Reston park upgrade faces vote
Voters decide on an $180 million bond today to fund renovations at South Lakes Drive Park, which county staff say needs accessibility fixes.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Fairfax County residents vote on a park bond today.
The measure would provide $180 million for facility renovations, maintenance, construction, and land acquisition.
The Fairfax County Park Authority has proposed major changes to South Lakes Drive Park in Reston.
County staff identified the site as a top priority for accessibility improvements.
The 13.9-acre park was developed in the 1980s.
Staff noted that aging equipment and a lack of Americans with Disabilities Act compliant features currently plague the site.
The existing layout also limits visibility from the road.
Tall trees provide shade but surround the sports court and playground.
These amenities sit at the furthest distance from the primary parking area.
The authority plans to replace the playground and basketball court.
They will move both features to a central location closer to the main lot.
The existing 195-foot by 360-foot rectangular athletic field will receive a turf refresh and new irrigation system. A 28,200-square-foot multipurpose community lawn with a pavilion will be added. A paved loop trail will link all amenities to existing neighborhood footpaths. The current baseball diamond will be removed to make space for these changes. County staff intend to make substantial upgrades to another diamond field within four miles. The area currently occupied by the playground and court will be restored as native mixed hardwood forest. Supervisor Walter Alcorn supports the project. He stated that the upgrades would create new outdoor recreational opportunities for all residents. The authority has also applied for federal funding from the National Park Service. The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program supports local outdoor spaces. Fairfax seeks more than $1.9 million from this program. The county must provide matching funds if the grant is approved. County staff say bond proceeds would cover that match. If the federal grant is denied, the entire $3.9 million cost would come from the bond. The National Park Service has $120 million available for the current cycle. Awards are expected in May. An environmental compliance review could take six to 12 months if the grant is won. Funds might not be awarded until May 2028. The county would then have a five-year deadline to complete the project. The Park Authority is in the early stages of planning. Alcorn's office said it will announce a community engagement process later.
