potomac and coupled with complementary private include: River, on the east by the CSX rail- redevelopment.” k New world-class aquatic and fit- road corridor and the Roaches Run ness center Waterfowl Refuge, and on the west by Following are the adopted general k Four synthetic grass outdoor athlet- I-395 and the Pentagon. vision and planned components for ic fields (at least 2 will be lighted) With the scarcity and high cost of land, development of the North Tract. with concessions, restrooms and this park is likely to be one of the last seating area Five goals highlight the key elements of large community-type park opportuni- k this vision: Public spaces for seating, art, gath- ties in Arlington. There has been an ering and other outdoor uses with k To make the area a model of effec- extensive community effort to develop an “art wall” and waterplay area tive environmental reclamation and a master plan for North Tract recre- k community-oriented reuse. Access to Roaches Run and rail- ation areas and facilities with long-term road overlook involvement of a task force and staff k To establish and maintain a great k Display garden and future opportu- working with a variety of consultants. urban park offering opportunities for sport, recreation and relaxation nities area with an opportunity for for people of diverse ages, interests public gardens, children’s discov- and skills. ery area, adventure play and other specialized recreation uses k To provide convenient multi-modal k access to and within the area, A network of sidewalks and bike emphasizing efficient mass transit features to connect the area to the and safe passageways for pedestri- community ans and bicyclists. The project is slated to be a phased k To exploit the site’s potential as development, with the following fea- a gateway to Arlington County, a tures currently under design as part greenway near the Potomac River, of Phase One: Two lighted fields, cen- and a gathering place for the com- tral public space, open lawn, trails, munity. complete aquatics center with the k To forge creative partnerships with initial fitness component, surface park- ing, with an estimated capital cost North Tract Press Conference private entities, non-profit orga-

32 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan