Rosslyn BID to launch parklet concept May 31
Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day, held on the third Friday of every September, has been changing the way people look at their city’s green space—or lack thereof—by having urban areas transform what is usually used as parking spaces into miniature parks. This past year, Rosslyn turned two parking spaces into an area containing lawn chairs and a green turf lawn, providing visitors with a first look at what is now becoming a permanent fixture. Arlington County’s first “parklet” at 1501 Wilson Blvd. will be unveiled at a May 31 launch party taking place from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and featuring music, vendors, crafts and a snack.
Four Mile Run Valley Policy Framework approved
On May 19, the Arlington County Board passed a Four Mile Run Valley Policy Framework with the intention of keeping the area’s industrial character, but making improvements to public spaces and seeking out opportunities to better incorporate the arts. Venues that are expected to see some changes in the near future include Shirlington Park, Shirlington Dog Park and Jennie Dean Park, the latter of which will welcome new lighted baseball fields, two lighted tennis courts, a new playground, restrooms, causal use space and more. An Area Plan and Park Master Plan have yet to be created and approved.
Powhatan Springs Skate Park to see $1.87 million worth of upgrades
Bennett Group, Inc. will be in charge of replacing the 14-year-old skate park located at 6020 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, for $1.87 million, with some help from subcontractor Team Pain Stakes Parks. Construction, to begin in the third quarter of 2018, will bring skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX cyclists a beginner bowl whose depths reach 5-8 feet, a pro bowl whose depths reach 6, 8 and 11 feet, plus a snake run with a tunnel on one end. Additional elements will be available for both beginners and seasoned skaters.
Springfield Nights concert series coming to Burke Lake Park
Fairfax County Park Authority and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity have teamed up to bring a free Springfield Nights concert series to Burke Lake Park Wednesday nights during July and August. Fairfax County high schoolers will kick things off at 7 p.m., followed soon after by the headliners at 7:30 p.m.
Portion of South Walter Reed Drive to see bicycle/pedestrian improvements
Hoping to ensure safe access to the Four Mile Run and Washington & Old Dominion trails, Arlington County Board voted in favor of making $1.8 million worth of improvements to the section of South Walter Reed Drive between South Four Mile Run Drive and South Arlington Mill Drive. Among the upgrades, sidewalks will be widened, street lights and traffic signals either updated or installed, travel lanes resurfaced, curbs extended and upgraded and more.
Barrett Elementary School to host Lubber Run Farmers Market
Arlington-based nonprofit Field to Table, Inc. was granted a Use Permit by the Arlington County Board to hold a farmers market featuring 20 vendors from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays, April-November, at the Barrett Elementary School parking lot near George Mason Drive. The market is expected to debut by the end of the month.
Lynn Street to become more pedestrian-, cyclist- and art-friendly
A two-year construction project which will bring an on-street bike lane, wider sidewalks (some up to 20 feet) and crosswalk, intersection and streetlight upgrades to North Lynn Street should begin by the end of this month. These changes work in favor of the “Corridor of Light,” a public art project at the Lynn Street bridge that passes over I-66. The 10-foot-wide Custis Trail will also be expanded to 16 feet wide.
Indoor golf facility under construction at Pinecrest Golf Course
The addition of an indoor practice facility, the first major change that Pinecrest Golf Course has seen since its 1986 inception, is currently underway and should be complete by the end of July, though will not open to the public until later in 2018. Within the new practice space golfers will find hitting bays, an instructional area that offers a golf simulator and electronic swing analysis, skylights and room for party rentals.
Construction on Pimmit Run Trail pedestrian bridge to begin in June
The steel bridge at the Pimmit Run Trail between Linway Terrace and McLean Drive will be replaced by one made of extruded fiberglass, a process that should begin in June and wrap up in August. During this time, sections of trail leading up the bridge will be closed.
