Date: December 14, 2020
Contact: Carol Fuller
Phone: 703-477-5954
Email: fullercarols@gmail.com
ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA – A new report released today by Livability 22202 – a collaboration of the Arlington Ridge, Aurora Highlands, and Crystal City Civic associations – examines the principles for holistic planning needed to strengthen connectivity, natural ecosystems, and community-building in open space in the 22202 zip code area. It provides observations and recommendations for initiating a sustained collaboration with other stakeholders invested in the success of our community, including property developers, owners, county staff, and commission members. As stated in the Livability22202 Action Plan, November 2019: “A commitment to livability means a focus on factors that promote ecological sustainability and human health and well-being.”
Environmental sustainability and community building are at the core of a livable city. Enhancing these elements in 22202 (bounded by I395, the George Washington Parkway, and Four Mile Run) will require strategically increasing the quality and quantity of open space to reduce heat intensity, improve stormwater management, incorporate solar energy, increase urban biodiversity and connect neighborhoods. Opportunities for land acquisition are few, so the solution hinges on finding access to land that is currently inaccessible, squeezing usable square footage out of “wasted space,” partnering with landowners for public use of private spaces, and, above all, promoting the evolution of existing parks to meet the needs of the present and future residents. Key components are a robust tree canopy and the incorporation of biophilic design in the built environment and in planned private and public spaces. Needs and opportunities abound for configuring open space and connectivity in 22202.
Key recommendations emerged:
- Improve hostile pedestrian environments and develop walking/biking loops throughout 22202
- Promote connectivity of open spaces from Arlington Ridge to Crystal City and Long Bridge Park
- Connect Crystal City to the natural areas of Roaches Run on the east side of the railroad right of way
- Identify goals for natural systems: reduce heat island effects, mitigate stormwater impacts, provide wildlife habitat, incorporate solar energy
- Increase shade trees, plant natives, and use plantings to provide seasonal color and interest year-round
Livability22202 continues to explore how to develop a network of green corridors and parks that will connect residents to nature and natural areas to each other. Subsequent to the workshop, we focused on imagining casual use and event space at Virginia Highlands Park, created a naming map to show the possibilities of community-centric facilities in natural areas, and began a Highlands Urban Agriculture garden (HUG) as a pilot project. Our recommendations for Crystal City parallel those resulting from the BID and JBG-sponsored Crystal City Parks community engagement. Overall, our recommendations will feed into the eventual County process for creating and upgrading open space in the 22202 area.
Read the report: Livability 22202 Working Group on Open Space; Fact Sheet
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For more information, please contact Carol Fuller, Open Space Coordinator, Crystal City Civic Association President
About Livability22202
Livability 22202 is the work of the three civic associations of 22202 – Arlington Ridge, Aurora Highlands, and Crystal City. The residents of 22202 have committed to tackling the challenges facing our area with holistic strategies based on shared livability themes to create a better, more livable city.