Fort Ward Park Update March 23, 2009

Fort Ward Park Update

March 23, 2009

Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Fort Ward Park Community Meeting: City Presents Findings & Recommendations

On Wednesday night, March 18, 2009, Kirk Kincannon of the Alexandria Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities department, and Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria, presented the City’s findings and draft recommendation to more than 100 citizens at T.C. Williams High School.  Using a Power Point Presentation and occasional technical assistance from City staff, Mr. Kincannon and Mallamo presented an overview of the verbal and written comments they have received during the public engagement process.  

From the comments the City outlined “Possible Immediate Actions” to be taken to respond to the public comment process which closed on March 13, 2009.  Short term actions were defined as up to 3 to 5 years.  Long term actions were defined as over 5 years.

The 16 page presentation included one page of findings and one page of possible general immediate actions.  The speakers verbal comments about the actions enhanced the brief text that was displayed and emphasized a number of points including:

*  There is a whole other story at Fort Ward Park including African American and Native American history.  The whole site [park] is historic.

*  The City is working to relocate the maintenance yard and move vehicles off of grave sites in the nursery area.  Stewardship plans will be developed by the City in the future. 

*  There are way too many picnics and vehicles at Ft. Ward Park.

*  There will be controlled access to the graves within the maintenance yard and nursery area.

*  Amplified music and alcohol will be controlled through permits and enforcement.

The presenters indicated that their intent was to seek input on the findings and possible immediate actions.  The public may comment on this new information, which is on the City‘s website at: http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/info/FWPresentations3-18-09.pdf

The deadline for comments in Friday March 27, 2009.  Neither speaker indicated what the process for future public involvement is.  Kirk Kincannon indicated that he has accepted a job in Boulder, Colorado and will be leaving the City in April.