Alexandria, VA. Living Legend Nomination for J. Glenn Eugster

J. Glenn Eugster

by Jim Ewalt

For nearly eight years J. Glenn Eugster has been the catalyst for a variety of actions addressing issues of concern within the Fort Ward Park (FWP).

Since its establishment in the 1960’s, FWP has been an important community resource.  Located in the city’s west end at 4301 West Braddock Road, it not only is the the best preserved of the system of Union forts built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865), but also includes significant historic, environmental, cultural, park and recreation resources for use and enjoyment of the city's residents and visitors.   

Nearly eight years ago Eugster became aware of certain activities within the park that seemed at odds with its purposes.  It housed a noisy maintenance yard and a horticulture center.  Large groups of people were congregating in the park without permits leading to excess noise and security issues.  And, it was discovered that city maintenance staff inadvertently was destroying unmarked graves, cultural sites, and other artifacts associated with “The Fort,” a former community of Alexandria residents -- primarily African Americans -- who lived within the area from the time of the American Civil War until the 1960s.  Nearly eight years ago Eugster became aware of certain act    

“These issues were not just about me,” said Eugster.  “They were about the neighborhood and the city.  And you can't turn your head when you see something inappropriate or that needs to be done.”

Eugster worked with neighborhood and civic associations, as well as leaders from the Oakwood Baptist Church whose congregation includes descendants of The Fort, educating them about the issues and rallying them to seek changes.  By the fall of 2008 the city recognized that, “significant real community interest” was apparent in the operation of the park and in 2009 its Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department developed a matrix of community and user issues. It then created an Ad Hoc FWP & MA Stakeholder Advisory Group that studied the issues and developed a set of recommendations for the park's use and management.  A successor advisory group continues to meet monthly to consider and make park related recommendations.  The city also has funded archaeological studies, storm water mitigation efforts and development of a park management plan.         

Eugster throughout this period of time, continued his leadership role in bringing attention to the issues of FWP & MA.  He worked with federal, state and local governments and commissions, nonprofit organizations, and the media.  He provided technical assistance and support to the City and Congress to secure more than $800,000 for the park's management and use.  He provided over a thousand hours a year in assistance to the city and nonprofit organizations to do historic, cultural and archaeological research to help improve city decision-making and reduce its costs.  He created awareness of the park and its importance through local and national media, three dedicated internet sites and publication of the Fort Ward Observer newsletter, blog, and Facebook page.     

Today, as a direct result of Eugster's efforts, FWP is a better and more esthetically attractive site.  The maintenance and horticulture facilities are gone.  History that wasn't being acknowledged has been brought to light with the recognition and identification of more than 60 unmarked graves and numerous cultural artifacts.  And, a formalized commitment to a park management process that includes the long range community of interests is in place.    

Yes, there are continuing issues and Eugster continues his work.  In sum though, Eugster already has improved the quality of life within the City of Alexandria.