Windy Run Stream in Arlington restored
The stream in Windy Run Park had been undergoing construction since September 2017. Severe erosion caused by stormwater runoff compromised the stone wall along the popular hiking trail, but thanks to the employment of “natural channel design” and “step pools,” the stream can now accommodate higher water flows and has greatly minimized its risk of future erosion. Sanitary and storm sewers were repaired to preserve water quality in local streams and, on a larger scale, the Chesapeake Bay. Several trees, shrubs and other vegetation were planted to replace those that had been uprooted by erosion, too. A ribbon-cutting ceremony (date TBA) will be held to celebrate the completion of the stream renovations, but the trail and park are open to the public in the meantime.
Fourth of July Celebration at Long Bridge Park cancelled
Due to budget constraints, the annual Fourth of July Celebration at Long Bridge Park has been cancelled. The park will, however, remain open for families to picnic, play games and view the D.C. fireworks display on their own. Several Arlington neighborhoods are hosting alternative Independence Day celebrations.
Bull Neck Run Stream Restoration Work Underway at Spring Hill Park
As part of Fairfax County’s efforts to restore degraded streams and improve Chesapeake Bay water quality, the Bull Neck Run Stream in Spring Hill Park is currently undergoing improvements that include planting native trees and plants and stabilizing the channel to prevent further erosion. The main construction site will be off Lewinsville Road, right behind the Spring Hill RECenter. Trails in proximity to the stream may be closed as needed to ensure public safety. Construction should be completed by June 2019.
Muddy Hole Farm Park entrance, parking lot closed for restoration
The parking lot and entrance road to Muddy Hole Farm Park will be temporarily closed to vehicles from June 25-29. This development is part of Dominion Energy’s powerline transmission upgrade project at Huntley Meadows Park. Both the parking lot and entryway will be restored and likely reopen June 30, weather permitting. Muddy Hole Farm Park, located at 7941 Kidd St. in Alexandria, will still be open to visitors on foot.
Tree clearing at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to make way for new access road
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park will get a new access road to replace the current entrance from Route 28. A new Poplar Tree Road will serve as a connector to the park access point and Stonecroft Boulevard. At this stage in the project there will mainly be tree clearings to prepare the area; construction for the new road will not begin until later in the year. The entrance from Route 28, the ball fields and parking lots will not be affected in this phase.
Updated hours for Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve
Hours at the Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve in Leesburg have been extended. Banshee Reeks is a preserve that boasts historic and contemporary structures, as well as a lush 695 acres of land and vibrant Piedmont ecosystem. The park will still be closed on Mondays and Fridays, but on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays it will be open from 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Previously, the nature reserve was only open by appointment on weekdays. On weekends it will be open from 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., as opposed to the former 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours may be subject to seasonal change.
Ali Krieger Sports Complex now open
The sports complex named after U.S. soccer star Ali Krieger opened earlier this June in Dumfries. Krieger is a NoVA native, hailing from Prince William County and a graduate of Forest Park High School. The facility includes seven multi-purpose fields, a softball field and a play space for toddlers. Krieger’s soccer clinics for both youth and adult athletes, the Ali Krieger Football Camps, will be hosted at this location. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors entered into an agreement with the adjacent St. John Paul the Great High School so that both establishments can share the sports complex and an expansive parking lot.
New footbridge in Prince William County creates safe walkway along Route 1
A new footbridge links the two sidewalks on either side of Powell’s Creek along Route 1. In addition to providing safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists, the footbridge also connects to trails that lead to the local parks, wildlife refuges and historic landmarks that make up the Potomac Heritage Trail. This structure is one of the first in the PWC Department of Transportation’s effort to create a multi-modal transportation network throughout the community.
