Kids Speak Out on Future of Reston National

The future of Reston National Golf Course has been a hot topic since it was discovered earlier this year that RN Golf Management, the course's owner, filed an inquiry with Fairfax County Zoning to see whether the course is zoned residential.

While a redevelopment plan may be in the works, no plan has yet to be made public. But with a residents have mobilized with an online petition; a grassroots advocacy group (Rescue Reston); a rally; and other efforts to keep the 166-acre public golf course as open space and not residential development.

Evan Millar, a fifth-grade teacher at posed the problem to his students - many of whom live on or near Reston National - as a persuasive writing exercise.

Reston Patch is highlighting some of the best arguments for and against development from the 10- and 11-year-olds, who were asked "Reston National - Should It Stay?"

----------------------

I believe they should sell the golf course.

There are lots of reasons why. We can help more businesses make more money. We could also have a higher population which would help the kids go to a better school and make more money. 

There has been less golfers lately so that means there is no point in having a golf course if there is less golfers.

This will make the neighborhood come together and that's why I believe they should sell the golf course.

Jasmine A.

---------------

I believe the golf course should stay because of the habitat. If they destroy the golf course, the animals will not have that much land, less trees and less grass. It also might kill some animals.

The other reason is there are people who like golf. After they do the construction, they will imagine a time when they were having fun. After that they will be sad and won't have any exercise or outside time.

The last reason is the space. If we don't have that much space for the people, all the house will take the space then we won't have much excitement and the people will be bored.

Josue

------------------

I believe the golf course in Reston should go away. Here are three of my beliefs.

My first reason is golfing near houses can be deadly and dangerous. For example, there are buildings and power lines near the golf course.  If a golf ball hits a power line or a box, it will set off a deadly electrocution or a power outage. People can get hit and have a serious concussion. Cars can get their window broken and set off loud alarms. In fact, the people who are going to pay for the damage is us! That would not be fair to us, would it?

My second reason about the golf course is that many people will stop playing golf in the future. As a matter of fact, the Metro will attract a lot of people in the future, which will leave the golf course empty. In fact, why do we have a golf course if no one will play on it? That is just a waste of green!

My final reason about the golf course is it is just a waste of land. For example, some golfers are getting mad at kids for "being on their property." I don't know why they are getting mad if they are not even using that territory! 

I realize that taking away the golf course would upset people and put an end to some people's hobby. But on the other hand, taking away the golf course will not do any more harm or damage and kids can finally enjoy the wide field for playing.

Ulices S.

---------------------------------------------

I truly believe the Reston National Golf Course should stay.

One of the reasons I think the golf course should stay is because all of the houses near it will lose value (if it goes away). I really don't think people would like Reston as much if the course is built on. Golfers and the people, even kids, wouldn't be happy about the green space being field with unwanted apartments.

Not to mention, there would be a ton of traffic in Reston. It would feel as though we are living in a big city. All the traffic would pollute the earth even more. In addition to these thoughts, there would be many animals that would be killed or run over. 

In conclusion, we wouldn't have any more green space for animals, kids, and of coourse golfers to have jolly good times. Kids wouldn't be able to go sledding on the amazing hills. The golfers wouldn't be able to have amusing times with their friends. Lastly, people would be disappointed that their favorite golf course would be gone. 

Hannah L.

To read all the Reston Patch stories on this issue, click here.

To keep up with all Reston development news, subscribe to Reston Patch's free daily newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.