The CIP aims to strike a balance between facility maintenance and investing in new facilities. Select what you believe is the best investment ratio between maintaining existing facilities and investing in new facilities:
50/50
Tell us about any possible connections between programs, projects, facilities or infrastructure that you think might help the County's investment decisions:
there is a significant shortage of playing fields for soccer, during my daughters practice, for example, two teams teams currently share one field, the kids are in middle -school, so it is workable, but recently fields have begun to be split 3 ways, which is quite challenging. It seems clear that there is not enough space for the kids to play. Many of the fields are in rough shape, I assume for the fact that they are used so frequently and heavily.
The CIP is used to realize broad strategic economic and community development objectives in the County. What types of strategic investments should the County consider making and why? (examples include recreation space, public safety, government facilities, collaboration between schools and County, transit, paving, bridges, water, sewer, stormwater, etc.)
It is clear that more recreation space is needed, with the influx of additional children, there is a need for more recreational space. We pay high taxes in Arlington, but are OK with this because it means we have great schools. Great schools are the single most important reason that the property values are high, if we stop investing in schools and other things that attract kids (and their tax-paying families), then people will not want to be here, and then property values fall, Even people without children, retirees, etc, realize this, What separates Arlington from Fairfax or other counties nearby is this simple math, so all investments need to be made with this economic reality in mind. Foolish expenditures such as the Columbia Pike streetcar will have negative long-term impact on the health and development of the county, so it was correct to avoid this costly mistake,
What relevance or level of importance does the CIP have to you?
Poor CIP and planning can cause serious long-term harm to the county, for example the Columbia Pike street car project could have caused harm to county residents by preventing development in projects that would otherwise help the long-term health and development of the county. On the other hand, logical and well-planned capital investments. can enrich the County and , so if there is a way to keep pet projects or otherwise non-essential expenditures (such as the million dollar bus-stop) from moving forward, this would be an excellent result, Also the CIP needs to continue investing in projects that improve the value of homes (which is the foundation for keeping the tax-money coming in to pay for everything), and keep the county growing in a good way., such as such as - schools, fields, safer streets, bike lanes, etc.
forgot to mention bathroom facilities at the parks so people have a place to go especially when you have small children. add more public trash cans so people wont litter
BASEBALL DIAMOND, TENNIS COURTS, SOCCER TURF OH MY(PICKLE TOO)!!! IN NEED OF NEW & FIELD MAINTENANCE PLANT FRUIT BEARING TRESS ( FOUND ALONG BLUEMONT BIKE TRAIL & OAKGROVE PARK). EXPAND PAVED BIKE TRAILS, BRIGHT NEW LANE STRIPPING ON RE-PAVE ROADS & BIKE TRAILS. SAFE & BRIGHT LIGHTED CROSSWALKS. SAFE SIDEWALKS IN ALL NEIGHBORHOODS WIDE ENOUGH FOR KIDS TO ENJOY RIDING, SPEED BUMPS WHERE NEEDED. NO THRU TRAFFIC STREETS IN BUSY AREAS (BLUEMONT DRIVE TO MANY NONE NEIGHBORHOOD CARS SPEEDING) SAFE DRIVING PRETTY PAVED ROADS, SOLAR PANEL LIGHTS FOR PAVED TRAILS, SAFETY CALL BUTTONS ON PAVED TRAILS, MORE WIFI HOT SPOTS, PRETTY MUCH IN VEST IN LIGHTS, PAVEMENT, SIDEWALKS, FIELDS, SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS AND BLACK TOPS OR WHATS LEFT OF THEM. FUNDING FOR SENIOR PROGRAM & STRATFORD PROGRAM INDOOR REC FACILITY WOULD BE AWESOME. FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR LAB AND PLANETARIUM. MAINTENANCE OF ALL COUNTY PARKS LACY WOODS & ALCOVA BLUEMONT, NEW CHARCOAL GRILLS, MORE GAZEBOS PICNIC AREAS, FIRE PITS, ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING PARKS & RECREATION
ARLINGTON NATIVE BORN & RAISED BLUEMONT/CHERRYDALE NEIGHBORHOOD WITH CHILDREN AGES 6 & 3 ATTENDING APS. MY BROTHER ALSO ATTENDED THE STRATFORD PROGRAM.
Soccer continues to grow in popularity for youth and adults. Also, I think it's important to build the Long Bridge Aquatics Center because swimming and other water exercise are key to the health of our aging citizens.
Given how land is so scarce, the County should take advantage of any opportunity to acquire more for public purposes. Schools are a strong selling point for county growth and should be fully supported.
Very important because I know it sets forth the long-term priorities for county spending.
70/30
It would be great if the County could switch over some underutilized tennis courts for pickleball.
Stop building bicycle lanes until bicylists are licensed and have to pay property taxes to help support those bike lanes.
I didn't know about it until this survey. But I think that speaks well for CIP, it means you all are doing a good job!
As an active member of the tennis community in Arlington County I think it's important to support investment in improving tennis facilities, particularly at Bluemont and Quincy Parks, which are both in dire need of comprehensive renovation. The tennis community in this area is strong and having public tennis courts allows the county to continue to provide a healthy, affordable avenue for youth and adults.
Please, please invest in proper maintenance of the Bluemont and Quincy tennis courts. They are the biggest sets of public courts we have in Arlington, and tennis players really want to play there. However, they are consistently in extremely poor condition; and even in previous years, after they've been re-surfaced, they very quickly crack again.
Again, please keep our public tennis courts maintained. Additionally, please fix the horrible potholes in the roads after winter treatments; there are still areas that have huge potholes. For instance, the onramp onto GW Pkwy from Rosslyn is very badly torn up with holes.
The CIP is very important to me. I am a longtime Arlington resident--I've rented here for about about 15 years, and plan to buy a house soon--and want to keep Arlington a special place. we have a vibrant tennis community here, and I also very much value all of our natural green space and parks.
Suggest we convert some tennis courts that are under utilized to pickleball courts. Pickleball has become very popular in Arlington.
I am very active in Arlington's community of seniors and your work is much appreciated.
The County should power-wash its tennis courts at least once a year, because players slip and fall on the moldy surface. Marcey Courts has a special problem in this regard, due to all the trees that surround the courts. The County needs to be more vigilant in enforcing rules against allowing dogs on the courts. Too often our morning players have to deal with canine poop and pee on playing surfaces. That is not the Arlington Way!
No simple answer. The issue of maintenance vs. construction/development is as much as "cost-recovery" as it is usage. As long as we hold each comparable facility to the same standard with regard to how much we charge residents for usage (and therefore recover costs), I believe the County Manager and Staff are capable of managing this process in a equitable manner.
More joint-use of facilities and greenspace on the part of schools and the county should be the first priority. It's not the Schools money, or the County's money... It's the taxpayers (MY) money.
There's much talk about the ever growing school-age population and need for "more seats" before other priorities. I believe this is a false choice. The exact same population which is forcing so much change and expansion in our schools ALSO require safe and accessible places to play and engage in healthy activity (organized or not). In addition, the four-out-of-five residents WITHOUT kids in schools are entitled to the same opportunities, as well.
Disclosure - Proud father of elementary school-aged student in APS and avid user of County youth athletic leagues and opportunities.
The livability and walk-ability of Arlington is one of its biggest strengths and is what attracts both families and young professionals to live, work and play here. Continued investments in active transportation and recreation for all ages and abilities continues to be a worthwhile investment - now and in the future.
In fact, you have a great opportunity in this next CIP cycle by including more synthetic grass fields - and do so in innovative ways, including synthetic grass in the outfield areas of larger diamond fields which allows you to utilize them for others sports when "diamond seasons" are over. Another is to expedite the process for installing the fourth rectangular field at Long Bridge Park (currently part of LBP master plan Phase III) The installation of the fourth field will not only increase opportunity for users, but also further innovate by placing it over the existing parking lot. It will significantly improve both the function and aesthetic of the park for all users.
It's the County's approved "guide book" for how it intends to use its capital dollars and covers both immediate and longer-term priorities. The process that goes into creating and approving it alone makes it quite important.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Quality outdoor and inddor recreation space -- playing fields, green spaces, bike paths, indoor soccer facilities -- are a key part of the lives of so many families in Arlington. This needs to be priority.
Recreation space.
It is a key part of life in Arlington.
Please focus on school overcrowding. Our kids are smashed into schools and need more space, especially at the middle school and high school levels. Please get rid of choice schools and devote more resources to good neighborhood schools for our kids.
We need more fields for soccer/flag football/lax etc. Please support more fields space for our kids and adults.
high importance for our kids
100/0
Maintenance-only. Building new facilities only lines the pockets of architects, contractors, consultants and developers. Minimize all those middle-men payouts by maintaining what the County already has.
Water, sewer, stormwater facility maintenance should be the County's top priority, for public health and safety. Do not spare any money in maintaining our water infrastructure. Second top priority should be maintaining Thomas Jefferson Park as our county's most simple yet beautifully functional community gem. Just keep the Park healthy. Don't add or "improve" anything. It is wonderful open space.
It is of high importance because I see CIP is where special interests (including private financial interests like companies that design and build new schools) push through their agendas.
Please keep the focus on programs and facilities that benefit our kids - continue to work with the school system and make sports facilities for the ever-increasing number of kids playing a variety of sports, especially baseball/softball, a priority.
Please continue to keep up the beautiful playgrounds and parks for our children - we are so lucky to enjoy all that Arlington has to offer, and with the ever-increasing number of kids here, it is important we have new and maintained play spaces to enjoy.
In addition, the quality and number of baseball/softball fields is very important to us. There are so many kids playing baseball today, and we really need enough good fields to use!
Our focus is on our children - we have three kids ourselves, and such a wide network of kids we play sports with, go to school with, etc. and it is something we always talk about as parents - that we are very grateful for the focus Arlington County puts on sports facilities, parks for outdoor exploration, and playgrounds for playtime... all to benefit our families in the community.
30/70
Put counter flippers on the nets at the courts
High
I am a proponent of revisiting all of Arlington County's crumb rubber turf fields. I think we need to move away from using crumb rubber (recycled and non-recycled tire crumb) until we have definitive answers on its safety. This means putting our money into alternative infill for new fields and old and/or reverting back to grass fields and putting the money into maintenance. Our neighboring county, Montgomery County has put a moratorium on crumb rubber fields and is instead investing their money on natural grass fields and natural infill turf fields. They just didn't want to take a risk. We need to seriously consider this. Even if the crumb rubber (recycled or non-recycled) isn't linked to more serious health risks such as cancer, it does give off toxic gases (VOC's) that affect children especially those with asthma. Not to mention, the black rubber makes the pitch hotter (I believe sometimes by 10 degrees) than the sidelines on hot days. This is not conducive for using the fields during the summer (in other words getting year round use of the fields) and it can increase chances of heat exhaustion. I have two kids on travel soccer so I spend a lot of time at these crumb rubber turf fields and it is a constant struggle that I deal with and I am one of MANY parents who struggle with this situation weekly. This needs to be a priority in our budget.
I would say that out of the list provided, I think the most important strategic investments right now are transit, water and recreation space (with regards to the turf fields).
Huge relevance. We are long time Arlingtonians and we love Arlington! It is important to gather the community's opinions because I always say that we are the "in the field" investigators, researchers. We are the ones using the spaces and services that you spend money on. So our feedback is critical in knowing what is working and what is not and how we might invest differently. I appreciate our government taking the time to get our community's input. I really hope it is taken into strong consideration when finalizing the CIP.
co-location of programs - seniors, community centers, affordable housing, etc.
remove preschools from schools to create more space for elementary learners
Schools/County collaboration is a must from now on
Why are we dropping (our very low) tax rate when we have major capital needs?
Pursue long-term leasing relationships in areas where the County would like to expand services but not want to build more. (EG small, specialized school programs in Crystal City vacant buildings)
A LOT
the county should invest in upgrades to existing playing fields and develop new playing fields for athletics, with the goal of expanding opportunities for children to participate in athletics. Arlington is a desirable location for families. Density and the facts of modern life mean that outdoor time for children is more often than not part of a scheduled program such as soccer, baseball, or lacrosse.
Arlington Soccer Association has over 300 children tryout for U9 travel soccer in 2015, with the field capacity to only roster about 100. While a competitive soccer program may not be suitable for all the children that tried out, a great number of those that did not make the team would benefit from such a program. With over 9000 children playing soccer in Arlington County, there is simply not enough recreational space. This can be alleviated by installing new fields, lighting existing fields, and converting grass fields to artificial turf.
If Arlington is going to continue to be a desirable place to raise children, there must be facilities where these children can play.
The separation of the "county" programs from the "school" programs seems like it may not be serving the county well any longer. Why isn't there a uniform ten year strategic plan? Isn't there duplication between public libraries and school libraries, between rec centers and school gymnasia, between playgrounds on parks and playgrounds in schools? Couldn't there be more cost-savings, less facilities expenses, and increase usage of facilities by bringing together more of these investments?
I'd like to make sure we have ample playing spaces for sports, which are an essential part of children's development and both child and adult health.
My son is on a waitlist for swim classes and I have volunteered as an assistant coach (baseball and soccer) and seen first-hand how difficult it is to get fields, particularly if it rains. Every year my taxes go up, but somehow the county does not seem to have the funds to address these programs that are in very high demand. Maybe money needs to be reallocated from doing all things, even low demand activities, to focusing money where there is demand and waitlisting.
(Using clearer language for ordinary citizens might help). Emphasis for new projects should be on SMALL changes to existing facilities that increases the usability to the greatest number of residents. Versus huge rebuilds.
And it would be nice if water fountains at parks worked.
Recreation space, especially that can be collocated with schools, is worth making an investment in. Maintaining or creating unstructured green spaces is also worth doing, add it serves many goals.
High.
More sports fields (especially diamond fields) and facilities are needed! There are so many youths who play and the current fields are always full.
Also, I live near the water treatment plant and it always smells bad in the summer especially. Not sure if anything can be done about that. There are also no good hills nearby for sledding in winter.
County should coordinate with APS on TJ Park to renovate the park when the new school is built. Please don't take the money for that out in this round of comprehensive planning. I believe the money was planned for in the last CIP. In fact, any TJ park improvements on the realistic horizon should be accelerated so that the disruption is centered at the time when the school is being built and not strung out for years afterward.
You have a large number of residents who are aging in place. And we know exercise is very important to healthy aging. The county needs sidewalks that are in good repair. We also need more Pickleball courts. You can redraw underused tennis courts for Pickleball at very little cost to the county. It would be wonderful if indoor Pickleball was available somewhere in the county on weekends.
See comment above.
The county should ensure its roads (sidewalks, curbs included) are in good shape. Perhaps if fewer new projects were undertaken, the county to spend its funds to maintain the fairly decent infrastructure that already exists.
The CIP is important in that it helps maintain Arlington as a place that is easy to navigate for its citizens and visitors. Other than that, it is not a high priority for me.
The CIP is very important. I know the county has many tough trade-offs to consider when making decisions. I appreciate the work everyone does to achieve often divergent goals.
Arlington is creating unsustainable growth near the metro that will only lead to increased transportation headaches. The orange/silver lines are already overcrowded and without investing significant funds in helping metro increase its capacity (i.e., building another tunnel under the Potomac) Arlington is creating a recipe for disaster. When commutes become impossibly long and unpredictable, people will move to other counties that provide better infrastructure. Arlington is currently a walkable, thriving community, but the county seems more focused on commercial growth and catering to developers than on maintaining the atmosphere that has made Arlington a success. The county needs to pay more attention to the desires of its residents and less to developers/commercial tenants.
I moved to Arlington for its close proximity to the District and because it had was a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with good public transportation. It's extremely important to me that Arlington remain committed to that vision, as well as to maintaining basic infrastructure. Recreational facilities such as parks, soccer fields, and bike paths are also a vital part of Arlington's attraction to a young, active population.
As many in county are getting older, areas for their interest should be given some priority. Pickle ball courts are used and will be used more, outside and in. Multi-use inside areas encourages year round health for older citizens. The increase developement of swimming pools seems unnecessary! The pools at highs schools have provided for the county needs.
The concept of Nauck Square was first put forth in a Community Development Block Grant proposal over a decade ago. The investment in an interim park is deeply appreciated by the Nauck community and there is a wealth of support for the proposed permanent park. That is an investment whose time has not only come, but that is critical to the Nauck of the 21st century. In too many ways Nauck has become the "tale of two cities". Time to make it one community and the proposed park could go a long ways to achieving that goal.
Of the utmost importance --- CIP investments can make (or break) neighborhoods
40/60
I believe Arlington County has added plenty of field space for Soccer or other field sports but is in real need of more diamond fields for baseball or softball. It seems difficult to get enough space on baseball diamonds for practices and games at reasonable times.
I urge a focus on two things -- more recreation space (especially diamond fields) and road paving and maintenance. However, I do want to recognize the county's efforts to add and maintain a number of good-sized and imaginatively built playground facilities!
A good deal of relevance: I play Arlington County softball (sadly these days only occasionally) and coach Arlington County Little League.
IF the board continues to push for higher densities without the related investment in infrastructure -- which has gone on for some time now and is becoming ludicrous -- then the ratio of Maintenance to New should probably be even lower. But the scarcity of open space, of greenery, or trying to get your kid into one of the schools (and not a 'mobile education center' -- if they are so great the Board should move their offices there!) or a soccer field is ridiculous. Our home field for an Arlington 13 year old girl is out I-66 because ASA couldn't get the girls fields that weren't completely rutted and dangerous and unplayable (hello Kenmore!). Seriously. You are shirking your responsibilities by promoting growth without the related Capital Investments. WE ARE SICK OF IT (and you).
-- Soccer fields (both indoor and outdoor). -- Better transportation options as Metro is hugely unreliable and doesn't go anywhere. In the urban village of Prague or NYC the metro and trolleys are ubiquitous. Arlington (and Metro DC) has 4 bridges over it's river (not counting the 2 beltway). Portland, a much smaller town has 12! Seriously, how good are 10 year plans when you allow that to happen? Wah, the Park Service owns, Waaah, DC isn't accommodating. THIS IS WHAT WE PAY FOR YOU TO DO! DO YOUR JOB! -- You built 1 new elementary school. Where are these kids going to middle school or high school? Seriously -- you need a survey to tell you these things? Hoooooly Cow!
It has no importance. None. I wouldn't have even known it existed if a neighbor hadn't urged me to speak up. That said I realize that the CIP has a HUGE impact on me because if something isn't planned correctly the Board and the bureaucracy will use it as a shield and lament how their hands are tied because of a 10-year plan. (You know who else plans for 10 years? The Russians and other centralized economies... and it doesn't really work out too well for them). So the CIP has huge relevance but it's an open secret.
In my opinion these online surveys don't reach the vast majority of the people in the community. As someone who frequents the libraries and Arlington Parks multiple times a week I would like to see members of the Arlington County government asking community members what they think and would like to see. It's rare to see park employees at the parks during the evening. The only park I see employees is Long Bridge, but I think they should frequent the other parks as well. Also as someone who walks everywhere in the Pentagon City/Crystal City areas I think more needs to be done on making those neighborhoods well-lit and maintaining the sidewalks. There are lots of places that are pitch black at night. Particularly Eads St between Army Navy Drive and 23rd Street. That entire area feel unsafe at night because of lack of lighting. There are lots of hotels in that area so it would go along way to boosting tourism if they felt safe walking in the dark in that neighborhood.
Recreations space for adults. As more young people move to the area they want more space to participate in sports and there is already a struggle to get field time. Also I think more should be spent on community events. The 4th of July event at Long Bridge park is always well attended and I think similar events could occur around Labor Day or Memorial Day.
Very relevant. I love going to the parks and part of the reason I bought a home in Arlington was because of proximity to the parks and library, but I feel like more could be done to improve the area and not spend money on programs that prove to be a waste. More research needs to be conducted before investing in ideas that go nowhere e.g. the aquatics centers or the street car for Columbia Pike.
IT's not a number...it is what is needed and conserving and uses existing funds most wisely. Example: So many streets are repaved before being needed.
multipurpose use of parks obtain more outdoor spaces before they disappear, consider buying undeveloped land adjacent to Arlington, ie up the hill, beyond Upton Hill Park, on the northeast corner of Wilson and ?Roosevelt we need the space for school and parks. With so much vertical development, we need more schools and park spaces.
Get more businesses back to Arlington. The loss of government work force has hurt us, and this source of revenue must be replaced.
vision.....have you read the Wash Post article about how Fairfax is failing? , ie infrastructure is crumbling, underpaying teachers. Fairfax has lost its glow.....With all this building in Arlington, and the needs of increased population, Arlington needs to maintain what we have, and proportionate to population, increase schools, parks, recreation....plant trees, of course. I don't want Arlington to loose its glow.
Stop using synthetic turf for athletic fields. Invest more in the infrastructure for schools that seem to be not properly maintained, including wear and tear to facilities from overpopulation of students to making sure grass fields remain grassy. Older school buildings should be retrofitted to attain the same "green" status that the Arlington County Board seems to think is so important to advertise for newer and future buildings. Also, sending children to classrooms in trailers is an indication that the County favors cheaper short-term solutions over public safety. I have been in ACPS trailers many times and in no way is this as safe as being in a building with brick and concrete walls. How would the safety of these children be ensured if any mad man with an assault rifle started shooting into the thin walls of the trailer? They can't even escape to an interior room as all classrooms have at least one wall exposed to the outside.
The CIP is very relevant to me. However, the County Board has consistently let fall by the wayside an equitable distribution of resources for ALL parts of the county and not just a focus on Nimbyism north of Route 50 while throwing most bulk commercial and urban development at the southern half of the county without regard to quality of life. Since the bulk of affordable housing projects seem to be centered in South Arlington, it's only fair that MORE THAN half of all future affordable housing initiatives go to areas north of and around Lee Highway. Eminent domain some of the single family homes that take up too much space in North Arlington to distribute the population equitably throughout the county. It's shameful for Arlington County to promote itself as diverse and welcoming on the one hand while maintaining the status quo of a modern day Mason-Dixon line dividing the County.
0/100
Facility Maintenance should be budgeted as ongoing annual expenses. They are not capital expenses and should not be treated as such.
The county should collaborate more with the School Board for resources that impact students. Most importantly, the County should accelerate the timing of the construction of the emergency access road between Army Navy Drive and Hoffman-Boston Elementary School. Due to school overcrowding issues, students on the east side of I-395 will likely be reassigned to schools on the west side of I-395 as of September 2019. Having a pedestrian path through the Army Navy Country Club completed by that time would ensure that students will have safer and quicker access to Hoffman-Boston Elementary School. It will also reduce vehicular traffic through the Arlington Views neighborhood during school hours.
Most important is that the county should follow the survey results of the Public Spaces Master Plan which said that, for outdoor facilities, the county needs to focus on Hiking Trails, Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats, and Paved Multi-Use Trails. This means that the county needs to invest in making more of its land natural areas and less fields, courts, and other artificial surfaces. Arlington needs to stop listening to the vocal minority of baseball, soccer (http://www.arlingtonsoccer.com/speak-up-for-soccer-facilities-in-arlington/) and other organized sports users who are asking Arlington to turn its land into private sports only areas. As Arlington continues to grow in size, we need to make sure our public lands are multi-use. This should be mostly multi-use open green space. If we need more artificial turf fields (even though the PSMP survey said otherwise), they can be built on the tops of buildings and other non-parkland areas. There is no reason that an artificial turf field needs to be built in the middle of a park.
Additionally, Arlington needs to follow the Civ Fed recommendation and put forth an aggressive plan to obtain and/or purchase more land (including parkland) as the county increases in size. In metro areas where population growth is the strongest, we have the least amount of non-programmed public open space. At the very least, the county should be requiring aat least $8 million of parkland acquisition funds in the 2017-2018 CIP and in the November Park Bond measure for approval by the voters.
It is very important as it sets the county's priorities for new facilities going forward.
There exists a strong connection between (I) residents' physical and mental health, fitness, and overall well being and (ii) parks and recreational facilities. To recognize that connection's vital importance, the County should devote more resources to tennis for the reasons in the answer to the next question.
Arlington County should dedicate more financial resources to tennis. Existing tennis courts should be maintained properly, something that generally has not been done. I've both observed directly and heard many others complain that when the County resurfaces tennis courts, cracks reappear shortly after the resurfacing has been completed. If the County would resurface tennis courts properly, the work would not have to be repeated as frequently.
Tennis courts in Arlington also need better lighting. For example, at Quincy Park the soccer and baseball fields are brightly illuminated with modern lighting,. By comparison, the inadequate lighting on the tennis courts there has not kept pace. I've experienced similar deficiencies at Bluemont Park, another popular destination for attempting to play tennis after dark. Tennis courts like playing fields deserve modern, adequate lighting.
New tennis courts also should be constructed. Arlington County has not built any new tennis courts for decades. For example, when I moved to Arlington County in 1985, Quincy Park offered 6 tennis courts. Since then, the neighborhood’s population has exploded, yet Quincy Park continues to offer only 6 tennis courts. The County would not need to maintain a system for reserving tennis courts if adequate capacity were offered.
Tennis playing is popular in Arlington and a great source of fitness, recreation, and socialization. Thus far, the POPS surveys reveal a strong interest in tennis courts in Arlington County. Nationally, the number of individuals playing tennis is increasing. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) both locally and nationally has initiated programs to encourage youth and young adults to learn and continue playing the game.
Admittedly, not many respondents to this survey probably have advocated for tennis. That’s solely because the tennis community unfortunately is not well organized or does not adequately voice its needs. Nevertheless, for all the reasons I've suggested, Arlington County should dedicate more financial resources to tennis courts (both existing and additional) in the next CIP.
Very relevant and important to me as an avid player of and advocate for tennis and an active user of Arlington County's parks and recreational facilities for other purposes.
Need to support the creation of more multi-sport, multi-purpose, multi-season synthetic turf fields so that our youth groups have fields that are reliable and always ready to play on.
more multi-sport, multi-purpose, multi-season synthetic turf fields so that our youth groups have fields that are reliable and always ready to play on.
Getting kids outside and active should be a priority of the County
Recreation space, especially baseball diamonds for the growing Little League and Babe Ruth participants in the County
Very important
Concentrate on core services first including proper maintenance. Pot holed roads, broken sidewalks and other obvious ignored maintenance issues should be taken care of first.
Core services, public safety, roadways, bridges, water, sewer and stormwater would be a start. More should also be done to better coordinate between schools and county especially combining many office staff and services. Live in 22207 and the water pressure has been low most of the time. Yard sprinkler company has almost given up all around us due to the low pressure requiring homeowner needing to install pumps.
A lot especially when wasted on nice to have items. County Board likes to point to low tax rate but assesments keep going up resulting in tax increases greater than cost of living by more than a few percent each year.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Pickleball can be played on an existing tennis court, after (i) the tennis court has been lined for pickleball and (ii) the net height is adjusted. One tennis court at Walter Reed has already been lined for pickleball and is frequently used for pickleball. All tennis courts in Arlington County should be lined for pickleball. The cracks in the pickleball/tennis courts need to be repaired. Arlington County currently has few places set up for pickleball to be played outdoors. Indoors, Arlington has only a limited number of places where pickleball is played (Walter Reed, Arlington Mill, Thomas Jefferson). With the increasing number of pickleball players in the county, Arlington needs to change its facilities usage policies. Currently Thomas Jefferson (which has only two indoor pickleball courts) allows any ten basketball players to kick a greater number of pickleball players (who are already playing pickleball) off of the second pickleball court at any time and without advance notice. This unfair policy has to change! There are other community centers in Arlington County without indoor pickleball courts where full court basketball can be played without impacting pickleball.
Underutilized tennis courts should be converted and dedicated to pickleball (e.g., a site with 3 underutilized tennis courts should be converted into 6 dedicated pickleball courts).
Resurface tennis courts
Would like new investments in Diamond Fields for baseball, gymnastics facilities, new schools.
Collaboration between the schools and the county -- need an increase in school facilities asap. Need additional diamond fields and gymnastics facilities during this 10 year plan.
County should focus its resources and ensure the 10 year CIP includes enough money to create and upkeep recreation space.
Recreation space to include more dedicated baseball and softball diamonds.
Very relevant. I have 4 young children. The 10 year plan is absolutely relevant and important to our lives.
Seems like there is only one true indoor soccer facility (gunston bubble) in Arlington yet it's in horrible shape. Arlington great outdoor soccer facilities but is severely lacking year-around options for the biggest youth sport in America. I could only assume this lack of options is driving away revenue that the County could be receiving instead of seeing it go out to Vienna, McLean, Chantilly, etc.
Indoor turf fields. Soccer, Lacrosse, field hockey, etc. could all use an upgraded, year around option.
I
Diamond fields
Overcrowded schools means overcrowded fields. WE NEED MORE rectangular and diamond fields for our youth sports teams.
Restore all diamonds at schools. Also invest in lighting at fields, enabling extended use.
very relevant. I have kids who play soccer, baseball, and softball.
Provide a second indoor soccer field option to keep teams returning all season long. No current player is in favor of ever playing a game at the Barcroft facility and I believe teams look elsewhere for a league or simply disband.
Marketing the leagues more efficiently to generate more revenue. I see about 2000 notifications every time a USS league is available and they have a horrible product but seem to never be at a shortage of players or teams.
Also, see previous answer for more indoor rec space with turf.
None besides the quality of the facilities available for indoor sports.
Arlington supports citizen fitness through many programs and facilities. One connection between that emphasis and facilities are the aging tennis courts in many parts of Arlington, particularly Bluemont.
There are many demands for funds in Arlington. I'm focusing on one small aspect of the CIP. Why have tennis courts if they are full of cracks and nets that are falling apart? I love tennis and play with ACTA, a big user of the courts.
Context needed. What do these numbers mean and imply?
Schools can provide, as part of their green space, needed diamond field space. By far this is the best bang for the buck to fill the growing needs of county youth.
School space combined with diamond field space
It is very important. Too important to be dealt with via four-question wonky survey.