Reston Association Board to Reconsider Paddleboard Operation

The Reston Association Board of Directors, which two weeks ago unanimously voted to allow Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboard Adventures to offer lessons and potential rentals at Lake Audubon, will reconsider its decision at a meeting Thursday.

The move comes after several Lake Audubon-area residents complained they were not consulted before the vote. The residents say opening up a private RA lake to non-RA members will increase garbage, affect wildlife and lead to other problems.

South Lakes Director Richard Chew, who received many emails from Audubon residents, has proposed the board reconsider the motion that authorizes the RA Acting CEO to execute an agreement on behalf of the RA with Surf Reston.
 
Chew says he and RA president Ken Knueven heard from more than two dozen residents and the agreement should be reconsidered because:

* Lack of Communication. RA should have reached out to RA Members living around the lake in advance of authorizing the paddleboarding rentals and lessons.

* Use by Non-Residents. Lake Audubon is a “private” lake that should not be open to the “public.” There should be no non-resident use (paddle boarding, boating, and fishing) of Lake Audubon. Paddleboarding is likely to exacerbate the problem of non-members using the lakes. RA should patrol the boat ramps.

*  Alternative Location. SUP rentals and instruction should be restricted to Lake Anne.

* Commercialization. The RA lakes should not be commercialized. If one vendor is allowed to sell services, others will follow. Food stands are bound to follow. The meet-ups will lead to “groupons” and living social deals. Who is going to monitor if the hours of operation are followed?

*Environmental Impact. Paddleboarding will have a detrimental impact on lake wildlife and vegetation and contribute to water pollution.

* Congestion. The Lake Audubon boat ramp and adjacent parking will become overly congested. Pontoon boats will not be able to navigate amongst the paddle boarders.

* Crime and Safety. Paddleboarding puts lakefront property owners’ safety at risk. Paddle boarding instructions will bring “more strangers (and crime)” to the lakes.

* Financial Impact. RA’s minimal financial gain ($600 annually) does not offset the negative impact on lakefront property owners. RA assessments and county taxes will increase in order to monitor and clean up the lakes.

In other RA news, the board will also bring up indoor tennis in a motion to the Fairfax County Park Authority, which is looking at the Master Planning of Baron Cameron Park. The RA motion, introduced by At-Large Director Michael Sanio says RA should

1. Impress upon the FCPA to take into consideration the following “Essential Elements” of Reston’s design and planning foundation principles: Environmental Stewardship, Commitment to the Arts; Accessibility; Planning & Design Excellence; and, Recreational Amenities. 

2.  Request of FCPA that an indoor tennis facility be considered for inclusion at Baron Cameron Park as it is one of the key needed recreational elements for the community.

Indoor tennis, a subject of much discussion from 2009-2011, has been off of RA's radar since the end of 2011, when the board voted not to pursue a referendum in 2012.

How do you feel about a paddleboard business on Lake Audubon? Is Baron Cameron Park the right place for indoor tennis? 

Tell is in the comments.