Deal for South Lakes Turf Still Stalled

Reston Association is reconsidering its pledge to commit $50,000 to the effort to build two artificial turf fields at South Lakes High School.

The RA Board of Directors voted at its March 28 meeting not to enter into the proposed Contribution and Use Agreement regarding the turf fields, said RA president Ken Knueven.

The board will "review other possibilities to do what's right for the community," at a special meeting Thursday, Knueven said.

South Lakes, along with several community partners, is seeking to build two turf fields at the school - one on the stadium field, the other a practice field. SHLS Director of Student Activities Linda Jones says she still hopes to break ground this spring.

However, Fairfax County Parks Authority Board Chair Bill Bouie said last week the money is in place for the project, which is expected to cost between $1.4 and $1.8 million.

The fields are a partnership with several community organizations, including a  $175,000 grant from Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services; $1.1 million in bond money from the Fairfax County Park Authority;  $25,000 from Reston Youth Association (football); $30,000 from South Lakes High School discretionary funds; and $100,000 from Reston Community Center.

The final deal has also been delayed by dissatisfaction with the Memorandum of Understanding among other partners. Reston Soccer has expressed frustration with its projected time allocation, but ultimately has approved $150,000 for the effort.

Meanwhile, the SLHS Athletic Boosters raised $23,000 in a recent fundraising campaign and  in order to make the fields a reality, said Boosters President Ron Parisi.

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