Reston residents broke into several groups to talk about the new plans for Baron Cameron Park.
The Reston Citizens Association met with concerned residents to address possible changes to Baron Cameron Park last week.
The changes, which are a scheduled update of the park, were discussed and debated at the April 7 meeting at Buzz Aldrin Elementary School.
“What we want you to do is think about what’s missing, what’s not there,” said Reston 2020 co-chairman Terry Maynard.
He explained some of the changes - adding a picnic pavilion, restrooms, a larger trail network and additional parking - among other additions. Fairfax County also included alternative plans that included an indoor recreational center.
However, most residents - and RCA - were opposed to the recreational center being added to the park property. Maynard said the center would be better suited in Town Center North, “where the people will be.”
After Maynard’s presentation of the plans, the attendees broke out into groups to make a list of what additions they liked and what were considered risks.
Beth Brooks, Reston, was concerned that the park, with or without additions, will remain soggy. In the past, this has left several fields out of commission.
“The county has a huge drainage problem in Reston already,” she said. “It’s going to be a swamp. It’s going to make it worse.”
Stephen Canner, Reston, was concerned about the park being well-lit and wanted to know the injury rate of artificial turf if his grandchildren were going to use the park.
The lists were discussed and laid out on tables where the residents put lime green stickers next to points they agreed with to give the county a better understanding of what to change in the development plan.
“This is a normal 10-year master plan by the county,” said Maynard after the meeting. “It’s their initiative to change it and we’re trying to help them constructively.”