Unfortunately, construction for the park improvements cannot start before fall 2012. We were originally hoping to start construction in early spring 2012, immediately following the Columbia Pike streetscape work. The streetscape project encountered some unrecorded utility(Verizon) ductbanks during construction that ultimately cost about 6 months of construction time. Since we are relying on the streetscape project for the water line and the tie-in points for our paving (trail realignment and the new sidewalk), we must wait until their work is complete before beginning ours. In the meantime, I will continue developing the bid package as planned so that we're ready to go when we can start construction. I'll notify you if there are any other developments.

Also, I remember that Barbara and some others were concerned about the lack of a middle armrest with the benches proposed at the last design team meeting. Please pass along to her that I have found a sleek bench that is more cost-effective, graciously sized, and features a middle armrest.

Best regards,

Valerie

M. Valerie Mosley, RLA, AICP
Landscape Architect
Arlington County DPRCR
Park Development Division
703-228-4938
mvmosley@arlingtonva.us

April 2011 Status

by Elizabeth Kiker

Neighborhood residents are working with each other and the Arlington Parks staff on a revised vision for upgrading the park at Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run.

There was a fascinating presentation by Valerie Mosley of Arlington County Parks at the Jan. 5 meeting of the Parks Committee. Ms. Mosley had taken our neighborhood's ideas (submitted last year) and transformed the drawings presented to Barcroft in September 2010. The parks department really listened to our ideas, concerns and solutions--they did great by our neighborhood! The current plans include natural playscapes; a learning loop for children to ride bicycles and tricycles; seating, tables and water fountains and much more.

Another Parks Committee meeting on April 5, 2011 reviewed the plan below and gave it full approval.

We're always looking for more interested neighbors to help as we finalize design, coordinate with nearby neighborhoods, and create a fantastic place for the entire neighborhood. If you'd like to get involved, drop Elizabeth a line or call her at 703-216-9728.

More Background

Our Park at Columbia Pike: October 2010 update

On October 6th, a group of neighbors gathered to review the proposed concept for the Glencarlyn Park at Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run. The budget and a draft concept are approved but we wanted to revisit some of the key features before the project moves on to final design. As currently proposed by the Parks Department, the new park is to combine environmental features of the area while encouraging new users to use a safer space. We confirmed that we like the new ideas that promote better sight lines into the park, using native plantings in bioretention areas, and new places for resting whether walking or biking. The concept also proposes a loop trail that branches off of the W&OD to bring bikers/users on an alternative route to the sidewalk at Columbia Pike and "game space" such as chess tables (See the proposed concept and on the BSCL web site and a page with more background). Our group is asking Parks staff to work with us to revisit the loop trail and the play element ideas, so we can best meet the needs of the existing and new park users that we want to attract. We are putting forth some ideas such as incorporating a "natural playscape" that would feature open-ended, creative natural play structures that would echo the environmental features of the park. As well as a proposed cycling path loop for slow cycling/blading/skating and for teaching kids to ride safely. Both of these elements would be unique to Arlington and our area.

We'll be working with the Parks staff through December when they'd like to come back to us with a updated concept. We'll hold a special session in December for all those interested (date TBA). If you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you: contact Kimberley at kimberley.marchant@gmail.com.

Our park project received final County Board approval on July 21, 2009!

This page was revised on: July 19, 2011.