Fort Ward Park-Marlbor Estates Noise Discussions--Update July 10, 2008

From: "glenn eugster"
To: "Debbie Weatherly" , "Margaret McCormack" , "Jo Ellen McCormack" , "Robert Stoss" , "John and Elizabeth Kling and Sullivan" , "Chris & Kris Ullman" , "Chris & Kris Ullman" , "Allen & Nancy Jennings" , "Tom and Jeanne fulton-oleary" , "Dennis and Lynn Carroll" , "Thad & Susie Dilley" , "Jeff and Mary Beth Lane & Buchholtz"
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 2:18:46 PM
Subject: Fort Ward Park-Marlbor Estates Noise Discussions--Update


Dear Neighbors,

Since we expressed our concerns on Sunday and Monday to the City Parks & Recreation Department and the Police Department about the weekend noise levels at Fort Ward Park I have heard the following information from Capt. Hassan Aden and Walter Powell.

First, Capt. Aden spoke with the City Attorney and the noise permits that the City issues to park groups for picnic pavillions don't matter due to the City's noise ordinance. The noise permits are completely irrelevant and the Police Department can enforce the City's noise regulations. Hassan, and the City Attorney, believe that park users do have to comply with the City's noise ordinance and the Police Department will help to see that they do. Capt. Aden is continuing discussions with the City Environmental Department about possibly getting the police officers training about the noise ordinance and noise meters to measure noise levels.

Captain Aden said that once the noise ordinance discussions are completed he expects to send a memo to all of the officers in his sector so that they are aware of the rules for the park. Hassan said that he will get back to us with additional information.

Second, Walter Powell is having discussions with City officials about the use of the picnic areas and what, if any, amplified music is appropriate in those areas. Walter believes that amplified music should not be permitted in the picnic areas and should only be permitted in the park amphitheater. Walter said that there is a meeting next week within the City to discuss noise and how to address our concerns.

Both Hassan and Walter are working hard to address homeowners concerns. Your interest, calls and efforts are helping to sustain the quality of our homes, neighborhood and Fort Ward Park.

Should you have any questions please contact me.

Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street

More Noise Ordinance Violations at Ft. Ward Park Yesterday July 7, 2008

From: "glenn eugster"
To: "Roger Blakeley" , "Hassan Aden"
Cc: "Gwen Diggs" , "Allen & Nancy Jennings" , "Dennis and Lynn Carroll" , "Kirk Kincannon"
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2008 2:42:37 PM
Subject: More Noise Ordinance Violations at Ft. Ward Park Yesterday


Dear Roger and Hassan,

I am writing to you because my calls to the Police Department yesterday and this morning, about this matter, have not been returned.

Yesterday for at least four (4) hours we had excessive levels of noise coming from the picnic pavilion near Braddock Road and St. Stephens/ St. Agnes School. Evidently more than 200 people, and many more cars than spaces, filled the picnic area and park roads. The group had sound equipment which they used for speeches and music which could be heard inside the homes of Ellicott Street more than 1,000 feet away from the area.

My neighbors and I have communicated with each of you about these park events and the one yesterday was worse than the three earlier ocassions this summer. Unfortunately we seem to be losing ground working with you and our homeowners are wondering: 1) why the park managers can be better neighbors, and: 2) why the police officers can't enforce the City's Noise Ordinance.

Yesterday was especially troubling given the number of calls we made to the non-emergency Police Department telephone line. At least five calls were made about the noise levels and nothing was done. In fact some of the officer indicated that the police "have no real basis for enforcement of what is happening at Ft. Ward Park" and that "the Parks Department Noise Permit gives park users the right to make as much noise as they like to". I was told that "the noise would end at 8:00 pm when the permit expired".

I don't believe that the Ft. Ward Park Noise Permit, as currently written implements, or even references, the City Noise Ordinance. I'm also certain from past problems we have encountered with park users, and from comments park managers have made, that the Ft. Ward Park permit managers are not enforcing any users limits on noise.

I understand that both of you have many important things to do in our city. However, many of us in this neighborhood continue to get the sense that Fort Ward Park is poorly managed and, at least on weekends, is often out of control. On behalf of our residents I ask that you take a personal interest to find ways to make sure that Ft. Ward Park managers and users comply with the City Noise Ordinance. It's important that the park managers, park users and our homeowners quickly find a way to enjoy the park while respecting the people's rights and their quality of life.

Given that it is only the second week of July and we have many summer weekends to enjoy within the park, our backyards and in our homes I hope that you will take some additional time and make solving this problem a priority. If it would be helpful for us to bring our concerns to our elected officials please let me know and we will do so quickly.

Thanks for your time and attention to this matter.

Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street

Final Notes from Fort Ward Park-Marlboro Estates Meeting July 1, 2008

Final Notes from Fort Ward Park-Marlboro Estates Meeting


July 1, 2008 Meeting between Marlboro Estates Landowners;  and 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.



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.


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


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.


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.



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.



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 o ur 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 Update July 16, 2009

From: "Kirk Kincannon"
To: "glenn eugster" , president@seminaryhillassn.org
Cc: "Jim Hartmann" , "Michele Evans"
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 4:07:03 PM
Subject: Fort Ward Park Update


Joanne and Glenn, I am sending this e-update to brief you on the meeting I
had with the Park and Recreation Commission last night and my meeting with
the City Manager and Mayor today, as related to the issues raised regarding
Fort Ward. At the Commission meeting last night we discussed the process
of working and meeting with the citizens/public to address and hear the
concerns and desires related to Fort Ward. The outcome of the meeting was a
plan to hold two public meetings by the Department in February and take
comments, share ideas and establish short term and long term solutions for
the park.

Both Lance Mallamo and I are confident that the issues raised can be worked
through in this process. The meeting with be held jointly by Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Activities and The Office of Historic Alexandria. Once
we have checked the calendar for possible dates we will be sending out
notice of the meetings.

Thank you both for your Park advocacy.


Kirk Kincannon, CPRP, Director
Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Alexandria, Virginia
www.alexandriava.gov

Recreation Dept. Meeting with Marlboro Estates November 11, 2008

From: "Kirk Kincannon"
To: "glenn eugster"
Cc: "Dennis and Lynn Carroll" , "Tom and Jeanne fulton-oleary" , "Kling and Sullivan, John and Elizabeth" , "Margaret McCormack"
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 5:47:11 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks for the meeting

Hi Glenn and your welcome. My thanks as well. Ok here is the short
version of what I have indicated we RPCA are doing in relation to Ft. Ward
in the coming weeks and months.


Hold a meeting on Ft Ward with Seminary Hills Assoc. 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.
Change and improve procedures for park picnic and shelter reservations
Change and improve procedures for park rule enforcement
Check on eliminating use of alcohol at picnic and shelter/park rentals(
most likely, but need to make sure I can enact this)
Eliminate the allowance of amplified sound or music for rentals and
picnics except for City functions/events
Reduce the amount of "reserved picnic and shelter areas" to five areas
this year inorder to help control crowds and park over use
Investigate carrying capacity of the park and identify methods to
control overuse of the park
Develop stronger constituency and support base for the park ie.
volunteers

Kirk Kincannon, CPRP, Director
Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Alexandria, Virginia
www.alexandriava.gov

Park Rental and Over Crowding Issue by Kirk Kincannon September 5, 2008

From: "Kirk Kincannon"
To: plidy@comcast.net, "glenn eugster"
Cc: "Roger Blakeley" , "William Chesley" , "Leslie Clark"
Sent: Friday, September 5, 2008 5:46:25 PM
Subject: Re: Ft .Ward Pk

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the park rental and over crowding issue
at Fort Ward. I met with staff this week and discussed site control
methods and regulations that would allow staff to intercede in these
situations, with the goal that new regulations and procedures would
eliminate future issues with park picnic rental over crowding.
Unfortunately in this situation the rental group did not provide accurate
information and stated that the group size would be less than 50 in each of
the picnic rental areas used.

I have asked staff to develop new protocols and procedures for preventing
and handling these situations in the future and to coordinate park crowd
control and enforcement issues with the Alexandria Police Department.

On behalf of park staff, the Department and the City, I offer my apology
for the impact to the neighborhood and surrounding community. Please know
that we are working hard to improve the crowd control overuse issues for
all of our over used parks and we appreciate your concerns and commitment
to a better community and City.

Kirk Kincannon, CPRP, Director
Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Alexandria, Virginia
www.alexandriava.gov



plidy@comcast.net

09/04/2008 06:57 PM
To kirk.kincannon@alexandriava.gov
cc

Subject Ft .Ward Pk






Attend: Kirk Kincannon
Director Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Sunday August 31, from 5 P.M through 9:30 P.M. Braddock Court, Victoria
Lane, Louis Place, Lynn House, and Saint Stephens/Saint Agnes School were
inundated with parked cars from the overflow group activity in Ft. Ward Park. The
overflow crowd caused traffic congestion, safety concerns, and excessive trash (esp.
liquor bottles) in and around the Park and surrounding streets.

As Area 7 representative to Seminary Hills Association, I am concerned that
activities such as the one on Sunday continue to occur for the second year
in a row, which can result in disruption in the our West End neighborhoods and
damage to our Park.

What process is in place for issuing permits to use of the Park by large
groups? Where is the control over the issuing permits for use of the Park?

I would appreciate your response to this concerns.


Pat Lidy
Area 7 Representative
Seminary Hills Association
2008 Braddock Court
Alexandria, VA 22304

Tel. 703-823-6763
plidy@comcast.net

cc:Joanne Lapanto
Nancy Jennings

Fort Ward Observer, September 2009, Volume 1, Issue 1

Subject: Fort Ward Observer, September 2009, Volume 1, Issue 1



Dear Mayor and Council Members,

This report was sent to community leaders in the Fort Ward area to keep them informed of the efforts of the City and the community to protect, manage, interpret, and enjoy Fort Ward Park. Your willingness to work with the community the past two years to address recreational use issues we brought to your attention is appreciated by all.

The City's response to community concerns was very evident to everyone this year. Over the last year you, your managers and the park and Police staff assigned to this area have worked hard to address the management of Fort Ward Park. After the major problems of the last two years these improvements by the City are noteworthy and responsive to ongoing public concerns. .

I hope that you will continue to work with the communities who live near and use Fort Ward Park so that we can continue to make progress on the remaining issues that need attention.

Thank you for your efforts.

Sincerely,

Glenn

J. Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-845-8947
glenn_eugster@comcast.net



----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "glenn eugster"
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2009 4:23:16 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Fort Ward Observer, September 2009, Volume 1, Issue 1


Dear Neighbors,



Good day. I hope that you have had a safe and enjoyable summer and that you were able to celebrate the traditions of Labor Day.



Included, and attached, is a copy of a report entitled the "Fort Ward Observer" with information on past, present and future activities in Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Virginia. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park.


If you would like to be removed from this mailing list please let me know. If you have questions or comments please contact me at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail at: glenn_eugster@comcast.net



As always, thank you for your interest, assistance and support.



Sincerely,



Glenn



J. Glenn Eugster

4022 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22304



Fort Ward Observer

Volume 1, Issue 1

September 2009

Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster



Introduction



Fort Ward Park was created in 1964 through a collaborative effort between local homeowners, citizens, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. Since its creation support for the park has been shaped by the publics strong interest in the Civil War, Native and African American history, outdoor recreation and the protection of nature and open space. The traditions of civic engagement have brought together neighborhood associations, adjacent landowners, national organizations, churches, schools, and other local groups to work with the City of Alexandria, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the National Park Service to protect and enjoy this 42 acre park.



Over the last three years there have been numerous discussions at all levels of the government and private sector about the City’s past, present and future management and use of the park. Some of the City’s actions and plans have been taken and were developed without basic information on Fort Ward Park, public input, or City and, or, Commonwealth permits. In response to public comments made this year at four City sponsored meetings Alexandria officials are planning a series of actions to examine and shape the future of the park.



The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and undertaken in Fort Ward Park. It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.



Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

In response to public interest in, and comments about, Fort Ward Park the City of Alexandria is taking a variety of actions to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of the park. Specifically the City has taken the following actions:



a. Management of Visitors: This year City staff have been assigned to provide assistance to park visitors to ensure user satisfaction and adherence to City regulations and park permits. City staff, in coordination with the Permits Office and Police Department, have worked to manage past problems related to large crowds, noise, alcohol, and prohibited uses. On weekends and holidays these employees have been especially important in issuing and checking permits, greeting visitors and clarifying appropriate activities and uses of the park. Not only have these City employees put a friendly face on Fort Ward Park but they have managed the use of the park to ensure user satisfaction and safety, park protection, and respect for adjacent landowners. After the major problems of the last two years this improvement in park management by the City is noteworthy and responsive to ongoing public concerns.



b. Recognition of African American Graves Inside the Park: City managers and staff have removed many of the maintenance vehicles, equipment, materials and debris from on top of and nearby known African American graves inside the maintenance yard and nursery area. Temporary fencing and signs have also been posted around known grave sites and headstones within the park to discourage park users and maintenance workers from further damaging these graves.



c. City Funds for Archaeology: As Alexandria officials wrestled with serious budget cuts this year City Council members included $50,000 for this fiscal year to begin archaeology research at Fort Ward Park. The Office of Historic Alexandria is developing a work plan for how the money will be used.



d. Park Improvements: A series of park improvements have been made recently including: relocating the park visitor contact station, refurbishment of the visitor restrooms in the park maintenance building, removal of a deteriorated picnic shelter, upgrading drainage around the Museum, posting park use guidelines and permit information, restoration to the historic gate of the Fort, expansion of the maintenance storage area near the Amphitheater, tree and shrub pruning and removal, and tree and flower plantings.



Unresolved Issues and Concerns

City and community leaders continue to discuss the following park issues and concerns.



a. Continued Impact of Maintenance Yard Activities on Fort Ward Park Graves: Maintenance and nursery vehicles continue to park on and near African American graves. Piles of mulch, equipment, materials and debris continue to be stored in the area that is known to be the site of a African American school, church, residence, and additional graves.



b. Water Runoff and Tree Damage: The expansion of the maintenance yard and nursery area, which was done without City permits and approvals, has caused increased water to runoff into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. In addition, lands inside and outside the park and cemetery are contributing runoff to the cemetery. The runoff has eroded grave stones and grave sites are subsiding due to these land use changes.



Repairs to a cemetery fence, damaged by fallen park trees blown down in 2008, still need to be completed by the City‘s Recreation Department.



In addition, adjacent homeowners continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine down slope from the cemetery. Construction and landscape debris dumped by the City, along with park trees that have fallen in front of the storm sewer, cause runoff to pond adjacent to nearby homes.



c. Fort Ward Park Action Plan: Earlier this year the City agreed to hold public meetings and accept written comments to help develop an action plan for the management, protection, use and interpretation of Fort Ward Park. Comments made by the public during the City’s meetings in April and March 2009, and written comments that were submitted, have not been used by the City to complete the proposed Action Plan for Fort Ward Park. A draft action plan presented to the public in March 2009 was completed before the end of the comment period and did not include or address written comments from the public, various organizations, and City advisory commissions before it was submitted to City Council.



d. Fort Ward Facility Study & Recommendations: The October 16, 2008 facility study and recommendations for Fort Ward Park was prepared and approved by the City Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission without public input or basic information about the natural, historic and cultural resources which the park was created to protect. Despite ongoing public concern about the study, and the process that was used to develop its recommendations, the document continues to be displayed on the City’s website.



e. Fort Ward Park Site Plans and Permits: Discussions continue about the development of Fort Ward Park outside of the City‘s normal site planning and special use permit approval process. In 1965 the City approved a site plan for the park’s 300 square foot greenhouse located in the maintenance yard. Following that decision the Recreation Department has expanded the use of that area to include a district maintenance yard, a solid waste transfer station, and a storage area for mulch, materials and debris. Each of these expansions was done without public notice, site plan review, special use, solid waste and storm water management permits.



Future Efforts of Note



a. Federal Funds for Fort Ward Park: Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that funds for Fort Ward Park were included in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill (H.R. 2996). The legislation passed on June 26, 2009. If approved by the Senate, Congress and the President, the bill could provide $75,000 to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history. The bill will require non-federal matching funds.



b. African American Historical Research: Local historians and community leaders are researching the history of African American occupation of the area that is now Fort Ward Park. A paper is being developed and a series of presentations on this research will be scheduled this fall.



c. Urban Forestry Plan: On Saturday September 12, 2009, at the City Council Public Hearing, there will be a Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Master Plan Amendment No. 2009-0001 of the Urban Forestry Master Plan as a Chapter of the City’s Master Plan.

The City-wide Urban Forestry Master Plan includes a recommendation to rededicate Fort Ward Park as the City’s Arboretum. It also suggests that a master plan be developed and adopted for the park. This recommendation reaffirms the City’s earlier commitment in 1983 to create a collection of trees and other woody plants that will serve as an educational resource for City residents and visitors. $25,000 is proposed to go to implement this recommendation. It is unclear how this proposal relates to the City’s other commitments and proposals for the park, and Archeological regulations.



d. Fort Ward Observation Committee: The Friends of Fort Ward, a private non-profit organization that assists the City protect and interpret Fort Ward Park, has created a Park Observation Committee to periodically report to the groups Executive Committee on issues, concerns and activities related to Fort Ward.



e. National Trust for Historic Preservation African American Research Grants: Earlier this year the National Trust for Historic Preservation notified government and civic leaders that they are launching Partnership-in-Scholarship Grants to support collaborative projects between African American Historic Places and college/university scholars.

This year, four grants of $15,000 each (no match required) will be awarded in Fall 2009 to projects that help sustain current or attract new audiences at historic sites or enhance the interpretation of challenging topics at historic sites. Eligible projects include:

Improving public access to African American historical and cultural resources at historic places.
Strengthening teaching and education at colleges and universities through historic places.
Promoting research and original scholarship of a significant theme related to African American history and culture to support joint public programs.
Providing opportunities for lifelong learning through a collaborative program.
Strengthening each institution’s humanities programming in order to preserve, enhance, or enjoy significant African American historic places.
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2009.



f. National Park Service and Alexandria, Virginia, Fort Circle Parks Project: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is working with the National Park Service, National Capital Region, and other local partners, to raise public awareness and appreciation of the entire Civil War Defenses of Washington. The project is to identify a bike route, using existing trails, that would connect Civil War forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac that have notable remains. The current thinking is that this bike route would connect Fort Ward (Alexandria), Ft. C.F. Smith (Arlington County), Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington County), and Fort Marcy (George Washington Memorial Parkway/Fairfax County).



The purpose of this project, which once was proposed by the Civil War Roundtable in 1954, is to:

Raise public awareness of the remaining Civil War forts, the fact that the greater Civil War Defenses of Washington formed a ring around the capital city, and the role that the forts played during the Civil War; and
Increase bicycling opportunities with a safe, identified bike route.
　

Inside Alexandria

City news releases, as well as conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, Advisory Commission members and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.



a. Ad Hoc Advisory Group Established for Fort Ward: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. The group will consist of ten members, recommended by various existing City advisory commissions, who will work toward a goal of finding an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/ environmental and historic/ archeological interests. The group will be appointed by the City Manager and will serve for a “limited duration of about a one-year period”.



b. Civil War Celebration: The City is developing it’s effort for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Sesquicentennial Celebration activities are being planned by the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Center, and the Office of Historic Alexandria. One meeting of the leadership group was held in June and another meeting planned for later this fall. The City’s plans for the celebration at Fort Ward Park are unclear at this time and it is not certain if the effort will include the proposals for Fort Ward Park and the West End that the West End Business Association and the Friends of Fort Ward developed over the last twelve months.



c. Fort Ward Park History Work Group: In March 2009 the City proposed the creation of a “Fort Ward Park History Work Group”. This is a new work group to document the historic and cultural resources of the park, including its association with American Indians, Civil War fortifications, and the post-war African American community. The work group will assist staff with research and documentation of the historic site, with a specific focus on the heritage of the African American community, known as the Fort, that existed following the Civil War until the mid-20th century when the City of Alexandria acquired the property to preserve the Union fort.



The information gathered by the work group and staff will be used to help the Recreation Department and the Office of Historic Alexandria interpret and protect the Fort’s cultural and historic resources. Participation in the work group is open to all, and participation by descendants of former residents is especially welcome.



After considering various dates over the summer, the City’s plans for the first meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup continue to be in flux. A meeting date is being discussed by City officials and is likely to be announced in September.

　

Upcoming September Events



September 7, 2009 [Various Labor Day group events at Fort Ward Park]



September 8, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]



September 10, 2009 [Seminary Hill Association, Inc. Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Fort Ward Park Museum, Alexandria, VA]



September 12, 2009 [City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 am, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]



September 22, 2009 [Friends of Fort Ward Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fort Ward Museum, Alexandria, VA--rain date is September 29, 2009]



September 22, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm]



September 23, 2009 [Lecture on the Virginia Federal Writer’s Project Guide, 7:30 pm, Lyceum, Alexandria, VA]



September 26, 2009 [Fort Ward Park Civil War Shelter program, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Fort Ward Park]



TBD [Alexandria, Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Meeting, date, time and location to be announced]

　

Who is Who at Fort Ward?



Many of us have tried to contact someone at Fort Ward Park about a concern, issue, or opportunity. Often we find it difficult to know who to talk with and what their responsibilities are given the management approach to the park. In March 2009 at the T.C. Williams High School Public Meeting on Fort Ward, the Director of Historic Alexandria and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Department told the audience that they were the points of contact for Fort Ward Park.



Although Lance Mallamo, of Historic Alexandria, and James Spengler of Parks & Recreation, are the City officials responsible for Fort Ward many other city and group leaders are involved in current and future use, planning and management of the park and museum. Some of the key contacts include:



Fort Ward Park, Jim Spengler, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Fort Ward Park Maintenance & Visitor Services, Walter Powell, Park District Superintendent

Fort Ward Nursery and Arboretum, John Noelle, City Arborist

Alexandria Recreation & Parks Commission, Judy Noritake, Chair

Office of Historic Alexandria, Lance Mallamo, Director

Alexandria Black History Museum, Louis Hicks, Director

Alexandria Archaeology, Pam Cressey, City Archaeologist

Fort Ward Park Museum and Historic Site, Susan Cumbey, Director; Wally Owen, Chief Historian

Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Group, Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria; James Spengler, Director, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Activities Department

Alexandria Archaeology Commission, Kathleen Pepper, Chair

Alexandria Police Department, Hassan Aden, Captain; Officer Troy Boyle

Alexandria Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Ellen Stanton, Chair, Historic Alexandria Historic Resources Commission

Friends of Fort Ward, Bill Schreiner, President

Oakland Baptist Church, Arnold Ambers, Board of Trustees & Community Liaison

Seminary Civil Association, Frances Terrell, President

Seminary Hill Association, Joanne Lepanto, President

West End Business Association, John Porter, President

　

For Further Information

Contact J. Glenn Eugster to:

receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list; or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call:

By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net

By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)

By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304