Public Spaces Master Plan

PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN

Arlington’s Public Spaces... Where the Community Comes Together!

ADOPTED DECEMBER 10, 2005 COPIES OF THE PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN ARE AVAILABLE: b On line at www.arlingtonva.us b At Arlington's Central Library b Upon request by calling (703) 228-3322 b Emailing [email protected]

Gunston Park

The Public Spaces Master Plan was adopted by the Arlington County Board on December 10th, 2005. This plan has replaced the 1994 Open Space Master Plan, which no longer has any force or effect. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6 Chapter 1. Past and Present – The Planning Context ...... 12 A. Vision ...... 12 B. Purpose of this Plan ...... 13 C. Progress over the Last 10 Years ...... 14 D. History of Public Spaces ...... 16 E. Related Planning Efforts and Integration ...... 17 Chapter 2. Community Profile and Trends ...... 19 A. Demographics ...... 19 B. Community and Stakeholder Input ...... 20 C. Current Trends...... 21 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces ...... 23 A. Existing Indoor Recreation Facilities ...... 24 B. Outdoor Active Facilities and Sports ...... 26 C. Parks and Natural Resources Facilities ...... 26 D. Arts, Cultural and Historic Resources ...... 27 E. Urban Public Spaces and Streetscaping ...... 29 F. Major Focus Areas ...... 31 Chapter 4. Administration and Planning ...... 34 A. Overview of Public Spaces Management and Services ...... 34 B. Traditional Funding Mechanisms ...... 34 C. Alternative Funding Mechanisms...... 35 D. Open Space Acquisition ...... 35 E. Planning Considerations ...... 37 F. Benchmarking ...... 38 Chapter 5. Recommendations...... 40 A. Objectives and Priority Recommendations ...... 40 B. Next Steps ...... 53 Appendices...... 54

Arlington, Virginia 3 APPENDICES

A. List of Parcels Acquired Since 1994 ...... 54 B. Adopted Park Master Plans ...... 55 C. 20 Year History of Bond Referenda...... 57 D. Historic Districts...... 58 E. Demographics...... 60 F. Synthetic Turf Field Program ...... 64 G. Community Canine Area Guidelines ...... 65 H. Art and Cultural Facilities ...... 67 I. Sector Plan Summaries ...... 70 J. Inventory of Parks ...... 73 K. List of Potential Acquisition Parcels ...... 80 L. Arlington, Virginia Public Spaces Map ...... 81 M. Art and Cultural/Facilities Map...... 82 N. Athletic Fields and Courts Map ...... 83 O. Community and Sports and Fitness Centers...... 84

Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center

4 Public Spaces Master Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Jay Fisette, Chair TASK FORCE PRCR Staff: Jeffrey Marin, Chris Zimmerman, Vice Chair Park and Recreation Commission: Laura Lazour, Norma Kaplan, Steve Barbara Favola Eric Sildon, Task Force Chair, Temmermand, Janis Wood, Angela Paul Ferguson Neal Sigmon, Task Force Vice Chair, Adams, Steve Artley, Kurt Louis, Walter Tejada Tobin Smith, Elinor Schwartz Randolph Randall, Howard Hudgins, Environment and Energy Conservation Wilfredo Calderon, Ward Foley, Kathryn COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE Commission: Dean Amel Holmes Johnson, Elizabeth Lee, John Ron Carlee, County Manager Friends of Arlington Parks: Blevins, Robin Leonard, Pete Feheley Ken Chandler, Deputy County Manager Susan Beaulieu Other County Staff: Jennifer Smith, Gabriela Acurio, Assistant County Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Charlie Denney, Michael Levanthal Manager Committee: Greg Bramham Bill Grether, Derrick Dubard and Chamber of Commerce: David DeCamp Linda DePersis REPARED Y P B Multicultural Advisory Commission: Dinesh Tiwari, Director, Department Bruce Engelbert CONSULTANT TEAM of Parks, Recreation and Cultural National Park Service: Debbie Feldman GreenPlay, LLC – Teresa Penbrooke, Resources League of Women Voters: Karon Badalamenti, John Barnholt, Yelena Onnen Lisa Grandle, Park Development Marcia Finnerty Division Chief, Parks, Recreation and Arlington County Schools: Leisure Vision/ETC Institute – Ron Vine Frank Haltiwanger and Sue Robinson Cultural Resources DesignPowers, Inc. – Evelyn H. Powers Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission: Carlton Hart, Project Manager, Parks, Juliet Hiznay Design Concepts – Robby Layton Recreation and Cultural Resources Planning Commission: Carrie Johnson Geowest, Inc. – Jeff Smith and Special acknowledgement to Toni Historic Affairs and Landmark Jeff Walters Hubbard, former Director, Parks, Review Board: Lose and Associates – Chris Camp Recreation and Cultural Resources Isabel Kaldenbach-Montemayor Sports Commission: Brailsford & Dunleavy – Tim Miller Lynn McCloud-Dorfman Urban Forestry Commission: Marianne Mooney and Alisa Cowen Arts Commission: Susan Nichols Disability Advisory Commission: Bonnie Ryan Arlington County Civic Federation: Jay Wind In addition, Arlington County would like to acknowledge and thank the hun- dreds of citizens who contributed their time and thoughts through involvement with the working groups, public forums and draft plan.

Arlington, Virginia 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable rlington, Virginia is a world- class residential, business neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land Aand tourist location that was use policies, and received the Environmental Protection originally part of the 10 miles square Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth” in 2002. parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the nation’s Capital. It is the geo- graphically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupy- ing slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use policies, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth” in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business. The community is committed to smart growth, sustainability and inclusion. Plans for community growth involve not only mixed use transit-oriented development, but also neighborhood conservation and one of the country’s premier programs in affordable housing.

Arlington is nationally recognized for the quality and diversity of its park and recreation and arts offerings. Bluemont Junction Park Arlington was recently selected by Sports Illustrated and the National Recreation and Park Association as the Sportstown for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The County was selected as one of four communities (the others being Houston, Minneapolis and San Diego) to participate in a grant study awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to investigate the

6 Executive Summary / Public Spaces Master Plan relationship between health and local public spaces for future generations to supports a rich diversity of plants and park and recreation uses in adults age enjoy. This master plan makes recom- animals, and protect and restore water- 50 and older. In the past, Arlington mendations echoing the values and ways essential to the environmental was selected by the National Institutes priorities that the community places health of the community and region. of Health (through the National Heart, on diverse leisure opportunities, while Connecting Community: Arlington’s Lung and Blood Institute) and NRPA recognizing economic and resource public spaces connect people to people to be one of two pilot programs for the constraints. Implementation of the and provide a “common ground” where Hearts in Parks initiative. The County recommendations is subject to the people of diverse backgrounds and also received Innovations Awards for its County’s future funding and resource interests can reinforce a shared identity Arts Incubator and Bilingual Outreach allocations and priorities. as Arlingtonians. Public spaces also programs. VISION connect residents and visitors with nat- The quantity of public spaces is Arlington’s vision for public spaces ural resources and link habitats through a perennial issue in a community builds upon the central concepts of the wildlife corridors. Trails and stream val- as small and densely developed as County’s vision statement that is high- leys have the added benefits of linking Arlington. However, the primary chal- lighted below. Public spaces sustain a Arlington with nearby jurisdictions. lenge in the coming decades will be community and strengthen its identity Accessibility and Inclusion for to address the qualitative issues of our by providing the common ground where Everyone: Physical access to public public space system, such as strength- diverse people can interact and come spaces is, of course, basic. The ability ening the connection between people together to build the meaningful con- of all persons to enjoy public spaces and parks, optimizing the sustainable nections that are important to healthy should be a focal point of design, going use of resources in the county, ensuring community and civic life. Attractive, well beyond the standards of the Americans the involvement of all residents, and conceived public spaces and the pro- with Disabilities Act. No less important supporting a healthy natural and cultur- grams and activities that they support is access for low income Arlingtonians al environment. This focus will be nec- are key catalysts for community educa- and for those living in high density essary in order to sustain the County’s tion, energy and growth. In a densely areas. These elements of the population traditional high level of service while urban community, public spaces also use public spaces as a necessary exten- adjusting to changing socioeconomic protect natural areas and provide the sion of their living space. The County’s factors and an increased demand for environmental balance and relief so vital assurance of well distributed public both programming and natural spaces. to long-term sustainability. spaces will respond to those needs. The 2005 Public Spaces Master Plan The three aspects of the County’s vision RECOMMENDATIONS (PSMP) is a replacement for the 1994 most relevant to public spaces are: The County has a strong established sys- Open Space Master Plan. The PSMP Community Health and Quality of Life: tem of public spaces. The real challenge is primarily a planning document that Public spaces are the unifying element over the next ten to twenty years will be to identifies the major public space needs in the community and critical to ensur- balance existing resources and programs of the community. It is one of eight ing a healthful environment and a high with new and changing needs, striking critical components of the county’s quality of life. They provide relief from the right balance among a broad range of comprehensive plan. As a planning the stresses of urban density, protect competing interests. To achieve that, this document, the themes and recommen- the natural ecosystem, enhance air plan recommends that the County focus dations provide the framework to guide and water quality, preserve habitat that on six specific objectives summarized the stewardship of Arlington’s precious

Arlington, Virginia 7 below that will drive future decision OBJECTIVE THREE: OBJECTIVE FIVE: making. There are also five recommen- Improve Access and Usability Develop and Enhance Partnerships dations that appear after the objectives The community must be able to get to Over the years, Arlington has developed and are listed on the next page: public spaces to use them. This objec- a number of partnerships that enhance tive encompasses ensuring access that the amount of available public space and OBJECTIVE ONE: meets the spirit as well as the letter program offerings. The County needs to Balance Acquisition and Development of Public Spaces of the Americans with Disabilities Act; continue to create and expand partner- The County has a strong system of ensuring that facilities can be reached ships with Arlington Public Schools and parks and recreation facilities, but by multiple means of transportation; other government, private and non-profit the community has expressed a clear, creating more linkages through the trail organizations. This objective is to be documented need for additional aquat- system; and reducing economic barriers met by developing a partnership policy ics facilities, fitness space, teen cen- to enjoyment of these county spaces to guide future decisions, by maximizing ters, athletic facilities, and arts and and resources. existing partnerships, and by reviewing and updating all agreements. multi-purpose spaces, along with more OBJECTIVE FOUR: trails and natural areas. High-priority Enhance Arts, Culture and History OBJECTIVE SIX: actions to attain this objective include Arlington has established itself through- Manage Assets Effectively implementing the North Tract Master out the region and nation as a com- The County has established a full Plan, planning and developing public munity that offers unique, dynamic arts complement of facilities and program spaces along Four Mile Run and in the activities and one that provides focused offerings. This objective involves Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, and develop- attention to historic preservation. This enhancing how the assets are designed, ing strategies for land acquisition and objective focuses on developing a major funded, maintained and managed. the location of facilities. arts and cultural center preferably at Recommended actions include improv- Courthouse Plaza, and on promoting ing program operations, including pric- OBJECTIVE TWO: Preserve and Enhance the the integration of cultural and historic ing and cost recovery, and developing a Environment components in a broad range of spaces technology plan. Creating and preserving natural spaces and programs. is a top priority for the community, to be emphasized in designing a new park, developing facilities or acquiring land. This objective focuses on developing policy and management plans to protect and manage natural resources and enhance the County’s commitment to “Green” practices.

Hayes Spray Garden

8 Executive Summary / Public Spaces Master Plan These five key recommendations should 4. Inventory the County’s natural receive special focus as the County’s resources and create a natural highest public space priorities: resource policy and management 1. Fully implement the North Tract plan. The County lacks a county- Master Plan. The County is creating wide data base of natural resources, a major legacy through development including flora, fauna, and habitat of this new 30-acre gateway park evaluations. These resources need with spectacular views and signa- to be evaluated, their significance ture recreational facilities. The first rated, and a plan developed to man- phase is funded and currently in age and protect them. design. The County should pursue 5. Maximize the partnership with a full range of municipal marketing Arlington Public Schools. While the and joint development opportunities County and Schools already have an to complete the second phase of established cooperative relationship the park. at many indoor and outdoor recre- Community Canine Area 2. Develop a land acquisition policy ation facilities, a significant oppor- that establishes criteria for evaluat- tunity exists to enhance community ing acquisition opportunities and use of these assets when they are strategies for acquiring critical par- not being used for their primary cels of public space. mission of education. 3. Focus on public space as a key aspect of the current planning efforts for the Four Mile Run restoration planning with the City of Alexandria and the Shirlington Village and Nauck areas, with a particular focus on acquisition and major enhancement of public spaces along the stretch of the Four Mile Run corridor from Barcroft Park to the Potomac River. The long-term plan should emphasize the development of public spaces as important recreational, cultural and environmental connectors.

North Tract Public Meeting

Arlington, Virginia 9 KEY TO RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation Page Number(s) Objective One – Balance Acquisition and Development of Public Spaces 1.1 Build North Tract* 40, 44 1.2 Develop a Land Acquisition Policy* 41, 44 1.3 Emphasize Planning and Improvement of Lower Four Mile Run* 42, 44 1.4 Focus on Planning for the Rosslyn Ballston Corridor 44 1.5Develop a Clustering Policy 44 1.6 Complete a Detailed Analysis of Indoor Centers 45 1.7 Optimize Creative Use of Open Spaces 45 1.8 Ensure Potomac River Access 45 1.9 Provide Increased Access to Comfort Facilities 45 Objective Two – Preserve and Enhance the Environment 2.1 Create a Natural Resource Policy and Management Plan* 43, 46 2.2 Enhance Tree Canopies and Natural Buffers 46 2.3 Preserve and Enhance Existing Natural Areas 46 2.4 Pursue Use of Easements to Protect Natural Areas and Heritage Resources 46 2.5 Manage Natural Areas to Maintain Diverse Habitats 47 2.6 Continue to Move Towards More “Green” Practices 48 2.7 Develop and Implement a Green Infrastructure Plan 48 Objective Three – Improve Access and Usability 3.1 Makes Public Spaces Usable for People of All Abilities 48 3.2 Update and Implement Trail Systems Management 49 3.3 Ensure Good Transportation Access 49 Objective Four – Enhance Arts, Culture and History 4.1 Develop a Major Arts and Cultural Center 50 4.2 Focus on Arts, Cultural and Historical Elements 50 Objective Five – Develop and Enhance Partnerships 5.1 Maximize the Partnership with Arlington Public Schools* 43, 50 5.2 Create and Implement a Partnership Policy 50 5.3 Create a Partnership Plan with Managers of Federal Lands 51 5.4 Review and Update all other Agreements 51 Objective Six – Manage Assets Effectively 6.1 Evaluate Controls and Methods for Pricing and Cost Recovery 51 6.2 Create a Life-Cycle Costing Assessment 51 6.3 Create a Technology Investment Plan 52 6.4 Create Alternative Funding Policies and Resources 52 6.5 Create Facility Design Standards Guidelines 52 6.6 Update and Manage all Policies, Guidelines and Maintenance Standards 52 6.7 Implement a Five-Year Master Planning Schedule 52

* One of the top five priority recommendations

10 Executive Summary / Public Spaces Master Plan WHAT IS IN THE PUBLIC SPACES Chapter 2: Community Profile Chapter 4: Administration MASTER PLAN? and Trends and Planning Arlington’s neighborhoods and demo- This chapter provides a brief descrip- Chapter I: Past and Present – graphics are continuing to evolve as the tion of the administration, financing, The Planning Context community becomes more urban. This land acquisition, and planning consid- This chapter briefly describes the chapter discusses the demographic pro- erations for public spaces and a bench- Public Spaces Master Plan. This chap- file of the community; national leisure marking analysis. ter provides a history of Arlington’s trends that influence the field of parks, public spaces, outlines the purpose of Chapter 5: Recommendations recreation and public space manage- the plan and its relationship to other Six objectives, each with a set of recom- ment; and important findings developed comprehensive plan elements and relat- mendations and actions, are proposed through facilitated community involve- ed planning tools, and recognizes the to guide Arlington County toward implement throughout the process. many significant objectives that have menting the plan. Five key priority rec- been realized since the 1994 Open Chapter 3: Overview of Existing ommendations are highlighted to receive Space Master Plan. and Planned Public Spaces the highest public space priorities. This chapter provides an overview Appendices of current public spaces, including County, regional, federal and private The appendices include specific infor- spaces and facilities. mation that supports the plan.

Courthouse Plaza

Arlington, Virginia 11 CHAPTER 1. PAST AND PRESENT – THE PLANNING CONTEXT

A. VISION The ability of all persons to enjoy public spaces rlington’s vision for public spaces builds upon the central concepts should be a focal point of design, going beyond the Aof the County’s vision statement standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. that is highlighted below. Public spaces sustain a community and strengthen Public space is a unifying element in its identity by providing the common Connecting Community: Arlington’s the community, the “common ground” ground where diverse people can inter- public spaces connect people to people where the community comes together. act and come together to build the and provide a common ground where meaningful connections that are impor- people of diverse backgrounds and To fulfill this vision, this plan delin- tant to healthy community and civic life. interests can reinforce a shared identity eates six objectives as the framework Attractive, well conceived public spaces as Arlingtonians. Public spaces also for county initiatives and investment in and the programs and activities that connect residents and visitors with nat- public spaces during the next decade. they support are key catalysts for com- ural resources and link habitats through Each objective is to be achieved through munity education, energy and growth. wildlife corridors. Trails and stream val- specific actions which are summarized In a densely urban community, public leys have the added benefits of linking on the next page and described in more spaces also protect natural areas and Arlington with nearby jurisdictions. detail in Chapter 5. provide the environmental balance and Accessibility and Inclusion for Everyone: relief so vital to long-term sustainability. Physical access to public spaces is, of course, basic. The ability of all persons Public Spaces Master Plan Vision Arlington will be a diverse and inclusive world- to enjoy public spaces should be a focal Open space benefits Arlington County class urban community with secure, attractive point of design, going beyond the stan- through the conservation of natural residential and commercial neighborhoods dards of the Americans with Disabilities and heritage resources, the protection where people unite to form a caring, learning, Act. No less important is access for of environmental quality, the provision participating, sustainable community in low income Arlingtonians and for those of public facilities, the enhancement of which each person is important. living in high density areas. These ele- neighborhoods, and the provision of visual and aesthetic relief in high density urban The three aspects of the County’s vision ments of the population use public areas. An array of public spaces — parks, most relevant to public spaces are: spaces as a necessary extension of their living space. The County’s assurance natural areas, attractive streetscapes and Community Health and Quality of Life: of well distributed public spaces will scenic views, pedestrian passageways, Public spaces are the unifying element respond to those needs. landscaped buffers, historical sites, in the community and critical to ensur- community centers, cultural spaces and These themes were set forth in the ing a healthful environment and a high athletic fields, amongst others — helps vision statement in Arlington County’s quality of life. They provide relief from to make Arlington County an attractive 1994 Open Space Master Plan. Much the stresses of urban density, protect and hospitable community for families, of that vision is still relevant today. It the natural ecosystem, enhance air individuals, workers and visitors from all has been modified to reflect the broader and water quality, preserve habitat that social and economic circumstances. The scope of this Public Spaces Master Plan. supports a rich diversity of plants and wise management of public space provides animals, and protect and restore water- a vital framework for the unique ways essential to the environmental features, character and history of Arlington. health of the community and region.

12 Chapter 1. Past and Present / Public Spaces Master Plan Objective One: Balance Acquisition Objective Four: Enhance Arts, Culture B. PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN and Development of Public Spaces and History The County has a strong system of Arlington has established itself through- The 2005 Public Spaces Master Plan parks and recreation facilities, but out the region and nation as a com- (PSMP), which was adopted by the the community has expressed a clear, munity that offers unique, dynamic arts Arlington County Board on December documented need for additional aquat- activities and one that provides focused 10, 2005, updates and replaces ics facilities, fitness space, teen cen- attention to historic preservation. This the 1994 Open Space Master Plan ters, athletic facilities, and arts and objective focuses on developing a major (OSMP). The OSMP was the County’s multi-purpose spaces, along with more arts and cultural center at Courthouse first comprehensive plan to address trails and natural areas. High-priority Plaza, and on promoting the integration Arlington’s open space needs in a ten actions to attain this objective include of cultural and historic components in to twenty year time frame. It provided implementing the North Tract Master a broad range of spaces and programs. an inventory of the County’s open space Plan, planning and developing public system and a general framework for Objective Five: Develop and Enhance policy direction and decision making. spaces along Four Mile Run and in the Partnerships Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, and develop- Although the 1994 OSMP was a good Over the years, Arlington has developed initial step, it lacked the detail and ing strategies for land acquisition and a number of partnerships that enhance the location of facilities. substance necessary for full utilization the amount of available public space as a decision making tool. Objective Two: Preserve and Enhance and program offerings. The County the Environment needs to continue to create and expand The 2005 Public Spaces Master Plan Creating and preserving natural spaces partnerships with Arlington Public is primarily a planning document that is a top priority for the community, Schools and other government, pri- identifies the major public space needs to be emphasized in designing a new vate and non-profit organizations. This of the community and builds upon the park, developing facilities or acquiring objective is to be met by developing a goals and objectives identified in the land. This objective focuses on develop- partnership policy to guide future deci- 1994 plan. It also incorporates new ing policy and management plans to sions, by maximizing existing partner- tools, ideas and information unknown protect and manage natural resources ships, and by reviewing and updating ten years ago. It is intended to be a and enhance the County’s commitment all agreements. dynamic, living document – one that to “Green” practices. gets used and will allow for consider- Objective Six: Manage Assets ation of changing conditions and ongo- Objective Three: Improve Access Effectively ing public involvement. Its themes and and Usability The County has established a full objectives provide the framework for The community must be able to get to complement of facilities and program wise stewardship of Arlington’s public public spaces to use them. This objec- offerings. This objective involves spaces for future generations to enjoy. tive encompasses ensuring access that enhancing how the assets are designed, The general and specific action recom- meets the spirit as well as the letter funded, maintained and managed. mendations will guide decision-making of the Americans with Disabilities Act; Recommended actions include improv- -- including administration, funding, ensuring that facilities can be reached ing program operations, including pric- operations, maintenance, and capital by multiple means of transportation; ing and cost recovery, and developing a investments -- for the next ten to twen- creating more linkages through the trail technology plan. ty years. Implementation of the recom- system, and reducing economic barriers mendations is subject to the county’s to enjoyment of these county spaces and resources. Arlington, Virginia 13 future funding and resource allocations k Active outdoor parks and Arlington has other public spaces with- and priorities. facilities – These spaces include in the County that are not addressed the more developed park lands and in this plan, including libraries, County For purposes of this plan, public spaces athletic fields designed for higher administrative buildings, and county are defined as: impact and/or group recreational and state educational facilities. k Passive park lands and natural activities. They include managed C. PROGRESS OVER THE areas – These lands include non- turf and synthetic turf athletic developed natural resource areas areas, athletic courts, playgrounds, LAST 10 YEARS and semi-developed and managed major arterial trails and pathways, Much has been accomplished since the parklands. Typically these areas are community canine areas, large 1994 Open Space Master Plan. One of open for public use, but designed picnic areas, picnic shelters, skate the most important objectives realized for low-impact recreational activi- parks and outdoor group gathering in the last ten years has been a strategic ties such as walking, jogging areas. acquisition of open space. Since 1994 (individually or in small groups), k Indoor recreational, nature, arts, the County has added over 63 acres picnicking, wildlife viewing, read- cultural and historic facilities and throughout the County, primarily through ing, non-motorized boating, fish- programs – These include com- fee simple acquisition and site plan ing, and/or minimal human use. munity centers, nature centers, art negotiation. The acquisition program has They often function as wildlife and cultural facilities, theatres, been supported through a substantial corridors, view sheds, conservation and historic facilities. These are voter-approved bond program. The table areas, tree canopies, urban buffers, typically designed for intensive on the next page highlights some of the storm and natural water manage- public use and programming. more significant acquisitions. Appendix ment areas, and non-major arterial k A gives a full listing of parcels that have trails within parks. Nature centers, Urban streetscapes, and related been added over the last ten years. while categorized as “indoor” cen- facilities and services – This cat- ters as described below, are often egory includes the plazas, side- A second important achievement is grouped with these spaces because walks, walkways, broad medians, the development and adoption of nine their primary function is the inter- and related urban spaces that pro- major park master plans and the adop- pretation of the surrounding natu- vide gathering places in urbanized tion of the Urban Forest and Public Art ral areas and local and regional areas, help define and connect Master Plans. The North Tract area is environmental education. major development corridors, and foremost among the adopted master serve as links between commercial plans. Four more park master plans are and residential areas. currently being developed. These park master plans are developed through a

It is important to note that, while similar in intent to the 1994 Open Space Master Plan, this plan is named the Public Spaces Master Plan. The change reflects the broader scope of this plan. The term “open space” typically refers to outdoor lands and natural resources. While “open space” is still used throughout this document, primarily in reference to previous documents or work, “public spaces” more accurately encompasses the full extent of Arlington County’s parks, natural resources, recreation, arts, cultural and historic facilities in addition to the urban streetscapes.

14 Chapter 1. Past and Present / Public Spaces Master Plan ings. The creation of the current GIS Land Acquisition from 1994-2004 inventories has enabled the County to Park Acres Year Acquired maintain more accurate counts of acre- ages and facility locations. However, Fort C.F. Smith Park 4.8 1995 the new system uses classifications Arlington Mill Community Center 1.9 1996 and categories of lands that differ from Fort Bennett Park 10.6 1996 those used in the 1994 plan, leading Mosaic Park 1.1 1996 & 1998 to an inability to directly compare hold- Chestnut Hills Park 1.3 1996 & 1999 ings in 2004 versus 1994. Powhatan Springs Park 5.3 1997 Bluemont Park (Reeves Tract) 2.5 2001 Public Spaces as of January 2005: North Tract 21.45 2002 Arlington County Parks 919 acres Jennie Dean Park 3.05 2002 Arlington Public Schools 377 acres Other Park Acquisitions 11.77 1995-2004 Northern Virginia TOTAL 63.72 1995 – 2004 Regional Park Authority (Arlington only) community planning process and illus- for $75.250 million. These capital 150 acres Federal lands with trate at a conceptual level the types of investments include the renovation or recreation amenities facilities and the general location for replacement of community centers, (Arlington only) 78 acres amenities within a park. Appendix B major renovation or construction of Other federal lands with identifies adopted park master plans parks, and the introduction of a new cultural and historic and those currently underway. program to replace select grass athletic amenities (Arl) 974 acres fields with synthetic turf, as well as Finally, significant park bond fund- Private Open Space w/ funds to acquire park land. ing through the Capital Improvement Public Access Easements 7 acres Program has supported the construc- Numeric and Qualitative tion of major facilities (Appendix C). Comparisons These lands total 2,505 acres, includ- Arlington residents have approved Since 1994, the County has adopted ing both active and natural areas. In $165.465 million for park improve- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) addition to the areas included above, ments over the last ten years, includ- technology to help inventory and man- the County has established a public- ing the most recent bond (2004) age its public land and facilities hold- private partnership with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). Eleven acres have been permanently protected through conservation easements or fee simple acquisition by the NVCT. The lands preserved through NVCT are critical to protecting the County’s natural resources but typically are not available to the general public.

Ellipse Gallery

Arlington, Virginia 15 D. HISTORY OF PUBLIC SPACES Until 1948, organized park and rec- for continued acquisition, develop- reation programs were still considered ment and preservation of public lands. “When there are fields to run in, brooks a responsibility of the schools. The Acts of foresight took the opportunity in which to wade and trees to swing on, maintenance of Public Spaces was a to gain major resources such as Fort the need for public parks and organized function of the County’s Engineering Ethan Allen and Fort C.F. Smith and ‘recreation’ is little felt”, say Alice Department. In 1948, the School enact major policy initiatives such as Letzler and William Hughes in History Board eliminated recreation funds from the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance. One of of the Park System in Arlington County. its budget. The County Board agreed to the last potential large areas for devel- That is a picture of Arlington in the conduct park and recreation programs opment, the North Tract property, was early 20th century when much of the and maintain open space, and on July acquired for park development through County was still undeveloped, but the 1, 1948, the County’s Department of innovative agreements with private picture has changed dramatically. Today Recreation was created. interests. the County is almost fully developed and the thirteenth most densely popu- In its early years, the County man- Today, the County manages, 1,296 lated county in the United States. aged 140 acres of open space, a few acres of public spaces and facilities athletic fields and playgrounds, and including parks, community and nature Back in the mid-1900’s, the County offered basic programs such as softball, centers, swimming pools, athletic fields Board began considering proposals for baseball and basketball. The amount and courts, playgrounds, cultural facili- acquisition of property before develop- of open space grew steadily during the ties and public art, community canine ment drove up prices, preserving “green 1950’s to 374 acres by 1959. In March areas, picnic areas, school grounds fingers” along stream valleys and the 1959, staff completed the Report of and more. A wide variety of programs Potomac River, developing a compre- Open Space in Arlington, which detailed are provided including conservation hensive plan for parks and playgrounds the need for additional open space and interpretation, recreation classes, and hiring a recreation expert to study and park land. Following County Board camps, arts programming and sports the County’s needs. During the 1940’s, adoption of the report, the County leagues. The County is known for its a number of major steps preserved almost doubled its open space inventory innovative approach to planning and open space and provided recreation in to 606 acres by 1969. Several major developing unique parks and facilities the County. First, in 1940, the Trustees parks were acquired, including Barcroft, such as Powhatan Springs Park that of Glencarlyn deeded to the County East Falls Church, Gulf Branch, Lacey features a skate park, youth-sized rect- 95 acres of park land which form an Woods, Madison Manor and Windy Run. angular field and children’s rain garden. important element of the Four Mile The County also made the decision to Other creative concepts are being real- Run, Long Branch and Lubber Run link divergent open spaces owned by ized in areas such as playgrounds with open space system. Next, in 1943, the County and public schools through water spray elements and facilities that Arlington voters approved a bond issue a system of greenways. incorporate public art. The County has to acquire open space and flood control been a leader in its progressive adop- In the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, Arlington land. Subsequently, the County Board tion of the use of synthetic turf athletic County continued to grow and add established a Recreation Advisory fields. The high quality of the County’s resources and programs. Trail networks Board. In 1944, a recreation planning cultural programming has been recog- were developed in conjunction with expert was hired to develop a master nized for its excellence on a regional ongoing transportation planning. Voters plan for open space and facilities for and national level. recreation. approved bond referenda that allowed

16 Chapter 1. Past and Present / Public Spaces Master Plan E. RELATED PLANNING EFFORTS and a final Urban Forest Master Plan k A list of art projects to undertake AND INTEGRATION report including GIS based plant- over the next five years. ing plans. The plan will ultimately The county has a number of planning Comprehensive Plan Support contribute to the attractiveness and Documents: programs, listed below, that support sustainability of Arlington through k Capital Improvement Program Arlington’s development goals and enhancements to the tree canopy. land use policy. This Public Spaces k 7-Year Consolidated Plan and k Public Art Master Plan Master Plan is one of eight individual Annual Consolidated Plan (adopted December 11, 2004) elements that comprise the County’s Public Art • Public Places, Arling- k Subdivision Ordinance Comprehensive Plan. ton’s Public Art Master Plan, is a k Zoning Ordinance and Map Comprehensive Plan Elements: tool for implementing the Public Sector Plans: k General Land Use Plan Art Policy that the County Board k adopted in September, 2000. The Rosslyn Station Area Plan k Master Transportation Plan public art policy reflects Arlington's Addendum (includes Bicycle and Pedestrian general commitment to encourage k Courthouse Sector Plan Transportation Master Plans) excellence in the design of public k Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum k Storm Water Master Plan facilities, and recognizes that pub- k Clarendon Sector Plan k Water Distribution System Master lic art—along with architecture, k Clarendon Sector Plan Addendum Plan landscape architecture, urban de- k k Sanitary Sewer System Master Plan sign and historic preservation—is Virginia Square Sector Plan k k Recycling Program Implementation one of several important tools the Ballston Sector Plan Plan County can use. The policy calls for Small Area Plans (examples): the preparation of the master plan, k Chesapeake Bay Preservation k East Clarendon: Special operational guidelines for commis- Ordinance Coordinated Mixed-Use District sioning projects, and an annual k Plan Public Spaces Master Plan* work plan. This master plan, which *Two other elements are combined guides public art projects initiated k North Quincy Street Plan under the umbrella of this Public by County agencies, private devel- k Rosslyn to Courthouse Urban Spaces Master Plan in the Comprehen- opers and community organiza- Design Study sive Plan. They are: tions, is organized into four main k North Tract Plan Area Study k Urban Forest Master Plan (adopted components: k Fort Myer Heights North Area Plan July 10, 2004) Arlington’s Urban k A long-term vision for public art in Forest Master Plan is a tool to Arlington, Revitalization Plans (examples): facilitate the County’s ongoing k k Strategies for integrating public Columbia Pike Initiative: A commitment to enhance and pre- art into Arlington’s architecture, Revitalization Plan serve Arlington’s tree canopy. The gathering places and natural land- k Lee Highway/Cherrydale Master Plan has the following com- scapes, including federal, global Revitalization Plan ponents: a Geographic Information and historic projects k System (GIS) street tree inventory, Nauck Town Center tree canopy satellite analysis, long- k Priorities for selecting public art range goals and recommendations projects, locations and proposals,

Arlington, Virginia 17 Park Master Plans Neighborhood Conservation Plans Two additional planning efforts are important to the Public Spaces Master Plan: Historic Preservation Master Plan (currently underway) The Historic Preservation Master Plan will be comprised of three key elements. The first is the development of a policy framework to serve as a preamble to the final Historic Preservation Master Plan document; the second is developing a procedure and policy by which to categorize the nearly 10,000 identified historic resources recorded in the Countywide Historic Resources Survey; and the Barcroft Master Plan third element is the development of an implementation framework. WALK Arlington The formation of this plan will Transportation planning for the include review of and integration County places a strong emphasis of ideas from numerous other his- on creating “walkability” and con- torical and current plans, policy nectivity for transportation, includ- documents and processes. A list ing pedestrian and bicycle trails of existing historic resources listed and access. The WALK Arlington in the National Register of Historic plan is an initiative to provide peo- Places and designated as a local ple many options for moving about historic district is included in the community. Appendix D.

Ellipse Art Gallery

18 Chapter 1. Past and Present / Public Spaces Master Plan CHAPTER 2. COMMUNITY PROFILE AND TRENDS

rlington’s neighborhoods and Residents are actively involved in the community; there demographics continue to evolve Aas the community becomes are over 50 civic associations, dozens of citizen boards more urban. This chapter discusses the and commissions, and over 100 community service demographic profile of the community; national leisure trends that are influ- organizations in Arlington. encing the field of parks, recreation and public space management; and have attracted an increasingly var- for its Arts Incubator and Bilingual important findings developed through ied residential and employment mix. Outreach Programs. Arlington has focused high-density facilitated community involvement A. DEMOGRAPHICS throughout the planning process. commercial and residential development around Metrorail stations in the Arlington has a population of almost COMMUNITY PROFILE Rosslyn-Ballston and Jefferson Davis 200,000, and is expected to continue Arlington is an urban county of about corridors (which includes Pentagon City, with slow and steady growth, roughly 26 square miles located directly across Crystal City and Potomac Yards) and 1% per year, for a total increase in the Potomac River from Washington, transit corridors along Columbia Pike population of approximately 28,000 by D.C. Originally part of the ten-mile and Shirlington Village, while maintain- the year 2030. Compared to the rest square surveyed for the nation’s capi- ing lower density development in the of the Commonwealth of Virginia and tal, the portion on the west bank of remainder of the County. the nation, Arlington has significantly higher populations in the age groups the Potomac River was returned to the Arlington is nationally recognized for Commonwealth of Virginia by the U.S. of 25-54 and significantly lower popu- the quality and diversity of its public lations in the older youth and young Congress in 1846. This area was known space system. In 2003, the County as Alexandria City and Alexandria adult populations ages 5-24 (Appendix was selected by Sports Illustrated E). Arlington’s population densities vary County until 1920, when the county and the National Recreation and Park portion was renamed Arlington County. with some census tracts in Metro cor- Association (NRPA) as the Sportstown ridors indicating 30,000 people per Although perhaps best known to visi- for the Commonwealth of Virginia. square mile, making it one of the more tors as the home of the Pentagon and The County was recently chosen as densely populated communities in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington one of four communities (the others nation. The high population density boasts high quality residential neigh- being Houston, Minneapolis and San and the high land costs reflecting the borhoods and award winning managed Diego) to participate in a grant study County’s attractiveness create challeng- growth policies. Residents are actively awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson es for improving environmental health, involved in the community; there are Foundation to investigate the relation- securing public spaces and meeting over 50 civic associations, dozens of ship between health and local park recreational needs. citizen boards and commissions, and and recreation uses in adults ages 50 over 100 community service organiza- and older. In addition, Arlington was Arlington is a highly educated com- tions in Arlington. also selected by the National Institute munity, with 60% of the population of Health (through the National Heart, having at least a Bachelor’s degree Arlington’s central location in the Lung, and Blood Institute) and NRPA or higher, and over 30% having a Washington metropolitan area, its ease to be one of two pilot programs for the Graduate degree. Income is also sig- of access by car and public transporta- Hearts N’ Parks initiatives. The County nificantly higher than for the rest of the tion, and its highly skilled labor force also received an “Innovations Award” state and nation, with almost 30% of

Arlington, Virginia 19 input on the draft plan. In addition, the County administered its first Parks and Recreation Resident Survey and a Youth Survey of middle and high school students. Two additional surveys were also conducted, one related to the building of the new North Tract park, and a Community-Wide Survey of all County services. Major Findings from Community- Wide Forums k Arlington residents want natural resources protected and expanded. k Residents desire a multi-use sports facility that includes both an indoor facility and outdoor athletic fields. k Arlington residents support a state- of-the-art, world-class aquatic cen- Fort Scott Park ter with diving well, leisure pool, Olympic sized competition pool residents making $100,000 per year or ferent from those of residents in that the and therapeutic programming. more. Arlington’s population is racially, demand is highly concentrated during k ethnically, and culturally diverse. About the lunch time period and after work Land acquisition and maintaining 40% of residents are Hispanic, African- hours. Arlington workers are also more the open space we have are high American, Asian, or multi-racial. More likely to favor spaces and amenities con- priorities for Arlington residents. than one in four residents was born veniently located near their jobs due to k Residents’ focus on policy issues outside the United States and one in time constraints. emphasized maintenance, park three speaks a language other than uses, park planning, open space OMMUNITY AND English at home. B. C and development and education. TAKEHOLDER NPUT S I k Arlington’s daytime population exceeds Other important ideas included Substantial community effort has the residential population due to the improving access to trails and the contributed to the development of influx of employees into the County from Potomac River, protecting urban this plan. Formal public input was other areas. This daytime population is open space, and adding more com- obtained through four community-wide expected to reach 322,500 by the year munity canine areas. forums, 15 citizen task force meet- 2010. This differential is important to ings, and over 25 focused working Major Survey Findings consider because a significant number group meetings that met to discuss six k Three-fourths (75%) of household of these non-residents make use of topical areas. Three additional com- respondents indicated they had Arlington County facilities and services. munity-wide forums were held at the visited a park in Arlington County The public spaces and recreation needs end of the planning process to get during the past year. of the daytime population are very dif-

20 Chapter 2. Community Profile and Trends / Public Spaces Master Plan k Over 85% of respondents rated the k 89% of those surveyed reported k America is dealing with an unprec- physical condition of parks they that convenience of location was edented level of obesity and it has had visited most often in Arlington the most important reason for become a national health crisis. County as either excellent (30%) determining participation in recre- k For youth, participation in most or good (55%). ation, sports, or fitness activities. of the “tried and true” activities k 90% of respondents rated the parks, k 67% of residents indicated that such as basketball, baseball and recreation and arts programs as either walking is one of the ways they trav- softball is declining, while there is excellent (37%) or good (53%). el to County parks. 85% of youth an increased focus on individual k Biking and walking trails were, by respondents indicated that they sports and activities such as skate- a wide margin (71%), the facilities walk to the park nearest their home. boarding, in-line skating, and golf. most widely used. k 57% of the youths say that “hang- The hot team sports are soccer and ice-hockey. k When asked how respondents would out with friends” is what they do at allocate $100 among seven vari- the park nearest their home. k With Arlington’s large popula- ous public spaces facilities goals, k 92% percent of youth respondents tion of “Generation Xers”, young “Improvements/maintenance of indicated that a teen complex adults born between 1965 and existing parks, playgrounds, and should be developed in Arlington. 1975, there needs to be a larger recreation facilities” got top priority emphasis on drop-in activities, a URRENT RENDS with an average allocation of $31. C. C T wide variety of active adult sports, nature and productive volunteer k The top 5 activities (out of 54) In order to plan and manage effec- opportunities, fitness and outdoor that residents participate most tively, it is essential to stay current with activities. often in are walking/jogging (61%), trends affecting the field of parks and biking (42%), fitness/aerobics recreation. Some of the national trends k National trends show a consistent (41%), outdoor concerts/music most pertinent to Arlington are: pattern of 40% of the population (39%) and attending performance k The biggest trend is demograph- participating in the arts. With the arts/theater (38%). ic: the large number of “Baby population projected to grow nearly 50% by 2050 and 80% of Baby k Outdoor concert/music (20%) is Boomers” is now reaching and Boomers planning to work during the leisure activity/recreation pro- passing the age of 50. In becoming retirement, local governments from gram that the highest percentage of “seniors”, this cohort is once again Seattle to Miami are making huge households would participate in if affecting how leisure activities are investments in cultural facilities as more program space were available. redefined for the “senior market”. being essential to sustained eco- Other top activities are swimming/ k Baby Boomers continue to increase nomic growth. aquatics (15%), festivals/special their focus on exercise, fitness and events (13%), and attend perfor- leisure lifestyle activities that pro- k The Metro DC area is the second mance arts/theater (12%). vide better quality of life, including most active theatre community in the US when measured by total k 90% of respondents indicated it an emphasis on natural and pas- number of productions mounted, was either very important (52%) or sive outdoor activities. following NYC—but ahead of LA somewhat important (38%) to fund k The top three sports nationwide are and Chicago. improvements to parks and recreation exercise walking, swimming and facilities compared to other priorities. aerobic exercise.

Arlington, Virginia 21 k Higher income levels allow k The current trend in facilities is lars and innovative funding meth- for a wider variety of interests. toward a “one-stop” facility to ods to create the facilities they Arlington County can capitalize on serve all ages. Larger multi-pur- need and want. this by increasing programming pose centers help increase cost- k There is a strong trend towards for “extreme sports” and ways to recovery, promote retention, and “green practices”, with stakeholders explore new trends in activities. encourage cross-use by multi-gen- expecting an emphasis on recycling, k Programs need to be available erational families and those inter- conservation, best building prac- at lunchtime, nights and week- ested in a variety of offerings. tices, control of invasive species, ends when the largest portion of k Partnerships for new facilities, energy efficiency, increased green Arlington’s population is not work- programs, and maintenance are space, green roofs, more tree cano- ing and when daytime Arlingtonians becoming more popular and py, and other natural improvements. can take time from their jobs. expected by taxpayers nationwide. k Programs need to be less struc- With Arlington County’s highly edu- tured, with shorter length sessions cated population, the community is and more drop-in activities. expecting efficient use of tax dol-

Powhatan Springs Park Rain Garden

22 Chapter 2. Community Profile and Trends / Public Spaces Master Plan 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 established 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, The public spaces system provides Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, people with disabilities, teens, youth, facilities including playgrounds, ath- the Mount Vernon Trail and Gravelly and programs offered by the Virginia letic courts, fields, and small open Point), Arlington National Cemetery Cooperative Extension such as environ- areas within walking distance of most and the grounds of federal buildings mental forestry, family and consumer neighborhoods. Larger public spaces and monuments. State public space education, and 4-H. provide more active facilities within a consists of roadways and their rights of short drive including lighted athletic fields, community centers, multi-purpose trails, large lighted court facilities, and large picnic areas. Natural areas throughout the County provide opportunities 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 Northern Virginia 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 federal 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 Activity Centers (MACs); indoor track, Crossroads. Military installations at Arlington is on the leading edge of and locker rooms and support spaces. Henderson Hall, Fort Myer and the public agencies nationwide in imple- 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, provide 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 boundary. 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 Cemetary 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 batting 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 throughout 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 Potomac Heritage Trail. 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 parking, 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 of approximately $50 million. A land exchange between the County and a private developer, agreed on in concept in summer 2005, will bring the County additional financial resources for the North Tract, and the opportunity to build its multi-use facility at a prime gateway location with access to pan- oramic views of the nation’s capital and riverscape. Four Mile Run – Arlington’s Major Park Corridor Back in the mid-1900’s, the County Board began considering proposals for acquisition of property before development drove up prices, and intruded on stream valleys and the Potomac River. In 1940, the Trustees of Glencarlyn deeded to the County 95 acres of land which formed an important element of the Four Mile Run, Long Branch and Lubber Run system. Since that time, Four Mile Run has become the spine Four Mile Run for the County’s largest park system. This major natural resource and rec- and Four Mile Run Park. Two major The Four Mile Run Restoration Master reation corridor has been planned or trails run along side Four Mile Run: the Plan Project is a large scale project for designed not as a contiguous park, but Four Mile Run Trail and the Washington environmental restoration and urban rather as many separate park areas: and Old Dominion Trail. planning along the lower two-mile chan- passive and active, fields and com- nel portion of Four Mile Run that forms There are currently two large-scale munity centers, trails and amphithe- the border between Arlington and the planning efforts being undertaken aters. The major parks along Four Mile City of Alexandria between Shirlington along this parkland: the Arlington- Run or one of its tributaries include: Road and the Potomac River. In the Alexandria Four Mile Run Restoration Isaac Crossman Park at Four Mile Run, 1970s, the Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Project (lower section) Benjamin Banneker Park, East Falls began construction of this channel to and the Shirlington Crescent-Four Mile Church Park, Madison Manor Park, reduce major flooding. This project Run: Vision 2030. Other areas along Westover Park, Bon Air Park, Bluemont was completed in 1980. While it has Four Mile Run that have recently been Park, Bluemont Junction Park, Lubber been successful in eliminating floods, master planned are Westover Park and Run Park, Glencarlyn Park, Doctors Run the aesthetic beauty of the stream was Barcroft Park. Park, Barcroft Park, Allie S. Freed Park, lost and its natural functions severely Shirlington Park, Jennie Dean Park, diminished. The current project is a

Arlington, Virginia 33 design that creates the excitement area to be achieved by the year 2030 Four Mile Run Restoration of the watershed, incorporates and will include the exploration of new Project Vision green design and incorporates uses for lands adjacent to Four Mile “Through the sensitive and sustainable innovative watershed solutions. Run itself. It is an opportunity to guide integration of a restored natural stream b Recreation and Urban Life – economic redevelopment and new channel with an active urban environ- enhance recreational opportunities, investment, enhance recreational and ment the Four Mile Run corridor will be a including creating new opportuni- cultural activities, restore this section place where the communities of Arlington ties for interaction with the water of Four Mile Run to a more healthy nat- County and the City of Alexandria can and appropriate siting of recreation ural state, increase connections among gather, recreate and celebrate a shared facilities. the nearby neighborhoods and create waterfront legacy.” more public spaces for all to enjoy. The b Integration and Balance – create a planning process, including substantial balance between the natural ele- community input, is expected to begin collaborative planning effort among ments of a restored corridor and early in 2006. Arlington, the City of Alexandria, the urban activity in order to generate Northern Virginia Regional Commission, a lively, safe and well-used public the US Environmental Protection resource, including integration Agency and the US Army Corps of with surrounding communities and Engineers to restore a more natural urban development efforts. setting to this area, promote stream b Access and Connectivity – create health, improve water quality, enhance a place for people to reconnect riparian habitats, and expand opportu- with water and nature within an nities for public recreation and interac- urban context, including pedestrian tion with this valuable resource. and bicycle access, connectivity The guiding principles for the project between the two localities, and are: access to all who wish to use it. b Flood protection – provide protec- b Education and Interaction – pro- tion for a minimum 100-year flood vide interpretive opportunities to event, considering the current inform the public about the stream extents of the area and protection corridor and its interrelatedness. for areas currently not protected. The Shirlington Crescent Four Mile b Environment – create a dynami- Run: Vision 2030 project is the sec- cally stable stream channel with ond of a two-part, area-wide land use improved corridor habitat and study to improve the Nauck, Shirlington ecology and upstream strategies to Road, and South Four Mile Run Drive improve water quality. area, with emphasis on sectors cur- b Aesthetics and Design – improve rently in light industrial use and on aesthetics and view shed oppor- the growing inventory of public spaces tunities throughout the corridor, and facilities. This planning process including encouraging urban will establish a long-term vision for this

34 Chapter 3. Overview of Existing and Planned Public Spaces / Public Spaces Master Plan CHAPTER 4. ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING

he management of Arlington’s The County Board appoints several key advisory public spaces requires attention commissions and boards with various authorities to Tnot only to the capital assets, facilities and natural resources of the advise them on public space issues. County, but also to the management practices, funding, land acquisition, Development (CPHD) oversees planning A wealth of other public spaces are planning considerations, technologies, and long range development, range of privately owned or on regional or fed- and relationships within and external housing choices and quality neighbor- eral property. Other spaces are pri- to the County. This section gives an hood planning. The Department of vately owned but have a recorded public overview of administration and planning Management and Finance provides access easement which allows the public and findings from the benchmark com- County-wide budgeting, finance, and to use and enjoy them. These spaces are parisons. other administrative support and over- found primarily in the urban corridors. sight. The Department of Technology The Northern Virginia Regional Park A. OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SPACES Services implements and plans for infor- Authority owns and manages three MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES mation technology and data manage- regional parks within Arlington County. ment. Arlington Economic Development The day to day management of the County residents also have access to provides information and support servic- County’s public spaces lands, facili- approximately 10,500 acres of regional es for the business community, tourism ties and related services is primarily parks throughout Northern Virginia. industry and real estate development. handled by the Department of Parks, The federal government, mainly through Recreation and Cultural Resources Citizen participation is a vital aspect of the National Park Service and Depart- (PRCR). This Department manages Arlington County civic life. The County ment of the Army, manages federal County-wide services and administra- Board appoints several key advisory properties located primarily on the tion related to park development, com- commissions and boards with various northern and eastern boundaries of the munity recreation, parks and natural authorities to advise them on public County. County residents also have con- resources, sports and cultural affairs. space issues. They are the: Since many of the recreational and venient access to thousands of acres of k Bicycle Advisory Committee cultural facilities, athletic fields and federal public space in Washington, D.C. k Commission for the Arts grounds are operated by the Arlington and throughout the metropolitan region. k Environment and Energy Public Schools, schools administrators B. TRADITIONAL FUNDING Conservation Commission are integrally involved in the provision MECHANISMS of public spaces and services. k Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board Capital Improvement Several other departments work closely Arlington County’s land acquisition and k Neighborhood Conservation with PRCR to provide related land public space improvements are primar- Advisory Committee management activities, services and ily funded through bond financing and k administration. The Department of Park and Recreation Commission pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) capital fund- Environmental Services (DES) manages k Planning Commission ing and are reflected in the County’s County-wide services and administra- k Sports Commission Six-Year Capital Improvement Program tion related to transportation, environ- k (CIP). The County typically seeks voter mental services, utilities services and Transportation Advisory Committee approval of bond issues in even-num- other related areas. The Department k Urban Forestry Commission bered years. A twenty year history of of Community Planning and Housing bonds is in Appendix C. Arlington, Virginia 35 From 1994 to 2000, the largest single aging 25-50%). It is positioned towards k Multiple Community Objectives – park bond program was land acquisition. the middle range for most of the larger capacity of the site to support sev- Beginning in 2002, the focus shifted urban communities as shown in the eral public space activities and/or to parks and open space development Benchmarking Comparison on page 40. facilities desirous to the commu- and recreation and cultural facilities. nity or to achieve several environ- C. ALTERNATIVE FUNDING This shift in priorities reflects the need mental objectives. The site should to develop what was acquired over the MECHANISMS provide sufficient space to accom- previous decade as well as complete The County has historically used a variety modate the intended uses either renovation of major parks and com- of funding mechanisms to supplement as a stand alone or in combination munity centers such as Barcroft and its traditional financial resources. It is with adjacent open space Greenbrier Parks and Walter Reed and important to continue to make use of k Compatibility with Potential and Langston Brown Community Centers. a variety of techniques such as grants, Identified Uses – site will accom- The adopted CIP for Fiscal Years 2005- partnerships, sponsorships, donor pro- modate and complement the poten- 2010 projects the following amount for grams, capital campaigns, and volunteers tial and identified intended uses Local Parks and Recreation: to acquire, protect and preserve public k Provide Additional Recreational spaces. The schematic Opportunities – capacity of the site, Parks and Open Space Development $68,200,000 on page 36 shows the by itself or in combination with Land and Facility Acquisition $8,000,000 wide variety of types adjacent open space, to provide of funding mecha- Recreation and Cultural Facilities $30,600,000 additional recreational opportunities nisms available. k Parks and Recreation CAPP* $11,000,000 Protection and/or Conservation of D. OPEN SPACE Existing Open Space – value of the Public Art Program $950,000 ACQUISITION site in protecting an existing open Total 6-Yr CIP $118,750,000 space site from urban degradation, When purchasing protecting or preserving a cultural * CAPP is the Capital Asset Preservation open space, the County considers a Program and historic site, protecting an variety of factors. Both a geographic existing natural area or conserving Cost Recovery and functional balance is important a watershed throughout the County. The following Cost recovery is an important indicator k Incorporates a Unique Feature Into criteria are considered: of performance and responsible use of an Existing Open Space Area – k Geographic Location – location of public tax dollars. For this plan, cost opportunity to acquire an open the site in relation to other existing recovery is defined as the amount of space site that offers a single, rare, or potential sites funding for non-capital items that comes uncommon, or unequaled natural, into Arlington (not from the General k Environmental Conditions – com- man-made or cultural and historic Fund or tax subsidy). Total cost recovery plex of climatic, edaphic (soil) and resource for the management of public spaces biotic factors that act upon the k Makes an Existing Open Space is 16%. This means that the County is site and ultimately determine the Area More Accessible or Usable – recovering 16% of the total operating form and survival of its ecological provides additional access and/or revenue from fees and alternative fund- community. This also includes the other benefits to an existing open ing. This is a relatively low percentage as social and cultural conditions of space site, making it more usable compared to agencies nationwide (aver- the site

36 Chapter 4. Administration and Planning / Public Spaces Master Plan ALTERNATIVE FUNDING MECHANISMS

Arlington County Cost Recovery Philosophy and Pricing Policy

Funding Sources

Traditional Alternative Funding Funding

General Fund Philanthropic Grants Partnerships

Revenue and G.O. Bonds Donor Single Agency Programs Development and Capital Impact Fees Campaigns Multi-Party

Fees and Volunteers/ Sales In-kind Marketing Service Partnerships Sales Tax and Revenues Sponsorships

k Provides a Greenway Corridor Which igates the impact on surrounding which includes the cost of the Connects Existing or Potential Open land areas land and any improvements, clos- Space – links other open space k Protects Shoreline and Wetlands, ing/settlement, site investigation areas, thereby allowing uninter- Non-Wetlands, Wildlife Areas, and (includes soil contaminants, asbes- rupted use by people and/or wildlife Other Natural Assets and Vistas tos, lead, environmental), and site k Provides Green Space for Urban – directly influences the future via- security costs (includes demolition, Residents, Visitors and Workers – bility and survivability of shorelines, fencing, revegetation) located in a high density residen- wetlands, and non-wetlands which The County has identified a number tial or commercial area which is act as pollution filters, wildlife of potential open space sites which deficient in open space areas, and natural assets and vistas would be desirable for acquisition. The k Mitigates the Negative Environmen- k Acquisition Value – amount to be list of potential acquisition parcels in tal Impacts of Urbanization – mit- paid for acquisition of the site, Appendix K represents sites which were

Arlington, Virginia 37 identified in the 1994 Open Space up to the current standards of these reg- Master Plan, as well as additional sites ulations. Some communities have cho- identified through the Potomac Yard sen to meet the minimum requirements Phased Development Site Plan, North of accessibility at most of their play- Tract Area Plan and sector plans. grounds and then provide one playground that is fully accessible to children with LANNING ONSIDERATIONS E. P C mobility disabilities. Arlington’s approach Accessibility and Usability to playground accessibility is to elevate Since the Americans with Disabilities the accessibility of all of its playgrounds Powhatan Springs Park Act (ADA) became law in the early so that children of all abilities can play various forms of adaptive exercise and 1990’s, Arlington has been committed side-by-side in their own neighborhoods. aquatic therapy. For many individuals to going beyond the letter of the law This recognizes that play is not only a who have a physical disability, water to incorporate its spirit of the law into physical activity; it is also an important exercise is the only viable alternative. each and every public space the County social activity. designs or renovates. Environmental Building Initiatives Attention should continue to focus on Arlington is a leader in the design and For example, playgrounds should providing facilities that not only are use of environmentally sound buildings. be designed to meet or exceed the accessible by law, but also strive to The use of sustainable technologies to Consumer Product Safety Commission being usable for people with all levels of help minimize the impacts of build- (CPSC) guidelines and American Society ability or disability. Individuals who are ings on the environment has gained in of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards for disabled, in rehabilitation from injuries, popularity over the past 10-15 years. playground safety, as well as ADA regula- heart attacks, strokes and surgeries, The U.S. Green Building Council’s tions. When existing playgrounds are ren- as well as those suffering from chronic Leadership in Energy and Environmental ovated, they are minimally being brought pain such as arthritis can benefit from Design (LEED ™) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based An Example of Successful Open Space Acquisition and Development national standard for developing high- The County’s recent development of Powhatan Springs Park demonstrates many of the performance, sustainable buildings. The attributes that the County should incorporate into planning new public spaces. The new LEED Rating System addresses many 5.34-acre park features the County’s first skate park and a small soccer field, two much- aspects of the design and building pro- needed active recreational facilities. These facilities were developed on the site of three cess. Reduced site disturbance, water former houses, an already developed part of the site and the least valuable part of the efficiency, energy efficiency, construction park for preservation as a natural area. The site contained an early 20th century house and waste management, and indoor environ- the remains of another early residence, which was documented through an architectural mental quality are some examples of the and archeological investigation, thereby maintaining a historical record of the previous design and building strategies incorpo- residential use. The County preserved a heavily wooded area near a small intermittent rated in LEED. While the LEED program stream and removed invasive plant materials, thus protecting the park’s most significant has been around for nearly ten years, natural resource. The County also developed a children’s rain garden contained within the it has gained in popularity since 1998 bioretention area. This allows children to learn and explore the natural filtration system. The when the first LEED version 1.0 Rating new park lies between Upton Hill Regional Park and Ashlawn Elementary School, providing System was released. a future trail link and wildlife corridor. The park received the 2005 Virginia Recreation and Park Association Award for “Best New Facility” for populations greater than 150,000. One Arlington facility, the Langston Brown Community Center and John

38 Chapter 4. Administration and Planning / Public Spaces Master Plan M. Langston School, has been major metropolitan areas. The results recently rebuilt and has the honor of are shown on the following page. being the first public building in the Some of the most significant findings Commonwealth of Virginia to be LEED include: Silver certified. Other public spaces, k including the Walter Reed Community Arlington is the second highest in Center currently under construction and terms of expenditures per 1,000 the Arlington Mill Community Center population. This is consistent with the County’s goal of providing currently being designed have a goal of Langston Brown Community Center being LEED Silver certified as well. “World-Class” community ameni- tenance classification. The functional ties and tracks with the high satis- Information Management and areas are aimed at grouping tasks faction levels demonstrated in the Technology in terms of their common elements. four community surveys. Arlington has an abundance of highly For each classification staff performs k Arlington is second lowest in terms educated residents and has been very housekeeping tasks (curb appeal), rou- of locally-owned acres per 1,000 progressive in adopting and maintaining tine and preventive maintenance, pro- population. This is primarily due new technologies for registration, web- gram support requirements, emergency to the high population density and based services, and scheduling. The repairs and scheduled improvements. lack of available undeveloped land. County needs to continue to maintain The tasks performed for each of these While this number is low, it is off- the priority on these systems to help maintenance types are maintained in a set by the significant amount of maintain the high level of customer ser- database work order system. federal, regional and private open vice satisfaction. Administrative, recreational and cul- space that are available to the Stakeholder interviews indicate a need tural buildings are maintained by the community. for a study that would help identify more County or Arlington Public Schools. k The cost recovery of 16% is near strategic uses of technology for public Services include routine maintenance, the middle. While it is average for spaces management. There are plans to predictive and preventive maintenance the benchmarked communities, create a technology investment plan that and emergency repairs. there is a trend toward increasing will detail the future needs, strategic F. BENCHMARKING cost recovery throughout the U.S. direction, and business systems analy- An average of 25-50% is becoming sis that would clearly define the future Benchmarking is an important tool that common for agencies nationwide. needs and required investment for infor- allows the comparison of certain attri- mation management and technology. butes of the County’s management of Arlington is a unique community, and comparisons and benchmarking are Maintenance public spaces (parks, recreation, arts and cultural and related services) with difficult because few communities are The County’s maintenance plan is truly comparable. It is more important designed to maximize resources and those of other similar communities. For this plan, Arlington was compared for Arlington to benchmark against is based upon functional activities itself over time rather than with other that occur in the park or facility. Each to six other communities. The communities were chosen primarily for communities in order to track whether park, related park areas or facility is the current high level of resident satis- examined for the cultural and natu- their similarities in population density, faction is being sustained. ral resource benefits and recreational income levels, bond ratings, NRPA Gold opportunities and placed in a main- Medal Award status, and adjacency to

Arlington, Virginia 39 Benchmarking Table 1: Demographics and Amount of Public Space NOTE: For purposes of comparison between localities, the public space acreage and square foot totals include locally-owned space only.

Population Average Managed Acres Population Bond Total Indoor Total Community Density Household Indoor Space per 1000 (2003 est.) Rating FTE’s SF/1000 Acres Per Sq Mi Income (sq ft) Persons

Alexandria, VA 131,918 8,562 $81,439 AAA 133 130,000 985 791 6.0

Arlington, TX 332,696 3,465 $47,662 AAA 198 135,000 402 4,581 13.8

Arlington County, VA 190,133 7,311 $87,019 AAA 408 359,194 1,887 903 4.8

Brookline, MA 59,701 8,750 $108,525 AAA 67 37,615 630 1,085 18.2

Greensboro, NC 231,241 2,116 $58,823 AAA 309 346,080 1,496 3,753 16.2

Montgomery County, MD 926,508 1,826 $101,489 AAA 224 N/A N/A 11,000 11.9

Tacoma, WA 206,112 4,112 $50,938 AAA 250 167,185 811 628 3.0

Benchmarking Table 2: Budget, Staffing and Cost Recovery

Total Parks/ Expenditure per Cost Revenues/ Community Revenues FTEs/1,000 Recreation Budget 1000 Persons Recovery 1,000

Alexandria, VA $16.8 Million a $128,900 $1.5 Million b 9% 1.01 $11,400

Arlington, TX $20.4 Million $61,400 $8.0 Million 39% 0.60 $24,000

Arlington County, VA $27.8 Million $149,500 $4.5 Million 16% 2.14 $23,700

Brookline, MA $4.4 Million $73,700 $1.0 Million 23% 1.12 $16,750

Greensboro, NC $27.1 Million $117,300 $3.7 Million 14% 1.33 $16,000

Montgomery County, MD $59.5 Million $64,300 $3.3 Million 6% 0.24 $3,600

Tacoma, WA $34.6 Million $165,000 $7.2 Million 21% 3.05 $34,900 a–Won NRPA Gold Medal in 2003 with Prince George’s County as part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) b–General fund allocation only c–General fund revenues only

40 Chapter 4. Administration and Planning / Public Spaces Master Plan CHAPTER 5. RECOMMENDATIONS

A. OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITY This plan sets forth six major objectives to guide RECOMMENDATIONS he County has a strong estab- policy-making, public investments and County man- lished system of public spaces. agement of public spaces during the next two decades. TThe satisfaction levels from the community are exceptionally high for parks, natural areas, and programs. tions should receive special focus as The real challenge over the next ten to the County’s highest public space twenty years will be to balance existing k Complete the design and imple- priorities: resources and programs with new and mentation of Phase I of the North changing needs. We must strike the Priority 1 – Build North Tract Tract Park Master Plan, which right balance as we continue to main- (Recommendation 1.1) includes two lighted synthetic turf tain this quality of service and level of The County Board adopted the North fields, multi-purpose center with public satisfaction in the future, adjust- Tract Park Master Plan in February aquatics and initial fitness coming to continued population growth, 2004. The new 30-acre park is on ponents, central public space and increased demand for programming and a spectacular location just north of open lawn area, support spaces, natural spaces, and ever changing eco- Crystal City and south of the 14th surface parking and relocation of nomics and demographics. Street Bridge. It is bounded on the Old Jefferson Davis Highway. k In response to that challenge, this plan north by the George Washington Explore opportunities to fund and sets forth six major objectives to guide Memorial Parkway and the Potomac construct the remaining master policy-making, public investments and River, on the east by the CSX rail- plan components, which include County management of public spaces road corridor and the Roaches Run additional fitness space, multi- during the next two decades. Within Waterfowl Sanctuary, and on the west activity center (MAC), racquet that framework, five key recommenda- by I-395 and the Pentagon. The imple- courts, indoor track, two additional mentation of the plan will be the larg- synthetic turf fields, access to est capital park and recreation project Roaches Run and railroad overlook, the County has ever undertaken. display garden and future opportunity area, multi-purpose and walk- The North Tract area will be trans- ing trails, structured parking, and formed into a distinctive showplace of support spaces. environmentally sound redevelopment, k Forge creative partnerships with with a central expanse of attractive private entities, non-profit orga- public green spaces and high-quality nizations and other public agen- indoor and outdoor recreation facilities cies to complement direct county that are accessible to all Arlingtonians, investments and promote compat- conveniently linked with nearby urban ible, high-quality redevelopment corridors and the Potomac riverscape, of adjacent publicly and privately and coupled with complementary pri- owned sites. vate redevelopment. The County should:

North Tract Park

Arlington, Virginia 41 Priority 2 – Develop a Land Virginia Conservation Trust or other Acquisition Policy collaborations are an option for (Recommendation 1.2) protecting these types of resourc- During the development of this plan, a es. detailed review of current land acquisi- k Develop guidelines to foster addition processes and policies was under- tional agreements and partnerships taken. The findings demonstrate the with non-profit, regional, state and challenges the County faces in continu- federal organizations to increase ing to acquire open space in a climate access to open space. where there is limited availability of k Address the impact of new resi- before demolition land, the strong economy has driven dential and commercial develop- up land prices and competition, and ment on the delivery of public acquisition is more opportunistic than space amenities, the potential loss strategic. of open space, and increases in There is a clear need for a multifaceted demand for recreation. This might approach to land acquisition that can include such approaches as fee respond to the impacts of growth and simple land dedication, privately community needs and improve the abil- held land with public access ease- ity to acquire high priority properties. ments, or financial contributions. The County should create an acquisi- k Determine how transfer of develop- tion policy that will: ment rights can be used as a tool after demolition k Develop land acquisition goals to consolidate future public open and give the maximum flex- space. ibility to acquire lands that are k Evaluate potential surplus proper- consistent with those goals. The ties and determine if they should policy should provide mechanisms be disposed of or incorporated into that allow proactive practices in the County’s open space system. securing property, including pur- Coordinate the disposition of sur- chasing options on high priority plus properties between the County sites, paying for the first right of and public schools. refusal, and the use of eminent k Address the need to expand green domain when necessary to secure spaces in the urban corridors properties viewed as critical for in order to provide parks large protection or for public space enough to accommodate active development. recreation. Look for opportuni- k Address the need for natural ties to make better use of existing resource park land that protects public sites, such as the Wilson sensitive environmental areas and School/Rosslyn Highlands Park/ important view sheds. Conservation Fire Station #10 Site. easements with the Northern

42 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan Priority 3 – Emphasize Planning for plan, and in concert with existing Four Mile Run (Recommendation 1.3) plans to develop Shirlington as a major cultural and arts district, Four Mile Run flows along Arlington’s identify opportunities for expansion southwest edge, from East Falls Church of public spaces, including both to the Potomac River. It passes through natural areas and arts and cultural a series of parks that are connected by facilities. trails and, in certain places, reaches further into the County along tributar- k In concert with the long-term over- ies. From Barcroft Park downstream, all plan, develop a master plan it is channelized and urban, largely for the park land and visual and lined by residential, commercial and performing arts facilities between Four Mile Run industrial development. From Interstate I-395 and Barcroft Park, includ- 395 east to the Potomac River, it forms ing the existing Shirlington and Arlington’s boundary with the city of Jennie Dean Parks and the five Alexandria. key, recently acquired parcels. The master plan should emphasize The stream corridor’s scope, landscape the development of the area as an character, diversity of activities and important recreational, cultural accessibility to numerous neighbor- and environmental resource. hoods makes it one of the County’s k Continue to acquire ownership or most important civic assets. The prior- easements for land adjacent to ity is to focus on the “Lower Reach” both sides of Four Mile Run. from Barcroft Park to the Potomac: k Complete the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan in collaboration with the city of Alexandria, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Army Corps of Engineers. Develop priorities to implement the guiding project principles – flood protection, environment, aesthetics and design, recreation and urban life, integration and balance, access and connectivity, and education and interaction. Begin implementation. k Develop the long-term land use plan for the Shirlington Crescent/

Four Mile Run area. As part of the Extent of Four Mile Run

Arlington, Virginia 43 Priority 4 – Create A Natural Resource k Bring together various plans, prac- Priority 5 - Maximize the Partnership Policy and Management Plan tices, programs and options that with Arlington County Schools (Recommendation 2.1) identify and protect the County’s (Recommendation 5.1) The County lacks a county-wide data natural resources. Arlington County and Arlington Public base of natural resources, including k Develop a classification system Schools (APS) have a long history of flora, fauna, and habitat evaluations. of the various types of natural collaboration and joint use of facilities These resources need to be evalu- resources. Clarify and define the to maximize the community’s invest- ated, their significance rated, and a lines of authority and responsibility ment in our public buildings. A variety management plan developed to guide for management of the resources of memorandum of understandings how to manage and protect them. A among county, regional and federal (MOU) and other types of formal and Natural Resource Management Plan agencies. informal agreements have been devel- should be developed to help facilitate oped and are currently in operation for k Create an additional layer for the the County’s ongoing commitment facilities which have joint or shared County’s Geographic Information to enhance and preserve its natural use. The most recent example is the System to identify and characterize resources. The plan’s primary goals MOU that has been developed to allow significant natural resource man- should be to bring together various the County to upgrade school athletic agement areas and habitats. plans, practices, programs and options fields to synthetic turf grass. Both the to identify and develop strategies to County and APS benefit because the protect the County’s natural resources. County receives increased use of the fields and the schools receive much higher quality fields at no or little cost.

While there is great benefit to both agencies from the current arrange- ments, the facility resources are currently not fully tapped resources. They present a real opportunity for enhanced community use when they are not being utilized for their primary mission of education. To optimize use of these resources, the County and APS should: k Review all existing formal and informal agreements and MOU’s and update as necessary. Create evaluation and enforcement guidelines for both agencies.

Donaldson Run

44 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan k Review the current policy of the future targets that will not occur until of those spaces is crucial. The County County Board and School Board the funding has been appropriated by should: on joint use (which includes joint the County Board for the priority rec- k Develop a master plan for the five development and use of facilities) ommendations listed on pages 40-43. “Central Wilson” Parks (Mosaic, and update as necessary Bluemont/Bon Air/Reeves and Quincy Maury, Gumball, Oakland and k Explore creating an Inter-Agency Park will be at the top of the list of Herselle Milliken) major parks to be replanned after the Coordination Board. k Continue to achieve major open necessary funding has been secured to k Clarify County priorities for requests space through fee simple acquisi- implement the priority recommenda- for use of school facilities. tion or public access easements on tions. These priority recommendations privately owned land, with a focus should not limit the County Board’s on the civic plaza at Courthouse, ability to consider other unique oppor- These five high-priority action items public plaza at Rosslyn Central tunities for planning or development reflect and advance six broad, long- Place and expanding the park in of recreation facilities that are cost term policy objectives that form the the block surrounding Maury Park. effective, promote joint use and devel- framework for effective county steward- k opment with other public or private Secure adequate and well-designed ship of its public spaces. These objec- entities, and consistent with the objec- corridors for the enjoyment of all tives, and related recommendations, tives of this plan. Examples of poten- who travel through these areas. are as follows: tial unique opportunities may include k Integrate the planning for public OBJECTIVE ONE: Balance Acquisition partnerships with Arlington Public paces with the sector plans, ensur- and Development of Public Spaces Schools, NVRPA, NPS, or private devel- ing that all development within the There is a strong documented need opment. corridor helps works towards the for aquatics, fitness, teen center, arts vision of the Public Spaces Master Recommendation 1.1 - and multi-purpose spaces, along with Plan. Build North Tract need for additional outdoor trails, fields (see Priority 1) k Evaluate all site plans with the and natural areas. The challenge for goal of creating additional opportu- this plan is balancing all those needs Recommendation 1.2 - nities for urban public spaces. with a realistic sense of what can be Develop a Land Acquisition Policy accomplished in the near term and (see Priority 2) Recommendation 1.5 – Develop a “Clustering Philosophy” what become more long range targets. Recommendation 1.3 - Clustering involves establishing service The County’s priorities focus on two Emphasize Planning and area boundaries that include a group of opportunities to undertake develop- Improvement of Four Mile Run parks and/or facilities and treating them ment and implementation of a com- (see Priority 3) as a single unit of service rather than prehensive recreation plan for two of Recommendation 1.4 – individual spaces. Within the cluster, the few remaining large areas of open Focus on Planning for the overall community needs for individual space in Arlington, the North Tract and Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor components such as playgrounds, ten- Four Mile Run. While the number of nis courts, athletic courts, arts and cul- opportunities to replan and redevelop Continued focus on this high visibility tural amenities, picnic shelters, sports existing public spaces and facilities corridor, its plans, potential increases fields, indoor programming space and (e.g. Bluemont/Bon Air/Reeves and in public spaces and the connection other desired components is met with- Quincy Park) is important, they become

Arlington, Virginia 45 out duplicating them in each individual and determine solutions, includ- over roadways such as I-66, under- space. To develop this clustering phi- ing increasing the size, combining ground parking garages and the losophy the County should: offerings and programs, and/or rooftops of buildings. closing or re-purposing of some k Determine the service areas for Recommendation 1.8 – each cluster. Review current service centers, using the clustering phi- Ensure River Access levels and determine areas that are losophy as described above. As Arlington County is a community bor- under-served and well served. part of this effort, the County dered by a major river, with unfortu- should assess the need for historic k Based on service level, determine nately relatively little river access. The interpretation and environmental where to reduce duplication of ser- Potomac River waterfront is owned and education. vices without reducing the overall managed by the National Park Service, quality of service provided to the k Include an analysis of “alterna- and the George Washington Memorial community. tive providers” to help determine Parkway creates a strong physical barri- whether any of the needs are cur- k Identify where new replacement or er. The County should strive to increase rently being met or could be met additional components will be con- access for the community, utilizing a by private, public or non-profit structed and include them in the variety of strategies and partnerships as facilities or joint use facilities. Capital Improvement Plan. necessary to do so. The County needs Recommendation 1.7 – to work pro-actively with the NPS to Recommendation 1.6 – Optimize Creative Use of Spaces find ways to provide these amenities. Complete a Detailed Analysis of k Indoor Recreation and Nature Centers Arlington County has limited additional Develop a boathouse facility, to While the County has a good overall capacity for acquiring more public be located between Theodore coverage of the community for indoor spaces due primarily to the population Roosevelt Island/Little River and recreation centers, many of these are density, lack of available land, and high Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, smaller “neighborhood” type centers. In land costs. In light of this and with to be owned and operated by a the recreation industry, research shows the continued demand for more public nonprofit organization or row- that creating larger (60,000 sf or more) spaces, it is imperative that the County ing consortium as recommended multi-purpose centers actually increases look at opportunities to optimize the by the Water-Based Recreational usage and cost recovery, ability to pro- use of spaces that are available, includ- Facility Task Force and adopted by gram for multiple generations, and user ing partnering and creative repurposing. the County Board in May 1996. retention. The current average size of k Utilize new technologies in syn- k Coordinate connectivity, creating 25,000 sf or lower in Arlington County thetic turf and dark sky lighting to trail extensions, multi-use trails, is considered very small for optimal use. obtain maximum use and availabil- bridges and parking as appropri- The County’s two nature centers are ity of multi-purpose turf fields and ate to allow for human access and located in former single family residenc- ball fields. wildlife corridor connectivity. es that have been converted for public k Limit, where appropriate, the k Collaborate with the National Park use. The County should: creation of specific-use facilities Service to develop a master plan k Invest in a detailed inventory of that may sit idle during non-pro- for the Roaches Run and Gravelly its indoor recreation and nature grammed times. Point. centers and usage/feasibility analy- k Consider creating additional usable k Collaborate with the National Park sis to determine what the right public space by creating space Service to maintain and improve mix and size of spaces should be

46 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan existing trail access along the ability of an urban community. This invasive species threaten trees, native Donaldson Run, Pimmit Run, Gulf should be achieved through best prac- vegetation and wildlife. Branch, and Windy Run streams, tices in tree planting, preservation and Many of the County’s natural areas are including improved maintenance, maintenance while fostering a sense of in stream valley parks. In addition to erosion control, control of invasive stewardship among residents. A signifi- wildlife corridors, these parks include species, signage and trail markers. cant portion of Arlington’s urban forest riparian buffers that shade streams consists of trees on private property. Recommendation 1.9 – and filter storm water runoff, contribut- Accordingly, the County should help Provide Increased Access to ing to the health of local streams, the homeowners to understand the value “Comfort” Facilities Potomac River and the Chesapeake of tree canopy and native under story In the Parks and Recreation Citizen Bay. Under the Chesapeake Bay Preser- plants, and provide incentives for home- Survey done as part of this plan, the vation Ordinance, the County is com- owners to plant hardwood tree canopies. top two improvements the community mitted to protecting the watershed k wanted to see were drinking foun- Plant native species wherever and stream buffers. To preserve and tains (34%) and year round restrooms appropriate. enhance existing areas the County (26%). These amenities help make the k Coordinate professional and vol- should: experience more comfortable. unteer efforts to control invasive k Provide sensitively-designed trails k Retrofit existing restrooms so that plants and monitor the success of to provide access for the public to the community can use them year these efforts. enjoy. round. k Make use of available planting k Add interpretive signs explaining k Install additional drinking foun- spaces on public lands, including historical or environmental aspects tains near facilities and trails. school grounds. of an area. k OBJECTIVE TWO – Preserve and Promote the planting and mainte- k Monitor stream valleys on a regular Enhance the Environment nance of canopy trees on public basis to identify needs for improve- Creating and preserving natural spaces and private land. ments to riparian habitats and the is a high priority, whether building Recommendation 2.3 – Preserve and stabilization of stream banks. a new park, developing facilities, or Enhance Existing Natural Areas k Develop a County-wide strategy to acquiring land. Many parks, including those used pri- restore the streams and protect Recommendation 2.1 – marily for active recreation, contain them from erosion. Create a Natural Resource Policy and substantial natural areas. The County k Enhance environmental education Management Plan (see Priority 4) wants to preserve existing wooded through opportunities for increased parks and natural areas. Accordingly, Recommendation 2.2 – utilization of the nature centers by these areas, whether forest or mead- Enhance Tree Canopies and Arlington Public Schools. ows, should not be viewed as “unused” Natural Buffers k Consider the possibility of daylight- land available for active recreational Arlington County’s tree canopy provides ing, or removing artificial cover facilities, but should be maintained as many economic and environmental from, County streams in public natural areas. Stream valley parks are benefits, including providing habitat for spaces that are currently part of the particularly vulnerable to invasive plant birds and climbing animals. It is County underground stormwater system. species entering the parks from nearby policy to strive to have a sustainable private properties. If not controlled, urban forest that contributes to the liv-

Arlington, Virginia 47 Recommendation 2.4 – sensitive resources, and parks and the preservation of wildlife cor- Pursue the Use of Easements recreation uses. ridors, Resource Protection Areas, to Protect Natural Areas and k Encourage easements to enhance and other environmentally sensitive Heritage Resources buffering and screening between areas such as land associated with As a complement to fee acquisitions uses, such as between a developed the Potomac River and its tributary and the land acquisition policy rec- area and a park or historic site. streams. ommended above, the County should k Protect public park land and lands k Urge easements to preserve open actively pursue the use of easements to already under easement by encour- space in already developed areas protect natural areas on private land, aging easements on adjoining in order to provide natural areas, using tax incentives where possible. properties. protect environmentally sensitive The County should give top priority to resources and preserve wildlife easements or, if necessary, purchases k Support easements to help pre- habitat in an urban or suburban that abut existing natural areas or serve small areas of open space in context. would connect existing “islands” of already developed areas to shape k Preserve heritage resources by the natural habitat. The creation of protect- the character of the community; use of easements. Encourage prop- ed corridors would aid the movement to protect trees and other environ- erty owners to place easements on of wildlife and enable a more expansive mental resources; to provide visual their properties, working with the system of trails for passive recreation. relief; to preserve wildlife habitat; County, a local non-profit land trust The County should continue to work to provide buffering and screening; and/or a state or national entity with land trusts, such as the Northern to establish community gardens; authorized to hold easements for Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), to and to otherwise ensure that sub- the purpose of heritage resource secure easements to protect private urban and urban neighborhoods preservation. land from development. This recom- may retain open space. mendation relates mainly to areas not k Prefer perpetual easements as the k Work with the Northern Virginia intended for public access. Additional norm, only accepting a less-than- Conservation Trust to develop an tools are needed where public use is perpetual easement if it is neces- inventory of privately owned spaces appropriate. sary to ensure the protection of a that should be acquired or protect- threatened resource. ed with conservation easements. It is the policy of Arlington County to encourage the use of open space/con- k Back easements where appropriate Recommendation 2.5 – servation and preservation easements to to establish or connect trails or to Manage Natural Areas to implement the County’s goals and objec- protect the view sheds of trails and Maintain Diverse Habitats tives for the preservation of natural and public roads. The County should strive for a sustain- heritage resources in private hands, in k Endorse easements as appropriate able landscape by planting native and accord with the County’s Comprehensive to preserve woodlands, monarch or some appropriate non-invasive non- Plan, including the following: notable trees, and/or rare or oth- native species on all of its properties. k Promote the use of easements for erwise significant stands of trees, Herbicides and pesticides should be any purpose allowed by the Code of as identified by the County Urban used only when absolutely necessary Virginia, such as the preservation Forester. and when effective and practical non- of open space, heritage resources, k Favor the use of easements for the chemical controls are not available. scenic vistas, environmentally linking of natural areas and parks, k The County should gradually

48 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan convert its planting of annuals Recommendation 2.7 – OBJECTIVE THREE – to native and proven non-native Develop and Implement a Improve Access and Usability perennial trees, shrubs and flow- Green Infrastructure Plan All of the planning and funding in the ers, thereby reducing maintenance Like the built infrastructure, a green world means little if the community and watering needs. infrastructure system consists of is not able to get to the spaces to use k Set a goal of devoting fifty percent “hubs” — large areas that are vital to them. This realization translates into a of nursery space to perennials the area’s ecology — and “corridors” — heavy emphasis on access for all and within five years and implement linkages that provide protection for the transportation, working closely among sustainable landscaping practices movement of wildlife and plant life County departments to ensure that any throughout the County. across the landscape (ecological cor- new facility or other public space is ridors), recreational access (trails) and walkable, accessible, and usable, has Recommendation 2.6 – enhancement or restoration of water adequate parking, and/or is on major Continue to Move Toward quality (riparian corridors). Accordingly, transit lines. More “Green” Practices the County should develop and imple- The County has been very proactive Recommendation 3.1 – Make Public ment a green infrastructure plan based in adopting sustainable environmental Spaces Usable for People of All on these guiding principles: practices and should continue to place Abilities k Embrace green infrastructure as priority on those practices, including: Arlington County has implemented a the framework for conservation. strong focus on usability of all public k Decrease the use of impervious k Finance the protection and man- spaces for people of all abilities, but surfaces where possible while agement of green infrastructure as there remain facilities and lands that maintaining accessibility where a primary public investment. are not adequately accessible. The desired. k Design, plan and map a green County needs to maintain a focus that k Narrow street corridors when fea- infrastructure system that func- supports all people’s need for play, lei- sible. tions across multiple landscapes sure time and social interaction. This k Decrease the dependence on herbi- and scales and is grounded in sci- should extend above and beyond what cides and pesticides. entific and land planning theories is required by law, including technical k Increase the number of meadow and practices. research, design expertise, and citizen type habitats. input related to creating and redevelop- k Provide hubs and corridors both ing public spaces that are accessible k Increase the educational opportu- within the County and with linkag- and usable by all. nities for private property owners. es to the green infrastructure sys- k k Increase interpretation resources. tem in surrounding jurisdictions. Renovation projects should continue to incorporate the requirements k Provide ongoing resources to con- k Engage the public in defining and guidelines of the US Access trol invasive species. a green infrastructure plan that Board on Recreational Facilities. stimulates action by people with k Continue to monitor the “Green The benchmark for Arlington in diverse backgrounds and interests. Industry” for best practices. renovation projects and new construction should go beyond ADA compliance to state-of-the-art model projects commensurate with the County’s world-class commu-

Arlington, Virginia 49 nity planning and development. k Improve access and safety of the k Locate facilities with a county-wide k Create places for all children to Arlington portion of the Washington draw near transit stops and other play together with siblings, friends and Old Dominion Railroad forms of multi-modal transportation and peers. Regional Park in partnership with whenever possible. the Northern Virginia Regional k Support the right leisure time k Include transportation planning and Park Authority. This should include experience for all. access planning for all renovated improvements to the trail cross- or new facilities. In addition, the k Consideration should be given to ing and amenities at Lee Highway plans should provide an emphasis developing the County’s first-ever and trail head improvements at the on walkability, alternative access universal design/accessible play- Shirlington Road trail terminus. modes (friendly to bicyclists, skate- ground to create a fun place for k Identify the opportunities to make boards, in-line skating, etc.), and children and adults of all ages and better linkages to the existing trail maintaining accessibility for all. abilities to recreate in a setting that network, including natural resource is accessible to the greatest number OBJECTIVE FOUR – Enhance Arts, and multi-use trails. This effort of people. Integrate a variety of play Culture and History should be coordinated with the experiences and challenges where Arlington has established itself through- Bicycle Transportation Plan. persons of all ages with physical, out the region as a community that sensory or developmental disabili- Recommendation 3.3 – offers dynamic and unique arts activities ties can interact and socialize with Ensure Good Transportation Access and one that provides focused attention able-bodied individuals. The value of the transit system in pro- to historical preservation. The County’s viding access to park and recreation Arts Incubator Program is a national Recommendation 3.2 – components is evident. Facilities locat- model for innovative public support of Update and Implement Trail Systems Management ed near one transit stop are, in effect, the Arts. The Needs Assessment shows Community members want to enjoy located near all transit stops linked by strong participation and support for Arlington County’s “walkable com- good service. This should be taken into arts and cultural activities. Extensive munity” attributes. This requires safe account when locating new compo- research shows that, in addition to connecting trails for walking, biking, nents. For example, it may not be nec- being a vital means of social enrich- jogging and alternative modes of trans- essary to duplicate facilities designed ment, the arts are also an economically portation. to serve the immediate neighborhood sound investment. The County should at multiple transit stops. Putting one maintain its focus on the arts, cultural k The County needs to update the facility at one transit stop and sizing it and historical programs and facilities, GIS system, to include details with the capacity to serve the cumula- and continue to meet and/or exceed the on length of trails, trail surfaces, tive population of several transit stops community’s expectations. connections and accessible loca- could serve the needs of all. This may tions. The database should include not work for all components (such as on-street bicycle lanes and key Community Canine Areas), but could segments of sidewalks as well as work fine for facilities such as basket- off-road trails. This information ball, tennis and arts facilities. In effect, resource will make future decisions multiple transit stops can be combined on trail location, land acquisitions, into a single “cluster” as described and easements more equitable and elsewhere. easier to justify and manage.

50 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan Recommendation 4.1 – evaluated to see if they are appro- Additional opportunities for cul- Develop a Major Arts and priate for development around cultural experiences should be provided Cultural Center tural, historical and arts themes. throughout the County as well. This There is need, demand and justification k Incorporating public art concepts can happen by integrating art and for building a multi-use centralized cul- as outlined in the Public Art interpretive features into all parts of tural center. Building upon the results Master Plan. the County’s Public Spaces system. For of the report prepared by a consultant example, benches, play apparatus, and k Incorporating small exhibition in November 2004, planning should even utilitarian features such as back- spaces in all recreation and com- continue to determine the funding, stops for softball can become pieces of munity centers. siting, construction costs, schedule art with a little extra thought put into k and final programming for this center. Increased recognition of Arlington their design. The current preferred site is in the County’s cultural diversity, histori- OBJECTIVE FIVE – Develop and Courthouse Plaza area, where a center cal heritage, and richness should Enhance Partnerships could be designed in concert with a be designed into recreational facili- Arlington County has and needs to major underground parking facility and ties and public space areas. continue to create partnerships with outdoor central plaza. k When land is being considered Arlington Public Schools and other for acquisition, County planners Preliminarily planned components private, governmental and non-profit should work with historic preser- include: organizations. These partnerships help vationists early in the process to leverage funding and other resources k Two theatres ensure that historical aspects of for the community, and will continue k Dedicated space for the Visual Arts the acquisition are identified and to be more and more important as the k that any development of the site Core programs focused on serving availability of land lessens or becomes respects identified elements. the Arlington Arts Organizations more costly. In order to minimize risk k k Space to support arts education County departments should pro- and inefficiencies, and provide for activities actively integrate planning for equitable, mutually-beneficial and projects with the goals outlined in k Flexibility to accommodate a wide well-managed partnerships, the County this plan, the Public Art Master variety of ancillary uses needs to pro-actively plan and set Plan and the forthcoming Historic policy for procuring and managing part- Recommendation 4.2 – Preservation Master Plan. nerships. Focus on Arts, Cultural and Historic Elements In addition, facilities for smaller con- Recommendation 5.1 – The County must continue to be cre- certs and events should be distrib- Maximize the Partnership with ative and proactive in finding ways to uted throughout the urban corridors Arlington Public Schools incorporate historical and cultural rec- to encourage local activities with a (see Priority 5 above) dynamic flavor to occur close to transit ognition in the development and opera- Recommendation 5.2 – tion of recreational facilities and areas. stations and restaurants. This will not Create and Implement a Potential ideas for this include: only encourage walking as a means Partnership Policy of access to these events, it will help k More cultural, historical and arts build a sense of community within the Arlington County needs to formalize all interpretive signs along walking, neighborhoods. partnerships in a written format. hiking and biking trails should be k Develop a policy that provides included. New trails should be

Arlington, Virginia 51 an outline of what types of part- Recommendation 5.4 – k Create and implement a clear pric- nerships are appropriate for the Review and Update all other ing and cost recovery policy, an County, the approval and procure- Agreements easily articulated philosophy, and ment procedures, steps for part- The County should inventory all other approved pricing formulas. nering, monitoring and evaluation current formal and informal agreements k Re-evaluate and clarify the use and criteria, risk management and exit with other governmental, for-profit and expectations of the supplemental strategies if for some reason a part- non-profit agencies. fees budget relative to other pro- nership does not go as planned. k Agreements should be updated and gram areas. k Identify a system for tracking and formalized into writing in accor- k Evaluate other potential forms identifying all current and potential dance with the partnership policy of revenue, including alternative partners. A “Sample Partnership (discussed in 5.1), with an ongoing funding, concessions and contract- Policy” has been provided as part list kept in a centralized location ing, impact fees, land dedication of this planning process. to help minimize duplications and requirements, advertising, etc. maximize standardized offerings. Recommendation 5.3 – Recommendation 6.2 – Create a Partnership Plan with OBJECTIVE SIX – Manage Assets Create a Life Cycle Costing Assessment Managers of Federal Lands Effectively A Life-Cycle Assessment should be Arlington County includes 1,052 The County has become large and compiled in a digital format that will acres of federal lands managed by somewhat decentralized. This has led build on current park inventories and the National Park Service and other to the need for more specific policies, add information related to the condi- federal agencies, including the land standards and performance measures tion of each facility and the anticipated along the Potomac River and Arlington to help guide the various departments number of years to major renovation Cemetery. The Potomac riverfront, in and divisions in reaching their common or replacement. The goals of this particular, has a great potential for goals to fulfill the mission and vision assessment will be to gain a better creating additional recreational and for public spaces. understanding of deferred maintenance natural area access for boating, fish- Recommendation 6.1 – needs that have gone unmet and devel- ing, wildlife watching and additional Evaluate Controls and Methods op a strategy for renovating or replacing trails for Arlington citizens if creative for Pricing and Cost Recovery facilities. partnerships can be implemented and As the County has grown and evolved k Collect and review current capital managed. over the years, the issues of pricing project data and recent CIP’s to k Initiate relationships with the NPS and the relationship of funding to determine trends in replacing or to create potential partnerships cost recovery has grown inconsistently renovating facilities. and a plan for development of across the PRCR Department. While k Review current plans being devel- access and use as feasible for this there are some approved fee policies, oped on sports fields to determine important riverfront corridor and determination for fees, prices, sub- lifecycle on turf replacement for other federally-owned lands within sidy levels and cost recovery is varied both natural and synthetic turf sur- the County. throughout the agency. In addition, the faces. basis for the supplemental fees budget k is dated and insufficiently defined. In Review historic data on replace- order to help remedy these inefficien- ment of facilities and components. cies the County should: k Conduct field audits to develop a

52 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan condition inventory of all facilities. k Create a sponsorship policy that ing and inventorying all types of facilities k Review all proposed park plans and outlines acceptable sponsorship and creating consensus on management determine if on-going capital proj- activities, levels, authorities, and practices and classifications. ects include major replacements approvals. k Review and inventory the various or renovations to gather cost esti- k Create centralized processes for policy and guideline documents mates for current projects. grant writing, funding procurement, that are in place or have been pre- k Establish lifecycle replacement servicing of partners and sponsors, viously developed. standards and projected costs. reporting, evaluation and perfor- k Create a list of the necessary man- mance measurement. agement documents under the Recommendation 6.3 – Create a Technology Investment Plan Recommendation 6.5 – County’s purview. Arlington County should create a technol- Create Facility Design k Develop maintenance standards ogy investment plan related specifically Standards Guidelines and staffing levels. to the public spaces management that The County should create facility design k Evaluate the current maintenance would detail the future needs, strate- standards that address near and long data base system and determine gic direction, and business systems term operational costs, maintenance how to evaluate true costs and analysis to clearly define the County’s costs, utilization of land resources, resources needs. best management practices, standard future needs and required investment for k Allocate resources to update or construction and replacement materi- Information Management and Technology. create needed policy and guideline als, compliance with ADA, LEED and documents. Recommendation 6.4 – National Playground Safety require- Create Alternative Funding ments, and other issues. This guideline k Implement the updated standards Policies and Resources document should help guide all future and maintenance management In evaluating the potential for addi- planning efforts. practices. tional revenue and cost recovery, there k is great potential for a substantial Determine the full scope of infor- Recommendation 6.7 – Implement a 5-Year Master increase from alternative funding mation to be covered in the guide- Planning Schedule sources such as partnerships, grants, lines. As an element of the County’s and sponsorships. In order to create a k Initiate the development of design Comprehensive Plan, the Public Spaces positive return on investment for these standards. Master Plan should be updated every activities, it is recommended that the Recommendation 6.6 – five years. County: Update and Manage all Policies, k Schedule the update to the next k Create a strategic plan for alterna- Guidelines and Maintenance 2010 Public Spaces Master Plan tive funding procurement. Standards by allocating resources to begin k As the County has grown, policy and Centralize the authority for procure- the update starting in 2008. The guideline development has occurred on ment of all sponsorships and grant update should include an update an “as needed” basis. The County should applications into this function. to the parks and Recreation update and manage all policies, guide- k Centralize the inventory, authority Resident Survey and Youth Survey. lines and maintenance standards for for, and location of all partnership management of all parks, trails, natural and sponsorship agreements. areas, and facilities. This includes defin-

Arlington, Virginia 53 Gulf Branch Nature Center

B. NEXT STEPS the basis for the recommendations k Cooperation and partnerships it contains. The recommendations of among the County departments, Arlington County is continually striv- this plan are designed to create goals Arlington Public Schools, commu- ing to keep up with the expectations primarily for the PRCR Department, nity-based recreational amenities, and needs of the community. The pub- cultivating: other national, local and regional lic spaces are heavily used and have k Focus on consistently meeting and governments, and the private sector numerous positive impacts including exceeding citizen expectations; in providing recreational services encouraging healthy lifestyles, promot- and facilities; ing social well-being, providing opportu- k Using innovative ideas and meth- k A proactive planning process nities and facilities for enjoyment, and ods to successfully meet challeng- guided by community needs and enhancing the quality of life. es posed by budgetary, facility and staffing limitations; executable strategies; and a pro- This Public Spaces Master Plan process for reviewing and updating k A public space system that bene- vides a guiding mechanism for con- this document. fits residents by increasing services tinuing to meet existing and future to all age groups and providing Ultimately, this plan is designed to community needs, and expanding the diverse opportunities; serve as a planning and decision-mak- positive impacts of this portion of the k ing tool facilitating participation for County’s services. The strengths of this A stewardship approach to provid- everyone in Arlington County. plan stems from the extensive research, ing high-quality facilities, existing community involvement, analysis of and future, through judicious use needs, and public review that form of public funds;

54 Chapter 5. Recommendations / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION SINCE THE ADOPTION OF THE 1994 OSMP Since November 1994: Address Acres New or Adjacent Identified in OSMP 1602 S. Quincy Street (0.9) Douglas Park Yes N. 24th Street (0.5) Fort C.F. Smith Park Yes N. 24th Street (4.3) Fort C.F. Smith Park Yes 3282 Fairfax Drive (0.1) New (Clarendon Triangle) Yes 2415 S. 1st Road (0.06) Butler Holmes Park Yes 2821 N. Harrison Street (0.4) Chestnut Hills Park No N. 22nd Street (10.6) New (Fort Bennett Park) Yes TOTAL 1994 - 1996 16.86 Since November 1996: Address Acres New or Adjacent Identified in OSMP 2811 S. Lang Street (0.2) Lang St. Comm. Gardens No 2815 S. Lang Street (0.2) Lang St. Comm. Gardens No 544 & 548 N. Pollard Street (0.4) New (Mosaic Park) Yes Par. D, N. Manchester St. (0.05) Bluemont Park Yes 6700 N. 18th Street (0.4) Benjamin Banneker Park No 6008,6016,6022 Wilson Blvd. (5.3) New (Powhatan Springs Park) No 2409 S. 1st Road (0.12) Butler Holmes Park Yes N. 5th Road (0.7) New (Mosaic Park) Yes N. Glebe Road R-O-W* (7.0) New (Unnamed) No 4975 Columbia Pike (1.9) Arlington Mill Community Center No TOTAL 1996 – 1998 16.27 (* Year-to-year use permit with VDOT) Since November 1998: Address Acres New or Adjacent Identified in OSMP 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr. (1.0) Jennie Dean Park Yes 3660 S. 27th Street (0.2) Jennie Dean Park Yes 2711 & 2717 N. Harrison Street (0.9) Chestnut Hills Park No 2631 N. Upshur Street (0.2) Zachary Taylor Park No 3802 & 3804 N. 17th Street (0.2) Cherry Valley Park No Total 1998 – 2000 2.5 Since November 2000: Address Acres New or Adjacent Identified in OSMP 3808 N. 17th St. (0.1) Cherry Valley Park No 4966 S. 14th Street (0.7) Wakefield HS No 3436 S. 24th Street (0.2) Drew Park Yes 400 N. Manchester Street (2.45) Bluemont Park Yes 3600 S. Four Mile Run Dr. (1.85) Jennie Dean Park Yes 1612 N. Quincy St. (0.95) Oakgrove Park No Total 2000 – 2002 6.25 Since November 2002 Address Acres New or Adjacent Identified in OSMP North Tract (21.45) New (North Tract Park) Yes Block 3, Part of Lots 20 & 21 (0.22) Bluemont Junction Park No 6708 N. 18th Street ( 0.17) Benjamin Banneker Park Yes Total 2002 – 2004 21.84 GRAND TOTAL 1994 – 2004 63.72 acres

Arlington, Virginia 55 APPENDIX B - ADOPTED Barcroft Sports Complex Siting for active recreation while preserving CURRENT PARK MASTER PLANS (Adopted September 20, 1997) the west side of the stream as a natu- This siting plan determined the loca- ral resource area. Major components The following park master plans have tion for a County sports complex to include four lighted, fenced youth been adopted by the Arlington County relocate the recreation and sports pro- baseball/softball fields with dugouts, Board: grams which were previously housed bleachers, and scorer’s booths; one Arlington Boathouse Feasibility Study at Gunston Middle School. The major lighted, fenced 90’ baseball diamond; (Adopted May 11, 1996) recommendation of the siting process is 28,000 square foot Sports and Fitness This study determined the feasibility of to locate an approximately 24,000 net Center; lighted synthetic turf commu- locating a boathouse facility between square foot sports complex to Barcorft nity field; special events area (accom- Theodore Roosevelt Island/Little River Park to house the gymnastics, boxing modates portable stage); two lighted and Key Bridge. The study concluded and weight lifting programs and add a tennis courts; one lighted basketball that the site is the most desirable loca- new flexible multi-purpose gymnasium. court; handball/tennis practice wall; two tion. The study recommends the boat- Powhatan Springs Park Master Plan playgrounds; picnic pavilion; and trails. house will be for school-based rowing (Adopted January 23, 1999) Other elements include 3-level parking programs and related complementary This master plan is for a new 5.34-acre structure; surface parking; landscaping activities open to the public. County park located at 6008, 6016 and 6022 and site amenities. funds will be used in combination with Wilson Boulevard. The plan includes Westover Park Master Plan (Adopted privately raised funds to construct the something for all ages and provides a December 9, 2000) facility, and the County will work with balance of active sports and recreation The master plan is for a full renovation the National Park Service to secure use amenities at the north end of the park of the 4.36-acre park located at 1001 of the site. and preservation of the stream and North Kennebec Street. The plan maxi- Fort C.F. Smith Cultural Resources natural area at the southern end of the mizes the use of the entire site without Master Plan (Adopted July 19, 1997) park. Primary components include a eliminating any of the previous uses. This master plan is for a new 19-acre lighted concrete skate park with vari- Facilities are relocated and upgraded park located at 2411 North 24th ous elements for skateboarding and and several new features are added. In Street. The plan was developed to meet in-line skating; youth-sized soccer field; addition, the plan incorporates solu- the immediate goal of protecting the children’s nature area and preservation tions and remedies to site problems resources and addressing the long-term of half the site as a natural area. Other such as slope erosion, field drain- aspects of the park including public elements include restrooms; staff offic- age and worn turf. Major components design participation, preservation and es parking lot; pedestrian walkways; include two youth-sized baseball fields interpretation of the resources, public landscaping and site amenities. with bleachers (one fenced); lighted programs, maintenance and manage- Barcroft Park Master Plan (Adopted half-court basketball; lighted sand vol- ment. The plan includes goals and prin- December 12, 1999) leyball; multi-use community field; ciple recommendations for stabilizing, The master plan is for the 65.47-acre picnic pavilion and playground. Other maintaining, investigating and access- park located at 4100 South Four Mile elements include restrooms; parking; ing the historic and natural resources Run Drive. The park is one of the pedestrian walkways; landscaping and on the property; renovation of the build- County’s oldest and most heavily used site amenities. ings; and site development, parking, parks. The plan calls for redevelop- interpretive exhibits and landscaping. ment of the east side of Four Mile Run

56 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Greenbrier Park Master Plan North Tract Area Master Plan (Adopted May 18, 2002) (Adopted February 21, 2004) The master plan is for major renovation The master plan is for a new 28-acre (everything except the indoor swimming park at the north end of Crystal City pool) of the 17.51-acre park located in the block bounded by Old Jefferson at 5201 S. 28th Street. The park is Davis Highway, S. 10th Street, S. 6th one of the most heavily used athletic Street and S. Ball Street. The plan field complexes in the County. Major includes a balance of programs for components include lighted, fenced indoor and outdoor facilities. Major synthetic turf competition field with indoor components include an indoor major bleacher seating and support state-of-the-art recreation center with facilities; lighted track; lighted, fenced a major focus on aquatics as well as baseball field and two lighted, fenced significant fitness space, a multi-activ- softball fields with dugouts, bleachers ity center (MAC) combining multiple and support facilities; six tennis courts; sport courts, community use spaces, lighted basketball court; and indoor racquet sport courts, and support facili- swimming pool (no changes proposed). ties. Major outdoor components include Other elements include parking; pedes- four synthetic grass rectangular athletic trian pathways; restrooms; concession fields, more than one mile of on-site stand; ticket booth; landscaping and walking trails, open lawn areas, a con- site amenities. nection across the railroad tracks to the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, and Tyrol Hill Park Master Plan (Adopted December 6, 2003) opportunities for playgrounds and spray The master plan is for full renovation fountains. of the 1.5-acre park located at 5101 Fort Ethan Allen Community Canine South 7th Road. One-half of the park Area (December 11, 2004) will have recreation amenities and the The master plan is for relocation of the other half consists of a heavily forested community canine area (CCA) to the steep embankment. Major components east side of Madison Community Center include lighted basketball court; sand at 3829 North Stafford Street. The volleyball; grassy open area; play- dog exercise area needed to be relo- ground; picnic areas; two picnic pavil- cated off the grounds of historic Fort ions and overlook deck. Other elements Ethan Allen. The major components include restrooms; pedestrian path- of the CCA include perimeter fencing; ways; fencing; retaining walls; signs; two double-gated entrances; low bol- landscaping and site amenities. lard lights for use in the evening hours during winter months; low wood deck; seating; water fountain; message board and landscaping.

Arlington, Virginia 57 APPENDIX C ARLINGTON COUNTY’S 20-YEAR HISTORY OF BOND REFERENDA FOR PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 20 Year Bond Referenda in $1,000

$250,000

$200,000

$150,000

$100,000

$50,000

$0 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004

Referenda 29,975 24,070 69,000 94,500 106,635 89,615 122,058 95,510 122,059 158,767 208,003 Park Bond 4,035 4,895 3,900 4,220 11,870 13,865 12,920 17,055 25,875 20,500 *75,250

*2004 park bond includes $50 million for development of Phase I of the North Tract.

58 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX D - HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND RESOURCES Local Districts Following is a list of the 29 local historic districts found throughout Arlington County. The historic character of these districts is maintained through a design review process, which requires the review of any exterior modifications, new construction or demolition within district boundaries. (Italicized are publicly held/owned and open to the public. Districts marked with ** are privately held/owned and open limited hours to the public. Contact each owner for actual hours.) 1. Alcova (Built 1860) 3435 South 8th Street 2. Arlington Post Ofﬁce (Built 1937) 3118 Washington Boulevard 3. Ball-Carlin Cemetery (Established in 1785) 300 South Kensington Street 4. Ball Family Burial Grounds (Established in 1814) 3427 Washington Boulevard 5. Ball-Sellers House (Built in 1760) ** 5620 South 3rd Street 6. Barcroft Community House (Built in 1907)** 800 South Buchanan Street 7. Brandymore Castle (rock formation) North Roosevelt St./Four Mile Run 8. Buckingham Village Historic District (1940-1943) N. Glebe/N. 5th/N. Oxford/N. 2nd 9. Carlin Community Hall (Built 1892) 5711 S. 4th Street 10. Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House (Built 1919) 3900 Lee Highway 11. Clarendon Citizen’s Hall (Built 1921) ** 3211 Wilson Boulevard 12. Matthew F. Maury School (Built 1910) 3550 Wilson Boulevard 13. Colonial Village (Built 1934)** Wilson Blvd/Lee Hwy/N. Veitch 14. Crossman House (Built 1892) 2501 N. Underwood Street 15. Dawson Terrace (Built 1856) 2133 North Taft Street 16. Eastman-Fenwick House (Built 1876) 6733 Lee Highway 17. Fort C.F. Smith (Built 1863) 2411 North 24th Street 18. Fort Ethan Allen (Built 1861) 3829 North Stafford Street 19. Fort Ethan Allen Trench (built 1861) 4311 North Old Glebe Road 20. Glebe House (Built 1854-57) 4527 North 17th Street 21. Glenmore (built 1906) 3440 North Robers Lane 22. Harry Gray House (Built 1881) 1005 South Quinn Street 23. Hume School (Built 1891)** 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Rd 24. Dan Kain Building (Built 1946)** 3100 Washington Boulevard 25. Lomax AME Zion Church (Built 1922)** 2704 South 24th Road 26. Maywood Neighborhood Historic District (1909) N. 23rd Rd/I-66/N. 21st Ave/N. Nelsen 27. Reevesland (built 1865) not open to the public 400 N. Manchester Street 28. Travers’ Family Graveyard (Established 1830)** 1307 South Monroe Street 29. Walker Chapel and Cemetery (Built 1871)** 4102 North Glebe Road National Register 1. Al’s Motors Building/Gold’s Gym** 3910 Wilson Boulevard 2. Arlington House Arlington National Cemetery 3. Arlington Post Ofﬁce 3118 Washington Boulevard 4. Arlington Village Historic District 5. Ashton Heights Historic District 6. Ball-Sellers House** 5620 South 3rd Street 7. Barcroft Community House** 800 South Buchanan Street 8. Benjamin Banneker SW 9 Int. Boundary Stone N. 18th/N. Van Buren

Arlington, Virginia 59 9. Northwest No. 2 Boundary Marker 5145 North 38th Street 10. Northwest No. 3 Boundary Marker 4013 North Tazewell Street 11. Southwest No. 4 Boundary Marker King St. north of S. Wakeﬁeld 12. Southwest No. 5 Boundary Marker Northeast of King St/S. Walter Reed 13. Southwest No. 6 Boundary Marker S. Jefferson St./s. of Columbia Pike 14. Southwest No. 7 Boundary Marker Behind 3101 South Manchester St. 15. Southwest No. 8 Boundary Marker Wilson Blvd/McKinley Rd. 16. West Cornerstone Meridian St. south of Williamsburg 17. Buckingham Village Historic District 18. Buckingham Village Historic District (Boundary Increase) 19. Calvert Manor 1925-1927 North Calvert St. 20. Carlin Community Hall 5711 South 4th Street 21. Cherrydale Historic District 22. Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House 3900 Lee Highway 23. Clarendon School (Matthew F. Maury School) 3550 Wilson Boulevard 24. Colonial Village 25. Columbia Forest Historic District 26. Commons of Arlington Historic District 27. George Crossman House 2501 N. Underwood Street 28. Charles Richard Drew House 2505 South 1st Street 29. Fairlington Historic District 30. Fort C.F. Smith Historic District 2411 North 24th Street 31. Fort Ethan Allen 32. Fort Myer Historic District 33. George Washington Memorial Parkway 34. Glebe Center** 71-89 North Glebe Road 35. Glebe House 4527 North 17th Street 36. Glebewood Village Historic District 37. Harry W. Gray House 1005 South Quinn Street 38. Hume School** 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road 39. Key Bridge US 29 over Potomac River 40. Lee Gardens Historic District 41. Lomax AME Zion Church** 2704 South 24th Road 42. Lyon Park Historic District 43. Lyon Village Historic District 44. Maywood Historic District 45. Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 46. Penrose Historic District 47. Pentagon Ofﬁce Building Complex Jefferson Davis Hwy/Va 110 48. Quarters 1, Fort Myer Grant Avenue 49. John Saegmuller House 5101 North Little Falls Road 50. Stratford Junior High School (H-B Woodlawn) 4100 Vacation Lane 51. Washington National Airport Terminal & S.Hanger Thomas Avenue 52. Waverly Hills Historic District 53. Multiple Resources Listing of Garden Apartments and Apartment complexes built in Arlington County 1934-1954.

60 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX E – DEMOGRAPHICS a. Age Distribution tics extend from having children FOR ARLINGTON COUNTY In order to separate the population using preschool and youth pro- into age-sensitive user groups, and grams to becoming empty nesters. As part of the research for the Arlington retain the ability to adjust to future b 55 years plus (18.5%) – This County Public Spaces Master Plan, age-sensitive trends, the following group represents users of older the following demographic informa- age categories are utilized based adult programming exhibiting the tion was compiled from a variety of on the 2003 Experian / Applied characteristics of approaching sources including the US Census, Geographic Solutions Analysis. retirement or already retired and Experian/Applied Geographic Solutions 2004 population distributions typically enjoying grandchildren. (a nationwide subscriber service for according to the Arlington County, This group generally also ranges demographic and research information) Virginia, Department of Planning, from very healthy, active seniors to and the Arlington County Department Housing and Development are more physically inactive seniors. of Community Planning, Housing and shown following this section. Development. Figure 1: Population Breakdown – b Under 5 years (8.1%) – This Arlington County (2004) All of these sources utilize different age group represents users of pre- Source: 2004 Arlington County, cohort groupings, and they are also dif- school and tot programs and Virginia, Department of Planning, ferent from the age groupings utilized facilities, and as trails and open Housing and Development by ETC Institute/Leisure Vision, the firm space users, are often in strollers. 3. Population Comparisons hired to complete all four of Arlington These individuals are the future 1.5% County’s most recent statistically-valid participants in youth activities. surveys. Therefore, exact numbers will b 5 to 13 years (8.3%) – This 5.2% not match up for age groupings, but 8.1% group represents current youth the attempt has been made to include program participants. 11.7% the “best” groupings for each type of b analysis. 14 to 24 years (10.20 %) – This 23.5% group represents teen/young adult A. Community Profile and program participants moving out Demographic Study of the youth programs and into 50.7% 1. Service Area and Population adult programs. Members of this The service area for this study is age group are often seasonal Arlington County, which encom- employment seekers. passes 25.8 square miles and is b 25 years to 34 years (22.4%) – Under 5 years 45 to 64 years located directly across the Potomac This group represents involve- River from Washington County. ment in adult programming with 5 to 17 years 65 to 84 years The population for the county in characteristics of beginning long- 18 to 44 years 85 years plus 2004 is 198,739 people according term relationships and establish- to the Arlington County, Virginia, ing families. According to Experian/ Applied Department of Planning, Housing b 35 to 54 years (32.5%) – This Geographic Solutions 2003, the and Development. group represents users of a wide population of Arlington County 2. Population, Age Ranges, and Family range of adult programming and is similar to that of the state of Information park facilities. Their characteris- Virginia and the United States.

Arlington, Virginia 61 There are, however, significant dif- 4. Gender b 9.4% Asian, ferences in the age categories of The population consists of 50.5% b 9.1% African American 14 to 24, where Arlington County male and 49.5% female. b 0.2%, American Indian and has a 5.2% lower average, and 25 Source: Experian/ Applied Geographic Alaska Native to 34, where Arlington County has Solutions 2003 b 3% of respondents indicated an 8.9% higher average. All other 5. Ethnicity age categories vary by less than some other race or two or more Statistics gathered from the 4.5% from the State of Virginia and races 2004 Arlington County, Virginia, National averages. 6. Educational Attainment Department of Planning, Housing and Development data provide the 60% of Arlington County residents ethnic breakdown for Arlington have earned a Bachelor’s or higher County. Of the population respond- with 29.5% having a Bachelor’s ing, 100% indicated they were of degree and 30.5% having a one of the following races: Graduate degree. Source: Experian/ Applied Geographic b 57.9% White, Solutions 2003 b 20.4% Hispanic 7. Household Income According to the 2004 population Figure 2: Population Comparisons – Arlington County, State of Virginia, and distributions from the Arlington United States (2003) County, Virginia, Department of Planning, Housing and Development 35% the median household income in 2004 was $70,942. Census data 30% released in 1990 reported the area’s median household income as 25% $44,786, an increase of $26,156 over the last fourteen years. Median 20% family income for 2004 is $88,819 and per capita income is $54,258. 15%

10%

0% Under 5 years 5 to 13 years 14 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 54 years 55 years plus Age Category Arlington County Virginia National Average

Source: Experian/ Applied Geographic Solutions 2003

62 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Figure 3: Household Income – Arlington County Compared to State of Virginia Arlington County is 2.12 people. and the U.S. Source: 2004 Arlington County, Virginia, Department of Planning, Housing and 30% Development 9. Employment Forecasts 25% Employment in Arlington County is expected to significantly increase in 20% the coming years. In 2000 the number employed was 188,376 people; 15% it is expected to be 275,798 by the year 2030, an increase of 46% over 10% 30 years. Source: 2004 Arlington County, Virginia, 5% Department of Planning, Housing and Development 0% 10. Population Forecasts <$15,000 $15,000- $25,000- $35,000- $50,000- $75,000- $100,000 Although we can never know the $24,999 $34,999 $49,999 $74,999 $99,999 or more future with certainty, it is helpful to U.S. Virginia Arlington County make assumptions about it for economic reasons. The 2004 Arlington Source: Experian/ Applied Geographic Solutions 2003 County, Virginia, Department of Planning, Housing and Development The largest share of households income differs significantly from has researched economic and demo- (29.9%) earns $100,000 or more, that of the State of Virginia and graphic trends in the local economy followed next by those earning the U.S. in that there is a 12.1% and produced the following results $50,000 to $74,999 (20.6%). greater average in the population for the County as a whole. Arlington 14.4%% earn $75,000 to earning $100,000 or more. In the County will continue to grow at an $99,999, while another 13.7% earn lower income categories Arlington average of 1,752 people per year, $35,000 to $49,999. 7.9% earn County falls below both the State and by 28% between the years of $25,000 to $34,999 and 7.7% and National averages, but starting 2000 – 2030. of the population earns less than at the $50,000 to $74,999 cat- $15,000. The smallest percentage egory Arlington County’s average is of the population earns $15,000 to higher than both. $24,999 (5.8%). 8. Household Size Arlington County’s household The average household size in

Arlington, Virginia 63 Figure 4: Population Projections through year 2030

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Source: 2004 Arlington County, Virginia, Department of Planning, Housing and Development

11. Daytime Population Arlington facilities and services. The Arlington County’s daytime popula- open space and recreation needs tion exceeds the residential popula- of the daytime population are very tion due to the influx of employees different from those of residents in into the county from other areas. that the demand is highly concen- This daytime population is expected trated during the lunch time period to reach 322,500 by the year 2010. and after work hours. Participants The daytime population differential are also more likely to favor open in Arlington is important to consider space and amenities conveniently because a significant number of located near the work site due to these non-residents do make use of time constraints.

64 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX F – SYNTHETIC TURF synthetic grass. They concluded that Candidates For Synthetic Grass FIELD PROGRAM several existing fields, particularly those Athletic Field Conversion located at the middle and high schools, Recommendations: Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields were viable locations for synthetic grass b Convert a minimum of one natural Most of Arlington’s fields exceed the and recommended their conversion as grass field per year to synthetic number of games allowed for retaining soon as possible. It’s important to work grass based on the analysis and acceptable field conditions. The current with surrounding communities to add recommendations of the 2003 scarcity in the number of fields inevi- amenities to help mitigate the impacts Synthetic Grass Working Group. tably leads to overuse, which results of the additional play, especially dark in turf degradation and fields that are sky lighting. Where appropriate, sched- b All synthetic grass conversions potentially unsafe and unplayable. uling of these conversions should be should have existing lighting or a From past analysis of scheduled play driven by the timing of the construction plan for installing “dark sky” light- on rectangular natural grass fields, the projects, and funding should be including as a part of the synthetic grass overuse of our fields has been estimated as part of the project. installation. b Continue to explore new technolo- ed to be, minimally, one and one half As a result of this working group’s gies and practices for managing times what is recommended. This rep- report, fields at Virginia Highlands and maintaining natural grass ath- resents just one factor in the equation Park and Wakefield High School were letic fields. for field demand. It does not account completed in 2004 and the stadium for unscheduled community use or field at Washington- unmet demand for structured play. Lee High School The initial investment for the instal- and the community lation of synthetic grass is expensive. field at the renovated However, over a ten year period, the Barcroft Park were cost of ownership of a synthetic grass completed in 2005. field is approximately 1.4 times greater The synthetic field than that of a natural grass field. Over at Greenbrier Park the same ten year period, a synthetic (adjacent to Yorktown grass field can support as much as five High School) and times the amount of play of a natural four fields at the grass field without degradation of the North Tract will be field turf. In fall 2000, two synthetic implemented as part soccer goal mouth areas were installed of the construction at the Thomas Jefferson upper field as projects. Other poten- a pilot program, and in spring 2002, tial fields for future a full synthetic field was installed at conversion include Gunston Park. Thomas Jefferson, Williamsburg, In 2003, a citizen/staff Synthetic Grass Kenmore, Swanson Working Group submitted their recom- and H-B Woodlawn. mendations regarding conversion of athletic fields from natural grass to

Arlington, Virginia 65 APPENDIX G – COMMUNITY to the community. Whether they are The success of Arlington’s CCAs is CANINE AREA GUIDELINES extravagant or just a fenced-in plot of based on a partnership with sponsor- dirt, dog parks are increasingly seen not ing groups, from cleanliness to funding Community Canine Areas as luxuries, but necessities.” January to complaints, and the ability of users Since the late 1980’s, Arlington has 2004. to self-monitor them. The agreement includes monitoring use, handling recognized the needs and desires of a The first off leash CCAs in Arlington neighborhood complaints, and coordi- significant portion of the community for County were established in 1986 and nating maintenance and management. dog exercise areas or “dog parks”. In Arlington’s first fenced CCA was estab- The prescribed rules for the CCAs pro- Arlington these are called Community lished in Utah Park in 1997. This area vide a reasonable code of conduct for Canine Areas (CCAs). It is important to was a pilot program and made use of CCA users to correct the infractions note that dog parks are not just parks the first partnership with a sponsor through information, education and for dogs, but parks for people who have group, FAIRDogs. Since that time, five appropriate remedial action. dogs. According to a recent article other CCAs (Benjamin Banneker, Ethan from the National Recreation and Allen, Fort Barnard, Shirlington and Parks Association, “…dog parks have Towers Parks) have been fenced. The emerged as a leading way for parks and CCA at Glencarlyn is not fenced. recreation departments to reach out

Community Canine Benjamin Fort Barnard Fort Ethan Glencarlyn Shirlington Towers Park Utah Park Areas Banneker Park Park Allen Park Park Park Size 22,600 sf 22,800 22,000 sf 14,000 sf 109,500 sf 25,500 sf 12,500 sf Capacity 450 sf/dog 50 51 50 31 243 57 28 Shirlington Towers Park Sponsorship Banneker Dogs Douglas Dogs Madison Dogs Glen Dogs FAIRdogs Dogs Community Yes Yes Yes Siting Process Original site Original site Original site Original site 2000 2004 1997 All except shed Standard Amenities Yes Yes Yes Yes All except shed Yes & dinking ftn. Fencing Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Mulch & Engineered Natural sand Mulch and Mulch and Ground Cover engineered Mulch Stone dust wood ﬁber and pebbles grass grass wood ﬁber Parking Off street On street Off street Off street Off street Off street Off street Accessibility Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Recommend Continue Continue Continue Continue Continue Continue Continue

66 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Standards for CCAs were created through a County Manager appointed task force in 1999. These standards are listed below:

Standards for Community Canine Areas

Size: Minimum 10,000 sf. Optimal is 30,000 sf or greater.

Use: 7 days per week. The hours of operation vary and are posted at each location. Standard hours for unlighted facilities are sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. As there is strong community desire for people to have access to CCA’s after normal working hours, it is important to have facilities lighted after sunset from in the fall through spring until at least 9:00 pm.

Sponsorship: Required

Evaluation: One year after a CCA is established or change in sponsorship; every three years thereafter

Std. Fencing, double Amenities: gates, water source, shade, information board, benches, picnic table, signage, trash receptacles, shed, lights

The CCAs are located predominantly in the southern part of the County with 5 locations south of Arlington Boulevard. The other two are located north of Arlington Boulevard with only one north of Lee Highway. There are several locations in the County where there aren’t any CCA presently. These areas are the central part of the County along the Rosslyn Ballston Corridor, in the central northern part of the County and in the Crystal City area.

Arlington, Virginia 67 APPENDIX H - ARTS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES Arts Facilities Owned and Managed by Arlington County 1) Gunston Arts Center, Theater One Description: 420 seating capacity proscenium theater Use: Theater, Dance, Music, Schools Status: Joint Use Facility, minimum of 14 weeks of school use annually Renovation: 1991 Condition: New lighting system; no load-in door; sight-lines not good, particularly for young audiences; no handicapped accessibility from auditorium to stage. The House is in good condition, although joint-use has accelerated wear and tear and increased maintenance costs. There are no toilets, showers, or dedicated dressing rooms. 2) Gunston Arts Center, Theater Two Description: Black box theater, 50–125 seating capacity Use: Primarily Theater Status: Joint Use Facility, however no school use Renovation: 2002 Condition: Renovated in 2002, Theatre Two features an attractive lobby with box office, display cases, restrooms and concession booth. The Theatre has new lighting and sound systems. The dressing room/green room has changing stalls, storage lockers, and toilet and shower facilities. Storage is limited but adequate. 3) Thomas Jefferson Theater Description: 720 seating capacity proscenium theater with fly space & orchestra pit Use: Theater, Opera, Dance, Music, Schools Status: Joint Use Facility, minimum of 14 weeks school use annually, not available to Cultural fairs during the summer Constructed: 1972; improvements to lighting system in 1994; seating area replaced in 2002; orchestra pit cover replaced in 2003; lighting and rigging systems replaced in 2005. Condition: Dressing rooms not accessible to stage; orchestra pit is small and deep for opera use; limited storage space. 4) Rosslyn Spectrum Theater Description: 379 seating capacity thrust stage, no fly space Use: Music, Film/Video, Conference, Theater Status: Joint Use Facility, limited to evenings and Saturday afternoons Renovation: 1997, 2002 Condition: While all systems are new, there are some inherent limitations to the Spectrum due to the design and operating agreements. The stage is small for theatre and too small for dance. Acoustically, the theatre is challenging for theatre but good for music. It is currently used for music, film & video, and as a conference facility.

68 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan 5) National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Description: Large conference center, many possible configurations Use: Mixed use – usually Rehearsal, Education and Meetings Status: Managed by corporate entity, CAD access evenings and weekends Constructed: 1995 Condition: No lighting as designated in Site Plan Agreement. The sound equipment is minimal, there is no back of house space and there is very limited storage. 6) Lubber Run Amphitheater Description: 1,200 seating capacity open-air amphitheatre Use: Summer Concerts and Performances Status: Managed by Arlington County Renovation: 1991 Condition: Generally good condition. Lighting and electrical wiring is inadequate, and it is underground which limits accessibility for repair and/or replacement. 7) Theatre on the Run Description: 75 seating capacity open stage Use: Theatre Status: Owned and managed by Arlington County Renovation: 2001 Condition: Theatre is equipped with items recycled from other Arlington County-run spaces. Dressing rooms are small without toilets or showers and lighting system is limited. 8) Clark Street Theatre Description: Black box theater built into approximately a 33,000 sq. ft warehouse, 125–150 seating capacity Use: Performances, Rehearsals, Scene shop, Offices Status: Purchased by Arlington County in 2003 or 2004, Washington Shakespeare Company leased building in 1995 and built theatre and other spaces in the facility. Renovation: Done over several years by Washington Shakespeare Company starting in 1995 *Note: The building housing this theatre is part of a public-private land deal and will close in 2006. 9) Lee Arts Center Description: Studios for ceramics, printmaking and tile works with mini-gallery Use: Visual Arts Status: Owned and managed by Arlington County Renovation: 2001 10) The Ellipse Description: 4,000 sq. ft. gallery suitable for receptions and small-scale performances Use: Visual and Small Performances Status: Owned and managed by Arlington County

Arlington, Virginia 69 Arts and Cultural Facilities Not Owned and Managed but Partially Funded by the County 1) Arlington Arts Center Description: Gallery and studio space Use: Visual Arts, Exhibition, Studios and Education Status: Building is owned by Arlington County but is independently operated by a non-profit organization. Renovation: Major renovation 2005 2) Signature Theatre Description: Black box theater, 125–150 seating capacity Use: Performances, Rehearsals, and Theatre Offices Status: Dedicated use by Signature Theatre. Signature will move into new facility developed by Arlington County, shared with Shirlington branch of Arlington Public Libraries in 2006. Renovation: By Signature Theatre on occupancy in 1993 3) Classika/Synetic Theatre Description: Storefront theater, up to 75 seating capacity, separate space for classrooms. Use: Performance, Rehearsal, Classes and Theater Offices Status: Dedicated use by Classika and Synetic Theatres. Leased by Classika from Federal Realty. Renovation: By Classika on occupancy in 1999

70 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX I ARLINGTON COUNTY use and development of Hillside b Create a “civic plaza” through the SECTOR PLANS Park to enhance the usability of consolidation of open space at the the park, including acquisition of “old” Court House and Detention Summary Recommendations Related abutting properties. Facility site. to Public Spaces b Explore modifications to Gateway b Consolidate open space at the The County has developed Sector Park to maximize its use. western end of the Court House Plans for various planning areas within b Create a more effective gateway at Metro Station block and along the Arlington County’s Metro corridors. Key Bridge/Lee Highway/Gateway promenade linking the government Following are recommendations that Park through additional landscap- center and office development relate specifically to Public Spaces. ing and major public artwork with- located east and west of “Court Rosslyn Station Area Plan Addendum in Rosslyn Circle and the lands to House Square.” b b Create within Annie’s and Metro either side. Explore the expansion of major Park an open space of equivalent b Acquire the open space out-par- neighborhood parks such as Rocky size as a Central Place, which cels adjacent to Route 110 if safe Run to provide active recreation. would be located at the south end access to these sites can be pro- If the existing Fort Myer substa- of the block bounded by North vided. tion is no longer needed by Virginia Power, explore the possibility of 19th Street, Wilson Boulevard, b Expand the cultural, entertainment acquiring this property for open North Moore Street and North Lynn and recreational opportunities in space. In the meantime, construct Street. Rosslyn. This could include a small a wall and install landscaping b Increase the accessibility of performing arts facility, construc- around the substation to provide a Gateway Park, Theodore Roosevelt tion of a movie theater, opening buffer. Island, Arlington Cemetery, and of a branch library, art galleries or b other open space and recreational indoor recreational facilities. Design and implement landscaping improvements and/or public assets. b Develop a public arts master plan art features at major entryways, b Create an esplanade facing the riv- for Rosslyn and encourage the including the intersections of erfront, from North Lynn Street to installation of art works at appro- Veitch Street/Key Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard. priate locations. North Barton Street/Fairfax Drive. b Amend the General Land Use Plan Court House Sector Plan Addendum b Explore the possibility of expand- to show the properties between the b Create and/or improve pedestrian ing existing open space resources Atrium project and Quinn Street linkages to community facilities in the Court House area. and between North 18th Street and other neighborhood gather- b Explore the possibility of develop- and Key Boulevard and partially ing places from “main street” and ing a cultural facility at the exist- close North 18th Street for use as from primary connectors. open space and to increase recre- ing APA building. b Develop and implement a detailed ational opportunities. b Provide a prominent at-grade streetscape capital improvement b pedestrian connection from Seek to acquire the National Park program for the Court House area, Colonial Place to “Court House Service maintenance yard north of in particular for areas where rede- Square.” I-66. velopment is least likely to occur b Relocate the farmer’s market loca- b Develop a long range plan for the in the near future.

Arlington, Virginia 71 tion to North 15th Street, between and east of North Fillmore Street uses. Develop a master plan for the Clarendon Boulevard and North between North 10th and 11th park with comprehensive design Court House Road. Streets; and improvements, integrating art to attain a more urban character than Clarendon Sector Plan Addendum * b Locate “festival street” between North 13th Street, North Hartford exists today. * The Clarendon Sector Plan recom- Street, Wilson Boulevard and North b As on ongoing priority, expand mendations reflect the existing plan. Jackson Street. Maury Park to North Lincoln The plan is currently being updated. Street and 8th Street North for Virginia Square Sector Plan The PSMP should be amended to park and cultural facilities. (See reflect the recommendations in the new As redevelopment proceeds in Virginia Recommendations 6 and 67.) sector plan at its time of adoption. Square this plan seeks to retain spaces b Master plan and design the Central b Consolidate open space at the follow- for park and open space uses. The Wilson parks including: Oakland ing locations: deficient quantity of parks and open Park, Gumball Park, Herselle b Triangle Park - the area bounded spaces throughout the Rosslyn-Ballston Milliken Park, Quincy Street by Fairfax Drive, Wilson Boulevard Corridor is a driving factor in ultimately Extension Park, and Maury Park. achieving additional open spaces and and 10th Street; b Design Oakland Park as a passive parks. Additionally, this plan intends to b Clarendon Metro Park - as a central urban park with activating features support the Open Space Master Plan feature, located between Clarendon such as water fountains, public art, and create spaces and walkways for the Boulevard, Wilson Boulevard and and seating/observation areas. recreational enjoyment of all Arlington Highland Street; b residents. A mix of passive and active Develop a master plan for Maury b 13th Street Park - between North recreation uses are desired, prefer- Park. Include active and passive 13th Street and the “festival ably distributed throughout the station recreation facilities and/or pro- street” on the central blocks facing area to maintain convenient access to grams. (See Recommendation 6.) the residential neighborhood to the a variety of spaces from all areas of b Design Quincy Street Extension north; the community. An urban character is Park as a neighborhood park with b East Highland Plaza - along North desired for the parks and open spaces, active recreation uses. If possible, 11th Street framed by commercial integrating public art into the design acquire additional properties to development; of all public places. Urban plazas of expand the park boundary. (See b 10th Road Plaza - around the various sizes are also desired to permit Recommendation 7.) existing Post Office, at the time residents, workers, and visitors places b Implement the Central Wilson when truck operations to that facil- for informal or formal gatherings. These parks listed above. ity are discontinued; places are intended to frame building b Create urban plazas along the b Remove the North 13th Street entrances, provide relief from the sur- streetscape at GMU, FDIC, Virginia landscaped median and replace rounding building mass, and provide Square site, Arlington Funeral with a green strip with a double public gathering spaces. Home site, and in the East End of row of trees on both sides of N. b Create new and/or modify existing Virginia Square through redevelop- 13th Street; parks and open spaces consistent ment consistent with guidelines b Create a green buffer between with the Open Space Master Plan. in the WalkArlington Plan, Open commercial and residential devel- b Continue to develop Quincy Park Space Master Plan, and Public opment south of North 10th Street for active and passive recreation Art Master Plans. See the concept 72 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan plan and urban design guidelines VA Square Sector Plan 6. Plazas should be located to ter- for additional details on the size Open Space Design Guidelines minate vistas, accent background and character of these spaces. The buildings, provide outdoor café Open spaces are the public and private suggestions for possible public seating, provide space for concerts outdoor areas between buildings and art opportunities on the concept or other special events, and create offer physical and visual relief from plan diagrams are not meant to space for public art. building mass. Open spaces provide exclude proposals for other areas places for people to gather, play, social- Ballston Sector Plan of the site or to exclude the con- ize, walk, or view; can frame a view b sideration of art projects integrated Create the Stuart Street Walkway or vista; provide a setting for one or with architecture, open space, or along Stuart Street between the more buildings; and, provide vehicular, streetscape. Ballston Metro Station and Wilson bicycle, and pedestrian connections. Boulevard. b If and when redevelopment of Open space can take the form of parks, b Develop Stuart Park, located the Arlington Funeral Home site plazas, streetscape (sidewalk and street between North Taylor Street and occurs, establish an open space to area), or natural areas; each type is North Stuart Street, as part of the retain visibility of Quincy Park and designed differently based on the loca- Stuart Park site plan. Central Library and create a better tion, surrounding context, and intended b Provide gateway features at the I- connection to these public areas use and users. from Fairfax Drive. 66 exit at Fairfax Drive to establish 1. Open spaces should be designed an entry point into the Rosslyn- b If and when redevelopment of the with seating opportunities, lighting, Ballston corridor Virginia Square site occurs, estab- trash receptacles, bike racks, and lish an urban plaza along Fairfax landscape areas. Drive to provide for a central com- 2. Pathways should be provided for munity open space. adequate pedestrian circulation to, b As redevelopment occurs in the through, and from open spaces. East End, establish public open 3. Landscape material should be used spaces adjacent to the proposed in open spaces to provide shade 9th Street alignment east of North cover, color, visual interest, and to Lincoln Street. define spaces or architecture. b Redesign park signs as part of park 4. Urban plazas, parks, or similar master planning processes. Provide should be provided in new devel- opportunities for artist involvement opment projects to accommodate in the redesign of signs. outside dining spaces, concerts, b As part of park and tree master or outside theater, public art, and planning processes identify defi- uses/programs to meet the needs of cient streetscapes and tree plant- the community. ings in and near parks to improve 5. Open spaces should be identifiable the overall walkability and appear- features in the Virginia Square land- ance of County rights-of-way/ scape. properties.

Arlington, Virginia 73 APPENDIX J – PUBLIC SPACES INVENTORY County Park Property Park Name Address Acres* P 18th Street North and North Lincoln Street Park 11th St. N. and Danville Street 0.1 P 19th Road South Park 19th Road S. 0.6 P 21st Street North and North Potomac Street Park 21st St. N. & N. Potomac St. 0.2 P 21st Street North and North Stafford Street Park 21st St. N. & N. Stafford St. 0.3 P 23rd Street South and South Eads Street Park 23rd Street S. and S. Eads Street 0.1 P Alcova Heights Park 901 S. George Mason Dr. 12.2 P Allie S. Freed Park 2465 S. Culpepper St. 12.5 P Andrew Ellicott Park at the West Cornerstone North Arizona Street 0.2 P Arlington Forest Park 4801 Arlington Boulevard 1.0 P Arlington Hall West Park 300 S. Taylor St. 6.7 P Arlington Heights Park 9th Street S. and S. Irving Street 0.3 P Arlington Mill Community Center 4975 Columbia Pike 2.1 P Arlington View Park 1105 S. Queen St. 0.1 P Aurora Hills Community Center 300 S. Kennsington Street 2.9 P Bailey’s Branch Park 10th Street S and Columbus 1.6 P Ball-Carlin Cemetery 0.2 P Barcroft Park 4100 S. Four Mile Run Dr. 62.6 P Barton Park 2401 10th Street N. 1.9 P Beaver Pond Park 4747 N. Fairfax Dr. 6.7 P Belvedere Park 1613 16th St.N. 0.1 P Benjamin Banneker Park 1701 N. Van Burdan Street 11.7 P Bicentennial Garden Arlington Mill Dr. 0.2 P Big Walnut Park 1901 N. Harrison St. 1.6 P Birch-Payne Cemetery N. Sycamore St. & 28th St. N. 0.3 P Bluemont Junction Park 744 N. Emerson St. 25.5 P Bluemont Park 601 N. Manchester St. 61.7 P Bon Air Park 850 N. Lexington St. 16.3 P Broyhill Forest Park 35th St. N. & N. Utah St. 0.5 P Butler Holmes Park 101 S. Barton St. 2.0 P Carlin Hall Community Center 5711 4th St. S. 0.4 P Central Park 3140 Wilson Blvd. 0.7 P Charles E. Stewart Park 2400 N. Underwood St. 4.0 P Cheerios Park 23rd St. S. & S. Ball St. 0.9 P Cherry Valley Park 1731 N. Quincy St. 9.8 P Cherrydale Park 2100 N. Quincy St. 0.9 P Chestnut Hills Park N. Harrison St. & 27th St. N. 4.2 P Claremont Park S. Buchanan Street 5.1 P Clarenford Station Park 13th St. N. & N. Vermont St. 0.4 P Cleveland Park 11th St. S. & S. Cleveland St. 0.1 P Crystal City Gateway Park 2825 N. Jefferson Davis Hwy. 0.7

74 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Park Name Address Acres* P N. Danville and 11th Street N. Park N. Danville and 11th Street N. Park 1.1 P Dark Star Park 1655 N. Fort Myer Dr. 0.7 P Dawson Terrace Community Center 2133 N. Taft St. 3.5 P Doctors Run Park 1301 S. George Mason Dr. 5.8 P Donaldson Run Bike Trail 30th Street North and Military Road 6.5 P Donaldson Run Park 30th St. N. & N. Military Rd. 30.2 P Douglas Park 1718 S. Quincy St. 6.6 P Eads Park S. Eads St. & S. Fort Scott Dr. 4.4 P East Falls Church Park 1701 N. Van Buren St. 4.0 P Edison Park 2nd St. N. & N. Edison St. 0.4 P Fairlington Community Center 3308 S. Stafford St. 8.2 P Fields Park 755 N. George Mason Dr. 3.7 P Fillmore Park 33 N. Fillmore St. 4.8 P Fort Barnard Community Gardens 1930 S. Walter Reed Dr. 4.9 P Fort Barnard Heights Park 2101 S. Pollard St. 0.6 P Fort Barnard Park 2448 24th Rd. S. 3.5 P Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail N. Taft St. & 22nd St. N. 10.6 P Fort C.F. Smith Park 2411 24th Street N. 19.0 P Fort Ethan Allen Park 3829 N. Stafford St. 14.9 P Fort Myer Heights Park 1400 N. Fort Myer Dr. 0.9 P Fort Reynolds Park 4585 31st St. S 0.8 P Fort Scott Park 2800 Fort Scott Dr. 11.3 P Four Mile Run Park 3100 S. Glebe Rd. 41.9 P Foxcroft Heights Park S. Gate Rd. & S. Oak St. 0.2 P Fraser Park 28th St. S. & Army Navy Dr. 2.1 P Gateway Park 1300 Lee Hwy. 3.7 P Glebe Road Park 4211 N. Glebe Rd. 9.9 P Glencarlyn Park 301 N. Harrison St. 95.5 P Greenbrier Park 5201 28th St. N. 14.5 P Gulf Branch Nature Center 3608 N. Military Rd. 27.0 P Gum Ball Park 3715 7th St. N. 0.3 P Gunston Park and Community Center 700 S. Lang St., 1401 28th St. S 6.2 P Hayes Park 1516 N. Lincoln Street 2.9 P Henry Clay Park 3011 7th St. N. 1.5 P Herndon and 13th Street Park 1299 N. Herndon St. 0.6 P Herselle Milliken Park 820 N. Lincoln St. 0.2 P High View Park 1938 N. Dinwiddie St. 2.7 P Hillside Park 1601 N. Pierce St. 1.4 P Holmberg Park 3756 N. Upland St. 0.9 P I-66 Parking Garage 15th St. N. & N. Quincy St. 2.5 P Isaac Crossman Park at Four Mile Run 1900 Westmoreland St. 2.9 P James W. Haley Park 2400 S. Meade St. 2.6 P Jamestown Park 36th St. N. & N. Delaware St. 4.7

Arlington, Virginia 75 Park Name Address Acres* P Jennie Dean Park 3630 27th St. S. 12.4 P John Marshall Greenway John Marshall Dr. & N. Ohio St. 2.2 P Kirkwood Road Neighborhood Park Kirkwood Road 0.4 P Kirkwood Road Park N. Kirkwood Rd. 2.4 P Lacey Woods Park 1200 N. George Mason Dr. 13.9 P Lang Street Community Gardens S. Glebe Rd 1.2 P Lee Community Center 5722 Lee Highway 2.1 P Lee Heights Park 2400 N. Taylor St. 2.1 P Lubber Run Park 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd. 30.5 P Lucky Run Park 2620 S. Walter Reed Dr. 3.3 P Lyon Village Park 1800 N. Highland St. 1.5 P Madison Community Center @ Ft. Ethan Allen Park Old Glebe Road 0.0 P Madison Manor Park 1201 N. Quantico St. 13.1 P Marcey Road Park 2680 Marcey Rd. 2.8 P Maury Park 3550 Wilson Boulevard 1.8 P Maywood Park 3210 22nd St. N. 0.3 P McCoy Park 2121 21st St. N. 1.7 P Minor Hill Park 3400 N. Powhatan St. 7.5 P Monroe Park 14th St. S. & S. Monroe St. 1.0 P Nauck Garden 3501 18th St. S. 0.1 P Nauck Park 2601 19th St. S. 0.3 P Nelly Custis Park S. Grant St. & 24th St. S. 2.6 P Nina Park 800 24th St. S. 0.3 P Oakcrest Park 1020 S. Oakcrest Rd. 0.7 P Oakgrove Park 15th St. N. & N. Quincy St. 3.7 P Oakland Park 9th St. N. & N. Oakland St. 0.9 P Oakland Street Park Columbia Pike & Oakland St. 0.1 P Parkhurst Park 2000 N. Lexington St. 3.4 P Penrose Park 2200 6th St. S. 1.7 P Pimmit Run Fishing Access N. Richmond St. 0.2 P Potomac Tower Park 1955 N. Lynn St. 0.5 P Powhatan Springs Park 60201Wilson Boulevard 5.3 P Quincy Park 1021 N. Quincy St. 13.2 P Quincy Street Extension Park (Mosaic Park) N. Quincy Street and 5th Road N. 1.2 P Red Bench Knoll Park 1025 S. Arlington Ridge Rd. 0.6 P Rock Spring Park 5000 Little Falls Rd. 3.8 P Rocky Run Park 1109 N. Barton St. 3.0 P Rosslyn Highlands Park 1529 Wilson Blvd. 1.2 P Sharp Park 990 S. Columbus St. 1.5 P Shirlington Park 1201 S. Walter Reed Dr. 11.6 P Slater Park 2615 S. Ives Street 1.6 P South Ives Street Park 3400 N. Powhatan St. 1.1 P Stratford Park 2601 S. Arlington Mill Dr. 3.8

76 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Park Name Address Acres* P Thomas Jefferson Community Center 4100 Vacation Lane 17.7 P Thrifton Hill Park Spout Run & Lorcom Lane 7.1 P Towers Park 801 S. Scott St. 5.2 P Troy Park 2629 S. Troy St. 3.0 P Tuckahoe Park 2400 Sycamore St. 12.2 P Tyrol Hill Park 7th Rd. S.& S. Florida St. 3.4 P Upper Pimmit Run Park 3815 N. Dumbarton St. 2.1 P Utah Park 3125 S. Utah St. 4.2 P Virginia Highlands Park/Aurora Hills Community Center 1600 S. Hayes St. 19.7 P Walter Reed Community Center 2909 16th St. South 6.9 P Westover Park 1001 N. Kennebec St. 3.9 P Windy Run Park 1601 Wilson Blvd. 15.7 P Woodlawn Park 2420 N. Kenmore St. 1.4 P Woodmont Center 1400 N. Buchanan St. 3.3 P Woodstock Park 2049 N. Woodstock St. 1.3 P Zachary Taylor Park 2900 Military Road 19.5

Total County Owned Acres 919.3

* Acres shown are based upon GIS calculations and may not represent true legally deeded acres. Source: Arlington County.

Arlington, Virginia 77 School Property School Name Address Acres S Abingdon Elementary School 3035 S. Abingdon St. 9.8 S Arlington Career Center Walter Reed Drive 8.5 S Arlington Science Focus School 1501 N. Lincoln St. 6.6 S Arlington Traditional Elementary School 859 N. George Mason Dr. 7.8 S Ashlawn Elementary School 5950 8th Road N. 7.1 S Barcroft Elementary School 625 S. Wakefield St. 5.2 S Barrett Elementary School 4401 N. Henderson Rd. 7.1 S Campbell Elementary School 737 S. Carlin Springs Rd. 9.1 S Carver Community Center/ Hoffman Boston School 1415 S. Queen St. 8.8 S Claremont Elementary School S. Chesterfield Road 15 S Drew Elementary School, Park and Community Center 3500 24th St. S. 10.8 S Francis Scott Key Elementary School 2300 Key Blvd. 4.4 S Glebe Elementary School 1750 N. Glebe Rd. 7.0 S Gunston School 2700 S. Lang St., 1401 28th St. S. 20 S HB Woodlawn School 4100 N. Vacation Lane 8.8 S Jamestown Elementary School 3700 N. Delaware St. 11 S Kenmore Middle School 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. 32.2 S Langston Brown School Lee Blvd 4 S Long Branch Elementary School 33 N. Fillmore Street 2.2 S McKinley Elementary School 1030 N. McKinley Rd. 7.7 S Nottingham Elementary School 5900 Little Falls Road 9 S Oakridge Elementary School 1414 24th St. S. 8.2 S Patrick Henry Elementary School 701 N. Highland St. 4.2 S Randolph Elementary School 1306 S. Quincy St. 9 S Swanson Middle School 5800 N. Washington Blvd. 7.8 S Thomas Jefferson Middle School 3501 2nd St. S. 8.63 S Tuckahoe Elementary School 6550 26th St. N. 6.57 S Wakefield High School 490 S. Chesterfield Rd. 38.2 S Walter Reed School N. McKinley Rd. 10.9 S Washington-Lee High School 1300 N. Quincy St. 25.7 S Williamsburg Middle School 3600 N. Harrison St. 25 S Wilson School Wilson Blvd 2.6 S Yorktown High School 5201 28th St. N. 12.3 S Zachary Taylor Elementary School 2600 N. Stuart St. 15.5

Total Arlington Pubic School Acreage 376.7

Total County and Schools Land 1,296

78 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Privately Owned Facilities Name Address Acres Arlington Forest Club 400 N. Harrison St. 2.6 Army-Navy Country Club 2400 S. 18th St. 253 Bishop O’Connell High School Little Falls Rd. 17.6 Dominion Hills Recreation Area 5960 Wilson Blvd 5.9 Donaldson Run Recreation Area 2729 N. Marcy Rd. 0.5 Ellipse Art Gallery 4350 N. Fairfax Dr. 0.2 Ellipse Park Wilson Blvd. & N. Taylor St. Esplanade Park N. Kent St. 2.5 Hume Museum 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Rd 0.7 Lyon Park 414 North Fillmore St. 2.3 Mace Park N. Four Mile Run Drive 1.1 Overlee Community Association 6030 Lee Hwy 4 Washington Golf and Country Club 3017 N. Glebe Rd 107 YMCA Arlington Branch 3422 N. 13th St. 3.3 YMCA Veterans Memorial Pool 3440 S. 22nd St. 0.5 Total Privately Owned Facilities 401.2

Public Access Easements Name Address Acres Bromptons @ Cherrydale Lee Highway, Oakland and Pollard Sts. 0.60 Clarendon Market Common Clarendon Blvd @ Edgewood 1.01 Courtlands, Williamsburg, Courthouse Hill 13th and Barton Street 0.29 Glebe Terrace 4446 Old Glebe Road 0.23 GMUF Arlington Campus N. Washington Blvd 0.54 Grace Murray Hopper Park Joyce Street - Pentagon Row 1.99 Hillcrest Townhouse 100 Courthouse Road 0.45 Pike Park Walter Reed and Columbia Pike 0.19 Quincy Plaza 3900 Fairfax Drive 0.05 Residential Highrise 2001 N. 15th Street 0.38 Residential Highrise 2900 Clarendon Blvd 0.15 Wellburn Square N. Stuart Street 0.24 Virginia Square Center 3500 Fairfax Drive 0.09 Virginia Square Multifamily Fairfax and Monroe 0.29 Washington Building 3000 Washington Blvd 0.12 Total Public Access Easements 6.62

Total Publicly Accessible Private Land 407.82

Arlington, Virginia 79 Federally Owned Land Park Location Acres* Arlington House Arlington Cemetery 27.9 Arlington National Cemetery Arlington Cemetery 557 Columbia Island Marina George Washington Memorial Pkwy. 9.7 George Washington Memorial Parkway George Washington Memorial Pkwy. 363.43 Gravelly Point George Washington Memorial Pkwy. 18 Iwo Jima Memorial Arlington Cemetery 25.4 Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary George Washington Memorial Pkwy. 60 Theodore Roosevelt Island George Washington Memorial Pkwy. 88.28 Total Federal Land 1,149.71 Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Name Location Acres Algonkian Loudoun County 797.88 Balls Bluff Loudoun County 168.12 Brambleton Loudoun County 246.98 Bull Run Fairfax County 1,562.93 Bull Run Marina Fairfax County 500 Cameron Run City of Alexandria 50 Carlyle House City of Alexandria 0.85 Fountainhead Fairfax County 2,181.00 Headquarters Fairfax County 3.2 Hemlock Overlook Fairfax County 425.51 Meadowlark Gardens Fairfax County 95.92 Occoquan Fairfax County 400 Pohick Bay Fairfax County 1,001.79 Potomac Overlook Arlington County 67.48 Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Loudoun County 67.05 Sandy Run Fairfax County 350 Temple Hall Loudoun County 286 Upton Hill Arlington & Fairfax 27.09 Washington & Old Dominion Arlington, Fairfax & Loudoun 503.22 Total NVRPA Owned Land 8,735.02

Other Regional Open Space Name Location Acres* Beaverdam Reservoir Loudoun County 2.9 Mason Neck/Potomac Shoreline Fairfax County 790.14 Upper Potomac Fairfax & Loudoun 761.47 Other Properties Various 167.85 Total Other Regional Open Space 1,722.36

Subtotal NVRPA Land 10,457.38

Total Governmental (non county) Land 11,607.09

80 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX K - POTENTIAL PUBLIC b Corner of Wilson Boulevard and Highview Park (1994 OSMP) SPACE ACQUISITION SITES North Manchester Street adjacent b North Dinwiddie Street immediate- to existing park land. ly adjacent to existing park land. This list of potential public spaces acquisition sites was identified in the Bon Air Park (1994 OSMP) Jennie Dean Park (1994 OSMP) 1994 Open Space Master Plan. Several b Along the west side of North b Along the south side of South 27th other potential sites were identified Lexington Street from the 9th Road Street adjacent to existing park through recent major public planning cul-de-sac to existing park land. land. processes and adopted by the County Butler Holmes Park (1994 OSMP) Lacey Woods Park (1994 OSMP) Board. b Along the north and east sides of b Along North Frederick Street from Alcova Heights Park (1994 OSMP) South Barton Street and South the existing park to North 10th b North side of South 8th Street at 1st Road adjacent to existing park Road. the intersection of South Randolph land. Langston Brown Community Center Street adjacent to existing park Cherrydale Park (1994 OSMP) (1994 OSMP) land. b Service strip fronting on North b Wooded area southeast of existing Barcroft Park (1994 OSMP) Quincy Street between Lee park along North Columbus Street. b Southeast of and adjacent to exist- Highway and existing park land. Long Branch Nature Center ing park between Barcroft Park and Douglas Park (1994 OSMP) (1994 OSMP) Jennie Dean Park along Four Mile b Along the south side of South 16th b Run Drive. Between the dead end of South Street from South Randolph Street Illinois Street, existing park land Benjamin Banneker Park to South Quincy Street adjacent to and South Harrison Street. (1994 OSMP) existing park land. Madison Manor Park (1994 OSMP) b Along the south side of North 18th Drew Community Center b Along North Powhatan Street from Street from North Van Buren to (1994 OSMP) North Tuckahoe Street adjacent to North 12th Road to existing park b North side of South Lowell Street existing park land. land. adjacent to existing park land. b Between existing park land, North Marymount Area (1994 OSMP) Tuckahoe Street, North 19th Ft. Barnard Park (1994 OSMP) b Corner of Old Dominion Drive and Street, and North Roosevelt Street. b Corner of Walter Reed Drive and North 26th Street adjacent to b Between existing park land and South Oakland Street adjacent to existing open space. existing park land. North Sycamore Street, North 17th Maury Park (2002 Virginia Square Street and North Roosevelt Street. Glencarlyn Park (1994 OSMP) Sector Plan) Bluemont Park (1994 OSMP) b Former Virginia Power Barcroft b Along North Lincoln Street and b Along the east side of North Substation site at South Pershing N. 8th Street adjacent to existing Manchester Street to existing Drive and South 5th Street adja- open space. park land. cent to existing park land. b Road adjacent to existing park land.

Arlington, Virginia 81 National Park Service Maintenance b South Park in Land Bay F along Virginia Highlands (1994 OSMP) Yard/VDOT Right-of-Way Four Mile Run, including the b Northeast corner of the intersection (1994 OSMP) existing bridges and the portion of South 15th Street and South b Would establish a new open of the Four Mile Run area under Hayes Street, adjacent to existing space on the east side of North the jurisdiction of the City of park land. Lynn Street near the Key Bridge Alexandria. Windy Run Nature Area (1994 OSMP) entrance to Virginia. Quincy Park (1994 OSMP) b In holding on North 27th Street North Quincy Street Extension b Area between North Quincy Street, adjacent to existing open space. (1994 OSMP) North 10th Street, Fairfax Drive b Rear lots which back onto Windy b Would establish a new neighbor- and North Pollard Street adjacent Run stream valley adjacent to hood park on the eastern portion to existing land and the library. existing open space. of the former C&P Telephone site Rock Spring Park (1994 OSMP) located at North 5th Road, North Woodlawn Park (1994 OSMP) b Between unopened North 30th Pollard Street and North Quincy b Right-of-way between Woodlawn Street and the dead end of North Street over to North 6th Street. Park and Washington Boulevard. George Mason Drive adjacent to North Tract and Adjacent Areas existing park land. Future Parks – Unnamed (1994 OSMP) (1994 OSMP) Rosslyn Highlands (1994 OSMP) b Would establish a new community b Would establish new urban open b Along the east side of North Quinn park at the northern end of Crystal space at the intersection of Street, from North 18th Street City between Old Jefferson Davis North Garfield Street and Wilson to Key Boulevard and east to Highway and the railroad adjacent Boulevard. the Atrium Complex adjacent to to the Roaches Run Waterfowl b Would establish new urban open existing park land and the Wilson Sanctuary. space in the area between Wilson Center. Potomac Yards (Phased Development Boulevard, Fairfax Drive and North Site Plan) Thomas Jefferson Community Center 10th Street. (1994 OSMP) b Would establish three park areas b Would establish a new urban open b within the development consis- Along the south side of Old Glebe space at the “old” Court House tent with the approved Phased Road and Arlington Boulevard and Detention facility site. Development Site Plan and the between Old Glebe Road and exist- accompanying Urban Design ing park land. Guidelines. Tuckahoe Park (1994 OSMP) b Center Park on the east side of b Northeast corner at North 28th Land Bays D&E; Street and North Sycamore Street b North Park in Land Bay C; and adjacent to existing park land.

82 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan APPENDIX L – PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MAP

Arlington, Virginia 83 84 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan Arlington, Virginia 85 86 Appendix / Public Spaces Master Plan