Status Report on Marlboro Estates-Fort Ward Park Health, Safety, Use and Management Issues. November 21, 2008

Status Report on Marlboro Estates-Fort Ward Park Health, Safety, Use and Management Issues

Prepared by Glenn Eugster

November 21, 2008

The following information is prepared as an information service to the residents of Marlboro Estates and other residential areas surrounding Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, VA.

City Parks & Recreation Director Outlines Actions to Respond to Neighborhood Concerns

On November 7, 2008 Tom Fulton, Dennis Carroll, Glenn Eugster and Margaret McCormack met with the City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Kincannon to discuss the September 2008 request that was made to the Mayor and City Council about Fort Ward Park use and management problems impacting the homeowners of Marlboro Estates and other nearby residential nearby.  Mr. Kincannon outlined a series of actions that the City is taking to respond to our concerns.  He also identified a number of actions the City is considering taking.  Following the meeting, on November 11, 2008, Mr. Kincannon sent the following summary of the actions the City is taking and pursuing.

1. Hold a meeting on Ft Ward with Seminary Hills Association in the next few
   weeks to review ideas for improving the park and addressing crowd
   control and park overuse issues.  Share ideas regarding site
   improvements and receive feedback.

2. Change and improve procedures for park picnic and shelter reservations.
  

3. Change and improve procedures for park rule enforcement.

4. Check on eliminating use of alcohol at picnic and shelter/park rentals

   (most likely, but need to make sure I can enact this).

5. Eliminate the allowance of amplified sound or music for rentals and
   picnics except for City functions/events.
  

6. Reduce the amount of "reserved picnic and shelter areas" to five areas
   this year in order to help control crowds and park over use.

7. Investigate carrying capacity of the park and identify methods to
   control overuse of the park.

8. Develop stronger constituency and support base for the park (i.e. volunteers).

Mr. Kincannon said that he would be taking an active role in pursuing these actions to make sure promises are kept.

In response to our neighborhoods request for a copy of the Fort Ward Park master or management plan that guides the actions of the City Mr. Kincannon indicated that there is currently no plan being used to guide development and management of Ft. Ward Park.  The last plan that the City identified for the park is the map/brochure entitled City of Alexandria Arboretum, Fort Ward Park 1983. 

City Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Warns of Budget Cuts and More Future Use for Fort Ward Park

A public meeting of the City’s Parks & Recreation Commission was held on November 20, 2008 to discuss a range of topics including the status of the City’s budget for parks and the response to Fort Ward Park neighborhood concerns.  The Alexandria Parks & Recreation Commission is an eleven-member advisory unit established by City Council in March 1970.  The Commission advises City Council in matters relating to recreation and culture, and participates in planning recreational activities and services through its advice to Council, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.  Marlboro Estates is within Planning District 3 and our representatives on the Commission are: Kaj Vetter, David Dexter and Richard Brune.  

Highlights of the meeting are outlined below:

1. Special Events Policy Being Developed:  The City is developing a policy for special events in parks, including Fort Ward Park.  The Commission will review the policy on December 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm at a location to be determined. A public hearing will be scheduled after review by the Commission.  This new policy could positively or negatively impact the use and management of Fort Ward Park.

1. Budget Shortfalls to Impact Parks & Recreation Services:  The City is currently reviewing its current and future budgets to find a way to reduce spending to be consistent with available funds.  Kirk Kincannon indicated that all departments are taking their fair share of budget cuts including the Parks & Recreation Department.  Some budget cuts have been taken already and the City will look to reduce spending in 2009 in hiring, seasonal maintenance staff, lawn maintenance, snow removal, trash removal, and overtime emergencies.  Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Roger Blakely indicated that cuts to seasonal hires will reduce the City’s ability “to monitor and manage the nonsense that goes on in the parks”. 

1. Status of Fort Ward Park Problem Solving:  Kirk Kincannon reported on the meetings he has had with the leadership of the Seminary Hill Association and Marlboro Estates.  He said to the Commission that, “Fort Ward Park, and other parks, are overused and we have to stop the impacts”.  Commission Chair Judy Guse-Noritake offered a contrasting perspective in the Fort Ward Park discussion when she said, “Overtime we are going to look to large parks to handle more use”.  Kirk Kincannon countered by saying that, “We need to point large groups elsewhere”.  Roger Blakeley offered another perspective by indicating that, “We don’t have staff to manage the use of the park this fiscal year”.

Neighborhood Meeting Planed for December 2, 2008 with Park & Recreation Commissioners

In response to our requests for discussion Kaj Vetter, one of the three District 3 Commission members serving our neighborhood has agreed to meet with us on Tuesday December 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  The meeting will give residents an opportunity to share our concerns about park use and management with one of our Commissioners.  The meeting will be held at 4022 Ellicott Street.  Please call Glenn Eugster  at 703-845-8947 to confirm your attendance.

Future Meetings of Neighborhood Importance

• Public Meeting on Fort Ward Park Use and Management:  Date and location to be announced soon. Note:  The outcome of this meeting will be very important to our residents.  It will be very important for as many of us as possible to attend and make a statement about our views.  Kirk Kincannon has been very responsive to our concerns and this is the best chance we have had to be heard. We need your help at this meeting!

• Meeting with Parks & Recreation Commission Vetter:  Tuesday December 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm at 4022 Ellicott Street.  Please confirm attendance by calling 703-845-8947 or replying to: glenn_eugster@comcast.net  Note: I am looking for a small number of people to join me in this discussion with Mr. Vetter.  My hope is to familiarize him with our neighborhood, our love of the park and the problems we have experienced.

• Alexandria Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting on Special Events Policy:  Thursday December 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  Located to be identified.  Note:  The Commission plays and important advisory and advocacy role in the City and needs to be guided by residents.  Commissioners need to hear from the people they represent.

• Seminary Hill Association Board Meeting: Thursday December 11, 2008.  Contact Nancy Jennings, our District 6 Association Representative at: Nrjennings@comcast.net  Note: As many of you know the Association was instrumental in saving Fort Ward Park creating Marlboro Estates.  The board has been most helpful to us over the last year in working with the City.  The Association meetings are interesting and very informative.

For additional information about this status report please call:

Glenn Eugster

4022 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

703-845-8947

glenn_eugster@comcast.net

Status Report on Marlboro Estates-Fort Ward Park Health, Safety, Use and Management Issues. November 21, 2008

Status Report on Marlboro Estates-Fort Ward Park Health, Safety, Use and Management Issues

Prepared by Glenn Eugster

November 21, 2008

The following information is prepared as an information service to the residents of Marlboro Estates and other residential areas surrounding Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, VA.

City Parks & Recreation Director Outlines Actions to Respond to Neighborhood Concerns

On November 7, 2008 Tom Fulton, Dennis Carroll, Glenn Eugster and Margaret McCormack met with the City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Kincannon to discuss the September 2008 request that was made to the Mayor and City Council about Fort Ward Park use and management problems impacting the homeowners of Marlboro Estates and other nearby residential nearby.  Mr. Kincannon outlined a series of actions that the City is taking to respond to our concerns.  He also identified a number of actions the City is considering taking.  Following the meeting, on November 11, 2008, Mr. Kincannon sent the following summary of the actions the City is taking and pursuing.

1. Hold a meeting on Ft Ward with Seminary Hills Association in the next few
   weeks to review ideas for improving the park and addressing crowd
   control and park overuse issues.  Share ideas regarding site
   improvements and receive feedback.

2. Change and improve procedures for park picnic and shelter reservations.
  

3. Change and improve procedures for park rule enforcement.

4. Check on eliminating use of alcohol at picnic and shelter/park rentals

   (most likely, but need to make sure I can enact this).

5. Eliminate the allowance of amplified sound or music for rentals and
   picnics except for City functions/events.
  

6. Reduce the amount of "reserved picnic and shelter areas" to five areas
   this year in order to help control crowds and park over use.

7. Investigate carrying capacity of the park and identify methods to
   control overuse of the park.

8. Develop stronger constituency and support base for the park (i.e. volunteers).

Mr. Kincannon said that he would be taking an active role in pursuing these actions to make sure promises are kept.

In response to our neighborhoods request for a copy of the Fort Ward Park master or management plan that guides the actions of the City Mr. Kincannon indicated that there is currently no plan being used to guide development and management of Ft. Ward Park.  The last plan that the City identified for the park is the map/brochure entitled City of Alexandria Arboretum, Fort Ward Park 1983. 

City Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Warns of Budget Cuts and More Future Use for Fort Ward Park

A public meeting of the City’s Parks & Recreation Commission was held on November 20, 2008 to discuss a range of topics including the status of the City’s budget for parks and the response to Fort Ward Park neighborhood concerns.  The Alexandria Parks & Recreation Commission is an eleven-member advisory unit established by City Council in March 1970.  The Commission advises City Council in matters relating to recreation and culture, and participates in planning recreational activities and services through its advice to Council, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.  Marlboro Estates is within Planning District 3 and our representatives on the Commission are: Kaj Vetter, David Dexter and Richard Brune.  

Highlights of the meeting are outlined below:

1. Special Events Policy Being Developed:  The City is developing a policy for special events in parks, including Fort Ward Park.  The Commission will review the policy on December 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm at a location to be determined. A public hearing will be scheduled after review by the Commission.  This new policy could positively or negatively impact the use and management of Fort Ward Park.

1. Budget Shortfalls to Impact Parks & Recreation Services:  The City is currently reviewing its current and future budgets to find a way to reduce spending to be consistent with available funds.  Kirk Kincannon indicated that all departments are taking their fair share of budget cuts including the Parks & Recreation Department.  Some budget cuts have been taken already and the City will look to reduce spending in 2009 in hiring, seasonal maintenance staff, lawn maintenance, snow removal, trash removal, and overtime emergencies.  Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Roger Blakely indicated that cuts to seasonal hires will reduce the City’s ability “to monitor and manage the nonsense that goes on in the parks”. 

1. Status of Fort Ward Park Problem Solving:  Kirk Kincannon reported on the meetings he has had with the leadership of the Seminary Hill Association and Marlboro Estates.  He said to the Commission that, “Fort Ward Park, and other parks, are overused and we have to stop the impacts”.  Commission Chair Judy Guse-Noritake offered a contrasting perspective in the Fort Ward Park discussion when she said, “Overtime we are going to look to large parks to handle more use”.  Kirk Kincannon countered by saying that, “We need to point large groups elsewhere”.  Roger Blakeley offered another perspective by indicating that, “We don’t have staff to manage the use of the park this fiscal year”.

Neighborhood Meeting Planed for December 2, 2008 with Park & Recreation Commissioners

In response to our requests for discussion Kaj Vetter, one of the three District 3 Commission members serving our neighborhood has agreed to meet with us on Tuesday December 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  The meeting will give residents an opportunity to share our concerns about park use and management with one of our Commissioners.  The meeting will be held at 4022 Ellicott Street.  Please call Glenn Eugster  at 703-845-8947 to confirm your attendance.

Future Meetings of Neighborhood Importance

• Public Meeting on Fort Ward Park Use and Management:  Date and location to be announced soon. Note:  The outcome of this meeting will be very important to our residents.  It will be very important for as many of us as possible to attend and make a statement about our views.  Kirk Kincannon has been very responsive to our concerns and this is the best chance we have had to be heard. We need your help at this meeting!

• Meeting with Parks & Recreation Commission Vetter:  Tuesday December 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm at 4022 Ellicott Street.  Please confirm attendance by calling 703-845-8947 or replying to: glenn_eugster@comcast.net  Note: I am looking for a small number of people to join me in this discussion with Mr. Vetter.  My hope is to familiarize him with our neighborhood, our love of the park and the problems we have experienced.

• Alexandria Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting on Special Events Policy:  Thursday December 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  Located to be identified.  Note:  The Commission plays and important advisory and advocacy role in the City and needs to be guided by residents.  Commissioners need to hear from the people they represent.

• Seminary Hill Association Board Meeting: Thursday December 11, 2008.  Contact Nancy Jennings, our District 6 Association Representative at: Nrjennings@comcast.net  Note: As many of you know the Association was instrumental in saving Fort Ward Park creating Marlboro Estates.  The board has been most helpful to us over the last year in working with the City.  The Association meetings are interesting and very informative.

For additional information about this status report please call:

Glenn Eugster

4022 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

703-845-8947

glenn_eugster@comcast.net

Ft. Ward Park-Marlboro Estates Status Report DRAFT August 5, 2008

Ft. Ward Park-Marlboro Estates Status Report

DRAFT August 5, 2008

Prepared by Glenn Eugster

Introduction

The following is a summary of various activities and issues related to Ft. Ward Park and the residents of Marlboro Estates.  Included is a summary of a meeting that was held with the City on July 1, 2008.

Should you have any questions please contact me.

Summary

1.  The City of Alexandria, in response to the request of residents of Marlboro Estates and the efforts of City Council members, the Alexandria Police Department, the Parks & Recreation Department, the VA Department of Environmental Quality, and the Seminary Valley Neighborhood Association, has:

•   Increased regular police patrols in the neighborhood and in Ft. Ward Park to protect the quality of life and discourage criminal activity in Marlboro Estates.

• Moved a solid waste transfer station from the Ft. Ward Park maintenance yard to a location outside of the park.

• Moved a dumpster used for park picnic area waste and brush from the maintenance yard to another location away from neighborhood homes.

• Provided a buffer between the maintenance yard and residential properties along Ellicott Street.

• Promised to maintain the vegetation which grows from park land onto homeowner fences.  This task has not been completed.

•   Scheduled a meeting between residents and the City Parks & Recreation managers in early December 2008.

2. Since early July there have been numerous homeowner complaints filed with the Alexandria Police Department and the Parks & Recreation Department about the excessive noise levels coming from the picnic pavilions in Ft. Ward Park.  Park users are increasingly using music sound amplifiers (speakers), 3-5 feet high, with the approval of the City’s Permit Office.  The noise levels, which some long-term residents believe are the loudest they have heard in 15 years, are not consistent with the City’s Noise Ordinance.  

Although the Police Department, Parks & Recreation Department, and the Ft. Ward Park Manager have been working on this issue excessive noise levels have continued.

3. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department is planning to add two new picnic pavilions to Ft. Ward Park and the City is getting a lot of pressure for more use of these areas.  The new picnic pavilions are to be located just beyond the park’s new entrance booth, in the area to the right of the road that is posted as “Closed for Renovation”.  Another picnic pavilion that will be upgraded is the shelter to the right side of the park entrance between Braddock Road and the Plant Nursery.  Both areas will be similar in design to the existing pavilions which are used by groups ranging from 35 to 200 people.   

I have made a request to the Parks & Recreation Department, on behalf of the neighborhood, that these improvements not be made until the noise problem is resolved and the residents of our neighborhood have an opportunity to review the plans for this facilities. Also requested was a copy of the master/ management plan for the park and the policies that the park is used, managed and operated under.  At this time the Parks & Recreation managers have not replied to the request and it appears that work has begun on one of the new picnic pavilions.

4. Plans are well underway for the Ft. Ward Park and City of Alexandria Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration.  The effort, which was reported on recently in a separate memo, is being lead by the West End Business District and the Ft. Ward Park Museum and Historic Site.  The purpose of the effort is to: 1) celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War at Ft. Ward Park and around the City; and 2) promote Ft. Ward Park for visitors from inside and outside the City.

Past Events

July 1, 2008 Meeting with Marlboro Estates Landowners & Alexandria Parks & Recreation Department 

Attendees:  Roger Blakeley, Steve Tompkins, John Walsh, and Walter Powell from the City of Alexandria, VA; Jeff Lane, Mary Beth Buchholz, Dennis Carroll, Glenn Eugster, Thad Dilley, Nancy Jennings, and  Tom Fulton from Marlboro Estates.

The purpose of the meeting was to: 

1.   Go over the changes that we requested the City make to the garbage disposal area and maintenance yard in Fort Ward Park. 

2.   Learn of the City's plans for new picnic shelters in the park. 

3.  Discuss other issues of neighborhood interest or concern including excessive noise which comes from the picnic areas.  

The group met near the gate to the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard at 10:30 am.  Roger Blakeley opened the meeting by discussing many of the changes that the City Parks & Recreation Department made to the maintenance yard since the last meeting on April 21, 2008.  Roger and the other City managers led the landowners on a brief tour through the maintenance yard and into the newly created buffer area adjacent to some of the homes on Ellicott Street.  Following Roger’s opening remarks several landowners thanked the City managers for their time and the effort they have made to respond to the Marlboro Estates health and safety concerns.

The group began discussion on the following items while standing in the buffer area and outside the maintenance yard.

1. John Walsh indicated that the City would add three more Evergreen trees to the buffer and additional plantings to the other section of the buffer adjacent to where the maintenance vehicles are kept.

1. Tom Fulton asked the City to help remove poison ivy vines which has grown along the fence adjacent to his property.

1. Roger Blakeley said that Walter Powell has begun to manage the cars that are using the park as a way to drop-off and pick-up children using St. Stephens and St. Agnes School. He noted the new signs and speed bumps that have been installed in the park.  

1. Walter noted that two new picnic pavilions are being 

planned and the City is getting a lot of pressure for more use of these areas. The new picnic pavilions are to be located just beyond the park’s new entrance booth, in the area to the right of the road that is posted as “Closed for Renovation”.  Another picnic pavilion that will be upgraded is the shelter to the right side of the park entrance between Braddock Road and the plant nursery.

5. Roger added that the City was trying to improve the current permit process to insure that the park facilities are not over-used. He added that the City is trying to limit parking and that in the past the permit office was giving permits without consideration of the amount of parking available.  He said that they are considering 4 hour blocks of time for picnic rentals for next year.

6.  Residents noted the ongoing noise problems that many residents have complained about recently.  Walter said that residents should call Alexandria City Police when they have concerns about noise levels.  Glenn Eugster indicated that the current park noise permit does not address noise levels nor does it reference the need to adhere to the City’s existing noise ordinance.    Roger noted that maybe the City could revise their noise permit to make it more effective.  The City representatives indicated that current permitted noise levels were somewhere between 80 and 120 decibels. & lt; /FONT>

7. Dennis Carroll said that the City was 100% responsive to our earlier concerns about the dumpsters in the maintenance yard and that he and others appreciated the efforts.  He expressed concern about the future use of the maintenance yard--in response to the news that the City is planning to move the plant nursery.  He also expressed serious concern about the addition of new picnic pavilions in the park.  Dennis said that new pavilions close to our neighborhood will diminish property values as well as the quality of daily life in Marlboro Estates. 

Roger said that the option of moving the plant nursery is being considered by the City.  If the plant nursery leaves the City is considering placing a picnic pavilion in that part of the park.  Thad Dilley said that he feels that the plant nursery operation is a good neighbor and hopes that it doesn’t move.  Other residents expressed serious concern about a new picnic pavilion being located close to the homes on Ellicott Street.

1. Glenn asked Roger about the status of the park’s 

management/ master plan.  The park does not currently have a plan for management or future park improvements.  Roger said that there will be a management plan and an opportunity for public input.  Roger continued and said that by mid-month a Fort Ward Cost Center estimate will be developed(see the City Parks & Recreation website) which will then be followed by a park master plan.  Roger said the master plan will be done soon and there will be a public meeting.  Roger said that the schedule for the park master plan will depend on the City’s overall workload which is considerable.  It may be months or years before the City gets to this task.  Walter added that the park is being looked at to help raise revenue for the City.

1. Nancy Jennings asked about the dog park portion of 

Fort Ward Park and said that she thought it was hardly ever used.  Roger and Walter explained that the Fort Ward Park is used and it is part of the City’s Dog Park Master Plan.

10.  Discussion continued about possible future uses of the maintenance yard and plant nursery if those areas are moved.  A number of residents reiterated that the nursery is a good neighbor and that a picnic area adjacent to the homes along Ellicott Street would be unacceptable to our residents. Dennis recognized that the City has a challenging job managing the park given the three distinct use areas—the historic core and museum, the picnic area, and the residential buffer/ plant nursery area.  He said he hoped that we could maintain a buffer between our homes and existing and future park activity areas.

Next Steps

• Roger said that the City would like to continue discussions with the group about existing and future park management and use.  He stressed that it was important for us to communicate our concerns and interests with him so that he can share those interests and ideas with the other managers. 
• He said he hoped that the residents would provide input into the master/ management plan once the effort is underway. He added that he would like the input of our landowners as they begin to develop a plan for the park.  
• Roger suggested that the group meet in six months [December 2008] to talk again. 
• He also said the City would review the picnic area reservation permit system and see if it could be improved.  

Prepared by Glenn Eugster July 10, 2008

                                                      

DRAFT Summary of the City Council’s Discussions of Fort Ward Park March 13, 2008

DRAFT Summary of the City Council’s Discussions of Fort Ward Park

March 13, 2008

Prepared by Glenn Eugster

On Saturday December 13, 2008 Nancy Jennings, Thad Diley, Tom Fulton and Glenn Eugster presented the Alexandria City Council with statements about the management, use and protection of Fort Ward Park and the park’s impact on Marlboro Estates.  Dennis Carroll was unable to make a statement due to an illness but his written statement was submitted to the Council.

Following the statements by the residents the Council members asked Kirk Kincannon, the City Parks & Recreation Director to respond to the comments.  The following is a summary of selected highlights of the comments made by Mr. Kincannon and the Council members.  It is important to note that the meeting was filmed and may be available on the Government Access Channel (COMCAST Channel 70).

When asked about Fort Ward Park not having a master plan Mr. Kincannon indicated that he thought it probably needed one.  He added that there are 120 parks in Alexandria, VA and none have master plans.

Mayor Eullie suggested that these concerns be discussed further at a City Council work session in January 2009.

Councilman Wilson said he wanted to discuss the enforcement of existing laws and regulations affecting the park.  Mr. Kincannon said that his staff was not law enforcement officers.

Councilman Smedburg said that it was important to come back with recommendations to determine what this park is.  He said you have to set limits for public use and you can’t have 400, or more, people coming to a historic park for a different purpose.

Councilman Gaines said he was concerned about the quality of life.  He wants the work session to address and answer questions about use and management.  He is especially interested in the management of dual uses.  He said that he hopes to find a better way to enforce rules.  He noted the concerns about the exclusion of African American history in the park.  He referenced the work the City has done with Freeman’s Cemetery and suggested that Pam Cressy of the Historic Office/ African American Museum be involved to help resolve issues.

Vice Mayor Pepper said that she was aware that this had been an ongoing issue and that she had met with Marlboro Estates residents and the Seminary Hill Neighborhood Association Board.  Ms. Pepper asked Mr. Kincannon, how is it that the community didn’t know of the City plan for Fort Ward Park.  Mr. Kincannon explained that Judy Noritake of the Parks & Recreation Commission had asked for the document his staff prepared.  He said it was not a master plan.  He also said that the park served more people than just the adjacent landowners and he needed to involve the full scope of the community.  Ms. Pepper replied that there were lots of immediate neighbors in the area.  55 Marlboro Estates homeowners have been involved in these discussions.  This has been an awful experience for them.

Vice Mayor Pepper said that she thought that there were probably many more gravesites in the park.  She wants gravesites commemorated in the park.  She thinks that these areas are an attraction and they would be of interest to historic and cultural tourism interests.

Councilman Krupicka asked the Parks and Recreation Department to outline their process for outreach to communities and clarify where the problems occurred with this effort.  He also asked Mr. Kincannon to prepare a comprehensive list of all the concerns that have been heard.  Mr. Krupicka said that this is all the stuff we have to tackle.

Fort Ward Park. July 1, 2008 Meeting between Marlboro Estates Landowners & Alexandria Parks & Recreation Department

July 1, 2008 Meeting between Marlboro Estates Landowners & Alexandria Parks & Recreation Department 

Attendees:  Roger Blakeley, Steve Tompkins, John Walsh, and Walter Powell from the City of Alexandria, VA; Jeff Lane, Mary Beth Buchholz, Dennis Carroll, Glenn Eugster, Thad Dilley, Nancy Jennings, and  Tom Fulton from Marlboro Estates.

The purpose of the meeting was to: 

1.   Go over the changes that we requested the City make to the garbage disposal area and maintenance yard in Fort Ward Park. 

2.   Learn of the City's plans for new picnic shelters in the park. 

3.  Discuss other issues of neighborhood interest or concern including excessive noise which comes from the picnic areas.  

The group met near the gate to the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard at 10:30 am.  Roger Blakeley opened the meeting by discussing many of the changes that the City Parks & Recreation Department made to the maintenance yard since the last meeting on April 21, 2008.  Roger and the other City managers led the landowners on a brief tour through the maintenance yard and into the newly created buffer area adjacent to some of the homes on Ellicott Street.  Following Roger’s opening remarks several landowners thanked the City managers for their time and the effort they have made to respond to the Marlboro Estates health and safety concerns.

The group began discussion on the following items while standing in the buffer area and outside the maintenance yard.

1. John Walsh indicated that the City would add three more 

Evergreen trees to the buffer and additional plantings to the other section of the buffer adjacent to where the maintenance vehicles are kept.

1. Tom Fulton asked the City to help remove poison ivy vines 

which has grown along the fence adjacent to his property.

1. Roger Blakeley said that Walter Powell has begun to manage 

the cars that are using the park as a way to drop-off and pick-up children using St. Stephens and St. Agnes School. He noted the new signs and speed bumps that have been installed in the park.  

1. Walter noted that two new picnic pavilions are being

planned and the City is getting a lot of pressure for more use of these areas. The new picnic pavilions are to be located just beyond the park’s new entrance booth, in the area to the right of the road that is posted as “Closed for Renovation”.  Another picnic pavilion that will be upgraded is the shelter to the right side of the park entrance between Braddock Road and the plant nursery.

5. Roger added that the City was trying to improve the current permit process to insure that the park facilities are not over-used. He added that the City is trying to limit parking and that in the past the permit office was giving permits without consideration of the amount of parking available.  He said that they are considering 4 hour blocks of time for picnic rentals for next year.

6.  Residents noted the ongoing noise problems that many residents have complained about recently.  Walter said that residents should call Alexandria City Police when they have concerns about noise levels.  Glenn Eugster indicated that the current park noise permit does not address noise levels nor does it reference the need to adhere to the City’s existing noise ordinance.    Roger noted that maybe the City could revise their noise permit to make it more effective.  The City representatives indicated that current permitted noise levels were somewhere between 80 and 120 decibels. 

7. Dennis Carroll said that the City was 100% responsive to our earlier concerns about the dumpsters in the maintenance yard and that he and others appreciated the efforts.  He expressed concern about the future use of the maintenance yard--in response to the news that the City is planning to move the plant nursery.  He also expressed serious concern about the addition of new picnic pavilions in the park.  Dennis said that new pavilions close to our neighborhood will diminish property values as well as the quality of daily life in Marlboro Estates. 

Roger said that the option of moving the plant nursery is being considered by the City.  If the plant nursery leaves the City is considering placing a picnic pavilion in that part of the park.  Thad Dilley said that he feels that the plant nursery operation is a good neighbor and hopes that it doesn’t move.  Other residents expressed serious concern about a new picnic pavilion being located close to the homes on Ellicott Street.

1. Glenn asked Roger about the status of the park’s 

management/ master plan.  The park does not currently have a plan for management or future park improvements.  Roger said that there will be a management plan and an opportunity for public input.  Roger continued and said that by mid-month a Fort Ward Cost Center estimate will be developed(see the City Parks & Recreation website) which will then be followed by a park master plan.  Roger said the master plan will be done soon and there will be a public meeting.  Roger said that the schedule for the park master plan will depend on the City’s overall workload which is considerable.  It may be months or years before the City gets to this task.  Walter added that the park is being looked at to help raise revenue for the City.

1. Nancy Jennings asked about the dog park portion of Fort 

Ward Park and said that she thought it was hardly ever used.  Roger and Walter explained that the Fort Ward Park is used and it is part of the City’s Dog Park Master Plan.

10.  Discussion continued about possible future uses of the 

maintenance yard and plant nursery if those areas are moved.  A number of residents reiterated that the nursery is a good neighbor and that a picnic area adjacent to the homes along Ellicott Street would be unacceptable to our residents. Dennis recognized that the City has a challenging job managing the park given the three distinct use areas—the historic core and museum, the picnic area, and the residential buffer/ plant nursery area.  He said he hoped that we could maintain a buffer between our homes and existing and future park activity areas.

Next Steps

• Roger said that the City would like to continue discussions with the group about existing and future park management and use.  He stressed that it was important for us to communicate our concerns and interests with him so that he can share those interests and ideas with the other managers. 
• He said he hoped that the residents would provide input into the master/ management plan once the effort is underway. He added that he would like the input of our landowners as they begin to develop a plan for the park.  
• Roger suggested that the group meet in six months [December 2008] to talk again. 
• He also said the City would review the picnic area reservation permit system and see if it could be improved.  

Prepared by Glenn Eugster July 10, 2008

Fort Ward Park Concerns Nancy Jennings. Undated.

Fort Ward Park Concerns

Nancy Jennings.  Undated.

Goal

Restore the grounds of Ft. Ward Park and protect it from over use and abuse because it is a national historic site and a much loved neighborhood park.

Problems in the Park

Noise on weekends from amplified music.

Noise during the week from maintenance vehicles.

Lack of enforcement of alcoholic beverage regulation results in unusual amounts of trash.

Lack of enforcement of the size of parties who reserve the picnic sites.

Over use of the site has killed the grass in many areas.

Overflow parking onto neighborhood streets.

Water backs up and floods the backyards of adjacent homes.

Lack of buffering—for sound or view—with homes now adjacent to the park (since the farm house was torn down).

Speed bumps are hazards to pedestrians and impossible for citizens in wheel chairs.

Loss of trees—about 40 in the past three years.

Neglect of the azalea bushes.

Visitors are offered only a small bit of the history of the parklands.

Unused cement stands for picnic tables don’t help watershed problems.

Problems with the City

City employees violate legal regulations when performing maintenance activities in the park

City employees do not know who is to enforce regulations in the park; for example, Recreation & Parks, Police, or the Museum.

City lacks a plan for the park—other than maintaining building—and has yet to define how this historic site is to be used.

City lacks a process for developing a plan for the park.

City lacks a way for citizens concerns to be addressed in the plan for the park.

Graves Outside the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. September 22, 2008.

September 22, 2008

Dear Director Mallamo,

My wife and I attended the reception at Ft. Ward Park on Saturday evening.  We enjoyed your remarks about the important historic and cultural values of Fort Ward Park.  We decided to live in Alexandria, VA many years ago in part because of the City's commitment to the past, present and future. Your perspective and enthusiasm are most welcome.

Our home is next to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and we use the park daily.  During our walks we have noticed that the following three graves are outside of the cemetery in an unfenced area in front of the entrance to the maintenance yard.

Graves Outside the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery:

Spence, Cornelia  1842 - 1897 Oct 13  born in Jefferson, Texas

Javins, W.  b. (June?) 15, 1873 (rest buried)

Fitzhugh, Virginia  d. 1918 Jan 18 age 65

Given the City's long-standing commitment to historic and cultural values would it be possible to place a fence around these graves so that they will be protected?

Thanks again for taking the time to participate in the Ft. Ward Park & Museum Reception.

Sincerely,

J. Glenn Eugster

4022 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, VA 22304-1012

Fort Ward Park Facility Study and Recommendations. October 16, 2008.

Fort Ward Park Facility Study and Recommendations 

On October 16, 2008, the Park and Recreation Commission received a draft presentation from Park Planning staff which addressed the over use of Ft. Ward Park.  Staff indicated this initial detailed look by Operations and Park Planning staff was designed to share neighborhood concerns related to the park's operation and potential solutions with the Commission.  Department staff shared that they will be meeting with the Friends of Ft. Ward, local Civic Organizations, and neighborhoods in 2009 regarding these ideas. When community ideas have been solicited, staff will return and present comments and ideas to the Commission.

• Facility Study and Recommendations Presentation  

Fort Ward Park. September 11, 2008.

Fort Ward Park

Park Location: 4301 W. Braddock Road
Park Area: 41.4 acres
Park usage: Special Use Park, Community Park, Amphitheater, Museum, Historical Landmark, and Seasonal Holiday and Historical Re-enactments and Solitude area.

Fort Ward Park is located on the west end of Alexandria at 4401 W. Braddock Road on the highest point in the City. Incidentally, this is why the site was chosen as an ideal spot to build a fort during the Civil War. It is one of 68 earthen forts that were built in the defense of Washington D.C. The Fort was named for Commander James Harmon Ward, the first United States Naval Officer killed in the Civil War.

Fort Ward Park is really two parks in one -- a community park and the other a historical landmark complete with a museum and restored bastion in the northwest section of the original fort.

The museum at Fort Ward is a replica of the building that existed on the Fort grounds during that time. The building was photographed by the famous Civil War photographer, Matthew Brady. The museum also has a fine library and the surrounding grounds are often used for both Civil War and Revolutionary War re-enactments.

The park features include an Amphitheater where musical concerts are held every Thursday night from June to August annually, among many other events. There are two park shelters, a playground, ten picnic areas, a dog exercise area and a 0.6 tenths of a mile service road which has grown in popularity over the years with seniors citizens and young parents pushing baby carriages as a pseudo exercise track.

The service road that travels through the park opens at 7 am for foot traffic only.  At 9 am, the road opens to vehicular traffic.

Note: Areas 1 - 7 are available for use by reservation only Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, April through October. The seven picnic areas, which can be reserved for a fee, are very popular typically with community groups, company picnics, weddings, family reunions, and holidays events.

Other amenities include: park security, water hydrants in most of the park areas, picnic tables, barbeque grills and benches.

Fort Ward Park Rental Information
Amenities: amphitheater, parking, picnic areas, play equipment, restrooms, seating, telephone trails.

• Picnic Area Rental Fees 
• Park Map & Directions 
• Park Reservation Form 

Hours of Operation: Daily 9 am to Dark

General Rules and Regulations

• Camping - No person shall set up tents, shacks, trailers or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping. Exceptions: Overnight camping may be allowed for large groups under certain conditions. 
• Alcohol Beverage Policy - Fort Ward is specified and designed as a park where the use of alcoholic beverages by a group of 50 or more, based within the City of Alexandria, is permitted under strict regulation and control. Only draft beer and wine will be permitted in the park areas 4, 5, 6 and 7. Beer must be in a keg and served in paper cups. In addition to the picnic site reservation fee, a $25 processing fee (non-refundable) is required from those groups who wish to obtain an ABC license to serve beer and wine. The Alcohol Permit will not be issued less than two weeks prior to the date of reservation. After receiving permission from the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, the applicant is required to obtain a Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Banquet License (ABC permit) at 6308 Grovedale Drive, Alexandria, Virginia. The Banquet License fee is an additional $55 fee payable to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The person or business applying for a picnic reservation and a permit for beer and wine must have an address within the City of Alexandria. Personal or company checks must match the address shown on the ABC application and have a Virginia address. The consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person or group is prohibited in Fort Ward Park unless a Virginia State Banquet has been obtained. 
• Dogs - Unleashing dogs or allowing dogs to urinate or defecate in the park (except in the dog exercise area) is prohibited. Dog owners are required to clean-up. 
• Fires and Grills - Fires are permitted in park grills or personal grills only. Barbeque pits for cooking on the ground are prohibited. Propane gas grills are prohibited. All fires must be extinguished and ashes placed in designated containers or left in the park grill before the area is vacated. 
• Picnic Reservation Requests - Picnic Reservation requests for all weekends, and holiday Mondays, must be received no later than 5 pm the Thursday prior to the requested weekend/holiday day. 

Seminary Hill Association, Inc. (Seminary Hill) regarding Fort Ward Park

SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION, INC.

4009 North Garland Street

Alexandria, VA  22304

March 15, 2009

VIA E-MAIL

Mr. Kirk Kincannon

Director, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities

1108 Jefferson Street

Alexandria, VA  22314

Dear Mr. Kincannon:

I am writing to provide comments on behalf of the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. (Seminary Hill) regarding Fort Ward Park (the Park).  While we will continue to press for better communications from the City regarding all meetings, policies, and planning efforts involving the Park, our most immediate concerns are as follows:

1. Management of park uses:  Immediate steps must be taken to prevent the overuse and abuses of the Park that have occurred over recent years, most notably the excessive crowds, noise, trash, and alcohol consumption that occurred on Labor Day Weekend of 2007 and 2008.  These situations must not be allowed to recur in the future, starting this Spring and Summer.  Seminary Hill has been waiting since November 5, 2008 (when you, Pat Lidy and I met in your office to discuss Seminary Hill’s concerns regarding Fort Ward Park) to see a concrete crowd control plan to prevent such situations.  I would like to set a meeting with you and Captain Hassan Aden of the Alexandria City Police Department sometime in April to discuss this.

1. Amplified sound:  Seminary Hill supports establishing a policy prohibiting amplification of any sound—music, voice, etc.—in the Park, with the exception of City-sponsored activities in the Amphitheater.

1. Alcohol use:  Seminary Hill supports establishing a policy prohibiting alcohol use in the Park, with the exception of City-sponsored events.

1. Protection of grave sites:  The deterioration of grave sites in the Park is deplorable.  Immediate action should be taken to provide at least some minimal protection of these sites, and the identification and protection of other possible unmarked grave sites must be a top priority.

1. Budget:  With the exception of the protection requested above for the grave sites, all spending under the current CIP budget should cease and desist until the public has an opportunity to comment on the forthcoming draft action plan and a new, approved Park plan is in place.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Joanne Lepanto

President

cc: Jim Hartmann, City Manager

Laura Durham, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities

Seminary Hill Association, Inc. Board of Directors

Captain Hassan Aden, ACPD

Susan Cumbey, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

Walton Owen, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

William Schreiner, Friends of Fort Ward Park

Adrienne T. Washington