Residents Advocate for Improved Facilities at Langley Fork Park

Approximately 50 McLean residents turned out to share their visions for future uses of Langley Fork Park at a public hearing hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority Thursday night.

The discussion quickly turned to possible recreational uses of the park, with many in the audience appearing to favor increasing and improving the athletic fields. 

With the population of McLean tripling since the last master plan was created, and the under-19 population doubling, an update of the park, located across the street from the CIA, was needed, park officials said. The park belongs to the U.S. government but is operated by the county.

The Park Authority estimates the completion of the master plan for mid-late 2012. the county will begin an environmental assessment immediately to determine what the impacts of land use change could be on the natural and cultural resources of the park. 

Dranesville Supervisor John Foust said this project has been in the works for at least 10 years, but the county park authority had been reluctant to invest in a property they didn’t own. Now, with a potential   with the federal government on the table that would give Fairfax ownership of the park, the project is successfully pushing forward. 

“I have always felt that Langley Fork Park has the potential of having several fields, some with lights,” said Foust. “My vision for the park is as an athletic recreation area, and I think it would solve a lot of the problems in McLean.”

Currently there are 40 turf fields in the county, with nine located in Dranesville according to Foust. There was only one turf field  in McLean when he was elected, he said. “I think we have been strong advocates for fields,” said Foust. “This is my priority.”

Oakcrest High School sophomore Alex Aguilar, advocated for improving the “dangerous conditions” of the existing fields. 

“My soccer teammates continuously get sprained ankles because of the conditions of the field,” said Aguilar. “The dirt is filled with rocks and the fields have dangerous dips and ditches.”

Parent and long-time McLean resident, Craig Saunders, agreed that the conditions of the field had changed little since he himself was a boy playing on the same fields. “This has been under discussion for years, and we want more than talk,” said Saunders. “Our kids need access to safe fields and playing areas.”

Joel Stillman, president of McLean Youth Athletics,  suggested that an indoor facility be considered as well. 

“We are all for the nature aspect of the park, but the great need in this area is for fields and facilities for our kids,” said Stillman. “We have fourth and fifth graders practicing in Herndon until 10 or 11 on school nights, because they don’t have adequate fields in McLean. Our gyms are also overfilled, so much so that our volleyball organizations can’t even play in the proper season (winter) and are forced to play an indoor sport when it is beautiful outside.” 

The one resident who spoke in opposition to new fields said he felt that the neighbors had already given enough by accepting the increased traffic and noise that came with Clemyjontri Park, which is on the other side of Georgetown Park.  But his “not in my backyard mentality” was met with much resistance from some in the audience. 

McLean residents will have another opportunity to share input on the master plan process in February 2012 when a draft proposal is presented to the public. 

To provide comments throughout the planning process or for further information on the Langley Fork Park Master Plan, contact Gayle Hooper, Project Manager, Park Planning Branch, Planning and Development Division, Fairfax County Park Authority, 703-324-8725 or through Parkmail.