Growing Reston Needs More Recreational Facilities

There has been much written on Patch lately about the Reston Master Plan Task Force progress.  Four years of planning for development within the Reston Transit Station areas are coming to conclusion, with a Board of Supervisors meeting in December. It is shaping up to look like the space in our part of the Dulles Metrorail Corridor will have up to 50,000 jobs and over 27,000 new residences.

This brings up the need for new recreational amenities and space.  What are the priorities?  Where should they be located?  How should they be paid for?  If you think the developers will be footing the bill, think again and please read the links at the end of this article.

We have an enviable recreational facility right now that Restonians don’t have to pay for.  It illustrates in real time these words from our Welcome to Reston publication for newcomers:  "The sustainable design of the community lends itself to the preservation of parkland, natural areas, clean lakes and walking trails."

Only those who wish to use this facility pay for it.  Others get to enjoy its open space and wildlife for free.  It is home to mature trees, in particular a Black Gum Tree that is one of the largest native trees in Fairfax County.  It has the most endangered habitat in Fairfax County, called “old field habitat with hardwood cover.”

It is well maintained at no expense to Reston Association members, Small Tax District 5 taxpayers (anyone who owns property in Reston) or Fairfax County taxpayers.

It is home to a high school sports team as well as a great spot for corporate outings.  It is enjoyed by local walkers, runners, and dog owners.

Of course I’m talking about our public golf course on the south side of Reston . . . Reston National Golf Course.  SAIC made news this week for choosing Reston as its new location for 600 employees.  COO Stu Shea explains “. . . it's easily accessible and the amenities are world class.”  Surely two golf courses (one members only and the other public with very reasonable fees) are part of that amenities list.

I met a golfer on the course last week.  He’d come directly from his nearby office to get in a quick round (just $39 after 5 p.m.) before heading home to the kids and dinner. What a great way to stay in shape for that corporate outing coming up.

For all who have the mindset that golf is mainly for the wealthy, please read “The U.S. Open Victory That Changed Golf Forever.”  Also, did you know that golf is returning to the Olympics in 2016? 

Why shouldn’t our leading edge community have golf as an amenity for everyone who wants it?  And if you don’t golf, it doesn’t cost you a cent. 

Volunteers at Rescue Reston continue to work to ensure the Reston National Golf Course remains permanent open space.  Please sign our petition at bit.ly/RescueReston.  With over 3,700 signatures on paper and online, it is making a difference. 

The new comprehensive plan is still in draft format.  It is not too late for input and the ability to affect change.  Please take the time to at least scan the following and speak up on areas that concern you.

·         Reston Citizens Association (RCA) Colin Mills synopsis of RCA’s critique

·         RCA’s detailed comments to the Senior Planner, Fairfax County Department of Planning & Zoning

·         Reston Association’s comments on the draft plan to the Senior Planner