Workshop: Open Space
We all know that 22202 is a great place to live. But for many of us, the only backyard we have is our neighborhood. With all the new proposed development, we have an opportunity to reshape what our backyard looks like. What do we love? What’s missing? What’s not working? Could our open spaces be greener or more attractive? More inviting or accessible?
We are inviting you to attend a workshop where you can share your experience, learn about existing and planned open spaces, and help develop a community vision for Open Space in 22202.
This is a part of a resident-led effort to ensure that planning for open space, as well as for community needs such as schools, transportation, and housing affordability, is holistic, responsive, and comprehensive. And we will begin to define priorities for Open Space in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). You can read more about the Livability 22202 Action Plan at http://livability22202.org/
The workshop will focus on discussing ideas for four topics, with walking tours in the morning and afternoon:
- Developing a holistic approach to planning Crystal City Parks
- Re-envisioning Virginia Highlands Park as the backyard for the Pentagon City community
- Connecting residents to the natural world and enhancing biodiversity throughout 22202 green spaces
- Exploring the possibility for a publicly accessible greenway from Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary along the railroad tracks to the southern end of Crystal City
The workshop is scheduled for February 22, from 9am to 3pm, at the Crystal City Marriott, 1999 Richmond Hwy (the corner of 20th and Clark Bell). An informal lunch is included. It will be interactive, with opportunities to hear from fellow residents who have different experiences and needs for Open Space.
Please join us if you can. Space is limited so sign up soon. Please indicate which of the four workshop topics you are most interested in, and we will do our best to include you in the group you prefer. But in any of the groups, you will bring your experience to the table and learn from others!
Date
- Feb 22 2020
- Expired!
Time
- 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
More Info
Location
- 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202
Roaches Run
Located only a few minutes walk from the urban core of Crystal City, Roaches Run could provide the community an easily accessed natural area with a variety of opportunities to experience a woodland and wetland. Park features could include:
• A woodland trail along the length of the forested area between the railroad and George Washington Parkway.
• A boardwalk trail over marsh and wetland areas and along the perimeter of waterfowl sanctuary.
• Bird watching blind(s) overlooking the waterfowl sanctuary and marsh.
Concern was expressed that making the area accessible have minimal impact on the waterfowl sanctuary and fragile wetland areas.
The existing access point from Crystal City is from Water Park / Mt Vernon Trail connector tunnel but possible additional access points could be from the CC2DCA / VRE Station. One Crystal City resident remembers that there used to be a tunnel under the railroad right of way near 12th Street / Crystal Park North. There was also interest in seeking a connection from Long Bridge Park near the Aquatic Center to the northern part of Roaches Run creating a loop connection to Crystal City. A connection at the southern end of the parcel is also possible which could extend the total length of the woodland path through the site.
There was concern about how planned projects may impact development options including:
• New Long Bridge and changes to railroad right of way.
• CC2DCA/VRE Station
A number of existing conditions of concern were noted including:
• Homeless encampment in the woodland near the water park tunnel.
• Trash, litter and other debris in the woodland.
• Invasive Plants (English Ivy).
Cleanup of the site and removal/control of invasive plants could be assisted by citizen volunteers and could be an opportunity build community.
It was suggested that it might be best to adopt a phased approach to implementing improvements to the existing site.