Long Bridge Park : Department of Parks and Recreation : Arlington, Virginia

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Department of Parks and Recreation

Long Bridge Park

Background

The 2004 Citizen Survey found that even though Arlington ranked in the top 25% in customer satisfaction compared with other large communities, residents were least satisfied with indoor aquatics facilities. What’s more, residents felt indoor aquatics facilities were the most important area of parks, recreation and cultural resources to improve in the next two years.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has also identified a strong need to increase the number of athletic fields available for both youth and adult play. Arlington is a densely populated urban community and its limited athletic fields must accommodate large numbers of participants.

Long Bridge Park, formerly known as the North Tract Project will address the identified needs and greatly expand the health and fitness opportunities available to a broad spectrum of residents. This one site will increase the County’s inventory of fields, pool space, exercise equipment and trails, and be a signature building that will provide a prominent gateway into Arlington. The new facilities will include something for everyone:

Trails to walk, run bike or skate with spectacular views of Washington D.C., Crystal City, the Pentagon, and Roaches Run Wildfowl Sanctuary;
Four full-size synthetic grass fields with lighting to nurture homegrown talent and bring world-class events to the area;
Public event area to build community and strengthen connections;
Fifty meter pool for lap swimming, classes, and competitions;
Leisure and therapy pool(s) for fun, play, teaching, therapy and exercise so that all residents, no matter their abilities or interest will benefit;
Exercise rooms with free weights, cardiovascular equipment, and classes to enhance the health and fitness of the community.

On February 21, 2004 the Arlington County Board adopted the North Tract Task Force's "Master Plan for the North Tract Park and Recreational Facilities and the Surrounding Area" (350K PDF format). The North Tract Task Force, appointed by the County Board in 2001, met for more than two years to complete its charge given by the County Board. Working with staff from multiple departments and a consultant team, the Task Force analyzed the site constraints, collected public input and synthesized the information to create its final recommendations. Since July 2001 the Task Force has held more than fifty meetings open to the public including a Public Environmental Forum, three large Public Forums and a work session with the County Board.

There were three phases to the planning process. The Data Collection Phase involved collecting and assessing information on property ownership and limitations, natural features, transportation, utilities and other development issues. The Design Synthesis Phase included two large public forums to collect public input on the desired recreational elements for Long Bridge Park. In addition to these two forums, the Task Force received hundreds of letters and emails and took public comment at its meetings. The Task Force met more than twenty times during this phase of the process.

In the Final Design and Planning Phase the Task Force worked to reach consensus on a conceptual plan that blends community desires, physical challenges and neighborhood concerns. A public forum was held on November 20, 2003 to present the conceptual plan and take comments from the broadest possible spectrum of Arlington residents.

The plan was recommended for approval by multiple County Advisory Commissions including Planning, Park and Recreation, Sports, and Transportation Commissions and received unanimous approval from the Arlington County Board in February 2004.

Funding for construction of the first phase of the Park was approved by Arlington voters in the November 2004 Park Bond Referendum.

In July 2005, after funding was approved and prior to final design of the Long Bridge Park, the County entered into an agreement with Monument Realty, LLC. In the agreement, Arlington would acquire a prime 5-acre parcel (formerly known as the Twin Bridges Marriott site) and would have received $25 million from Monument Realty to enhance the planned North Tract recreational complex. However, due to unfavorable market conditions, Monument Realty concluded that the deal was not feasible. The County and Monument have since negotiated an agreement favorable to both parties.

The deal enables the County to locate the Long Bridge Park's state-of-the-art aquatics and fitness center on a highly visible gateway site with easier access, and increase the park's size from 28 to 30 acres.

The County acquired the former Twin Bridges Marriott site in 2011.

In February 2011, the County began the final design and construction drawings for the new indoor facilities. The County is continuing with the work that it began and is at the same time making that work reflective of the changes brought about by the agreement to exchange properties.

Long Bridge Park has been named!

On January 29th, 2008, the Arlington County Board approved “Long Bridge Park” as the name of its newest park, which has been informally known as “North Tract.” Click to view that portion of the County Board Meeting. The Park and Recreation Commission had forwarded two names to the County Board for consideration for the name of the County’s new signature park -- “Arlington Green” and “Long Bridge Park.” The goal was to recommend the most evocative, memorable, and descriptive names possible by evaluating each candidate for concept, longevity, and clarity. In 1808, the “Long Bridge” was built to bring people from Alexandria to the District of Columbia. In the War of 1812, the British used the bridge to cross to Alexandria and burn down its port. The Long Bridge has evolved over the years and today it serves as the railroad bridge parallel to the 14th Street Bridge. Read the News Release regarding the new name >>

Department of Parks and Recreation

LONG BRIDGE PARK