Reston Association Honors, Alters Turf Deal

The Reston Association Board of Directors voted on Thursday to give a one-time, $50,000 donation to the Fairfax County School Board to be used for building artificial turf fields at South Lakes High School.

The board had voted three weeks ago to not enter into a written user agreement with the SLHS turf partners. The board said it had concerns about the longterm requirements that may have required RA to contribute additional money for maintenance years later.

South Lakes is hoping to break ground on the $1.4-1.8 million project in May. It has received financial support from several community groups - including Reston Community Center, Reston Soccer, Reston Youth Association and the SLHS Athletic Boosters. However, the final agreements have been stalled by hestation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding outlining responsilities and usage.

While the motion passed 8-1 on Thursday, some directors expressed concerne over RA spending money when the upcoming two-year budget might be stretched. Some were also concerned that without being in the user agreement, RA gets no guaranteed benefits from the donation.

"What's in it for us Other than doing well for the community," said At-Large Director Donna Rostant. "But we have our own structures [to take care of]. I am struggling with the ambiguity of not seeing the return on the $50,000."

Larry Butler, RA's Director of Parks and Recreation, and RA CEO Milton Matthews stressed the importance showing support for the community. Butler also said that even without a formal agreement, he believes RA camps will still be able to use fields when requested.

"I still believe this is a community-wide effort," said Butler. "It is beneficial to the entire community, and I strongly believe RA should be a part of it."

RA had originally committed $100,000 in 2012

Hunters Woods/Dogwood Director Cheryl Beamer suggested that RA stop raising assessments in $5 increments and instead raise assessments by $20 in order to better fund future projects.

South Lakes Director Richard Chew - the lone dissenting vote - said if RA really wanted to make an impact on the community it should give $50,000 to Reston Interfaith.

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