Community Fort Ward Park Meeting with City of Alexandria Parks Department. February 26, 2008

Meeting with City of Alexandria Parks Department

Meeting on Feb. 26, 2008 with Roger Blakeley, Steve Tompkins, John Walsh, Dennis Carroll, Tom Fulton, Jeanne O’Leary, Elizabeth Sullivan and Glenn Eugster
Note:  Roger will send a note to confirm what he agreed to do.  A summary of the follow up actions include:
1.         Clean up fence line
2.         Clean up maintenance yard
3.         Close maintenance yard to the public
4.         Look into a modified schedule for garbage pickup
5.         Cover the large trash container
6.         Re-grade the maintenance yard to change the flow of water from the site away from residential properties
7.         Look at local and Commonwealth laws, ordinances and guidelines for solid waste storage and disposal.
8.         Look at other possible locations for the dumpsters
9.  Enforce park permits and limits on park use
Roger said they will not close the main gate to Ft. Ward Park.  They believe that the Police need to do their job and that criminals will get into the park whether the gate is closed or not.  (Note: Last weekend the City removed the existing gate at the main entrance to the park.)

Alexandria Historical Society Board of Directors

March 12, 2009

Ms. Laura Durham
Open Space Coordinator
Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
1108 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Dear Ms. Durham:

The Alexandria Historical Association has long been an advocate for researching, understanding and protecting Alexandria’s unique and rich historical past.

Accordingly, we are most concerned about the numerous unprotected marked and unmarked graves located on land owned by the City and within Fort Ward Park. This public park is operated collaboratively with your Department and the Office of Historic Alexandria; and it contains the historic Civil war era park, a museum connected with the fortification, a concert amphitheater, and numerous sites for picnicking including large group picnic shelters.

It appears that after the Fort Ward Civil War era fortifications were abandoned in the mid 1860s, a number of “Freemen” – newly emancipated African Americans - settled at the site. Over the ensuing years this settlement grew and included a Church, a school, an undetermined number of housing units and an area dedicated to human burials. Although the church, school, and houses no longer remain, a formal cemetery with headstones, fenced and owned by Oakland Baptist Church, is located on a plot of land that can only be accessed through the park. Several marked and an undetermined number of unmarked graves (suggested by depressions in the soil) are located outside the fenced Oakland Church cemetery on what is assumed to be City property. The area immediately adjacent to the cemetery is used by your Department for equipment and materials storage, composting, a small tree nursery, a green house, and a utility building – all of which give the appearance of a light industrial site – a use of the land that seems incompatible with the historical and cultural aspects of the park and the adjoining residential neighborhood.

The City of Alexandria is nationally noted for protecting and interpreting its rich historical past which reaches back to the Colonial era. This, of course, includes the military aspects of the American Civil War period as evidenced by the reconstructed, well maintained and interpreted Fort Ward. This fort is acknowledged to be the best preserved of the entire system of area civil war fortifications and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. At the conclusion of hostilities when “reconstruction” began, there existed a period of City history less well understood and appreciated. This is particularly true for the African-American communities situated in the western end of the City, particularly near to the Episcopal High School and the Virginia Theological Seminary.

It should be noted that a deep concern for history is reflected in Alexandria’s recently adopted ‘Vision principles’ which is the Council approved guide for setting overall City priorities. These include a vision for the City where:

“The history and heritage of different cultures are celebrated.“

“We preserve and celebrate our historical roots and diverse heritage from the 18th century to today, and residents understand and appreciate the City's history.”

“We preserve our historic neighborhoods, homes, and other historic buildings and other historic sites and maintain our distinctive architectural character and design.”

This vision also recognizes that:

“Alexandria's history contributes to the local economy through tourism development.”

“Open green spaces, trees, streetscapes, public spaces and canopied streets are located throughout our community and are attractive and well-maintained.”

“Parks, trails and green spaces are incorporated in the urban center and coordinated with nearby neighborhoods. “

Based on this vision, the Alexandria Historical Society recommends the following actions regarding that portion of Fort Ward Park adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery:

Immediately fence off that area of Fort Ward Park where grave markers now exist and where depressions in the soil suggest the existence of unmarked graves.

Using available in house resources at the Office of Historic Alexandria, conduct a preliminary historic site analysis. Conduct interviews with persons who may have family and other personal connections with the community that once existed on Fort Ward property. Investigate City Archives, old newspapers, property records, and other sources for clues about that community.

Move the adjacent and more industrial type operations of the Parks and Recreation Department maintenance, parking, storage and composting facility to other locations out of respect for this heritage and human burial area.

Working with Oakland Baptist Church and individuals who have personal connections with and/or knowledge of the community that once occupied this site, develop interpretive signage to educate park visitors to the known history of this “lost” community.

The City of Alexandria can be justifiably proud of the manner by which they rescued the Freedmen’s Cemetery in the southern end of the City from private ownership, conducted a professional archeological survey of the grave sites, and sought, selected, and funded erection of a memorial. Can the City do less on property it owns and over which it exercises complete control?

This position was approved by the Alexandria Historical Society Board of Directors on March 10, 2009. If the Alexandria Historical Society can be of assistance in these endeavors or if you have questions, please feel free to contact me at 703.683.2636.

On behalf of the Alexandria Historical Society Board of Directors:



Robert L. Madison
Vice President
Alexandria Historical Society, Inc.

Copies:
William D. Euille, Alexandria City Mayor
Members of Alexandria City Council
James K. Hartmann, Alexandria City Manager
J. Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria
Kirk Kincannon, Director, Alexandria Department of Parks and Recreation

Miscommunication on Fort Ward Park

YOUR VIEWS | Miscommunication on Fort Ward Park
THURSDAY, MAY 7 2009
By J. Glenn Eugster

To the editor,


On Tuesday, April 14, 2009 I attended the City Council meeting and listened to the discussions related to the Council work session on Fort Ward Park. I also had the opportunity to review the April 14, 2009 correspondence from Kirk Kincannon and Lance Mallamo to Councilman Justin Wilson, and the April 14, 2009 correspondence from Judy Guse Noritake, on behalf of the Park and Recreation Commission, to the City Council. Although I appreciate the willingness to discuss Fort Ward Park, I found the oral and written presentations to Council inaccurate and misleading. For the public record, the following information should be noted and considered by Council as the city continues to work to address park problems and community concerns.

First, the statements and reports made at the work session indicating that the discovery of African American graves in the park was a recent development are inaccurate.

In fact, Clara Adams has been buried in the area that is now used for the maintenance yard since February 1, 1952. Neighbors and city employees indicate that workers removed gravestones from existing graves when the city decided to expand the maintenance and nursery area. In 1995, city workers interviewed Mr. Young, a former resident of the area, who indicated the approximate location of the graves in the maintenance yard. In April 2008, I contacted the managers of the Black History Museum, Recreation, Parks&Cultural Activities Department, Fort Ward Park Operations and Maintenance and the Office of Historic Alexandria about marked and unmarked graves and no action was taken until March.

Moreover, at the time that the city began the expansion of the maintenance yard there was no consideration given to the impact of this change on the marked graves within the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Alterations to the maintenance yard continue to create water runoff problems that are causing grave stones to erode and grave sites to subside.

Second, the statements and reports outlined a list of seven possible immediate actions to be taken to address identified issues and concerns. It was said and written that “the community members and stakeholders attending the March 18, 2009 meeting endorsed the action list.” It was also written that “there was general agreement in the community that these were appropriate steps to take at this time.” In fact, the list of immediate actions does not accurately reflect the input of the public meetings or the written comments the city received. For example, none of the findings that were presented at the March 18 public meeting were shared with the Council. Most importantly, the list of actions that was presented on March 18 were not endorsed by the community leaders or stakeholders. City officials asked the audience to comment on the outline that was presented to the public and said that the action plan would be revised based on the comments received following the meeting.

In addition, the city presenters at the March 18 public meeting said that they “were supportive of an agreement with the community” to determine “the mission and vision of Fort Ward Park.”

Finally, the oral statements and written reports presented at the Council work session regarding the use of alcohol in the park contradict recent actions the city Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department has taken to post regulations in Fort Ward Park.

Earlier this month, the city posted “Park Regulations & Rules” on information kiosks and metal signs throughout the park indicating that, “The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.” These notices and signs contradict the stated desire of the mayor to be able to have selected groups who use the park use alcohol. In response to the mayor’s interest, Mr. Kincannon said that his department is “looking at applications for the use of alcohol in the park on a permit-by-permit basis.”

Although Mr. Kinacannon concluded his remarks to the City Council by indicating that, “We are prepared for problems this year,” it does not appear that community concerns and problems at Fort Ward Park have been addressed. The input that community leaders and stakeholders have provided to the city can help solve the ongoing problems that have been brought to the city’s attention over the last 18 months. It will, however, take city action and commitment to follow through rather than the broad general statements communicated to the Council on April 14.

— J. Glenn Eugster
Alexandria

Fort Ward Park Community Meeting: City Presents Findings and Recommendations by J. Glenn Eugster. 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.

Public Hearing Comments on the FY 2010 Operating Budget by J. Glenn Eugster. April 13, 2009.

City of Alexandria, VA
Public Hearing on the FY 2010 Operating Budget
April 13, 2009
Statement by J. Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Thank your for this opportunity and for your service to the public.

A number of years ago the City expanded the Fort Ward Park maintenance and nursery area placing equipment, vehicles, structures and various materials on top of the graves of African-Americans who lived within and are buried in Fort Ward Park. The area was expanded adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. This action has desecrated the graves within and in front of the maintenance and nursery area. It has also created a water runoff problem that is damaging graves within the Cemetery. This thoughtless and dishonorable situation must be remedied as soon as possible.

I am here today to ask the Mayor and City Council, working with the City Manager, to add $150,000 in City funds in the 2010 budget to remove all evidence of the Fort Ward Park maintenance and nursery area, and begin archeological and historical research and surveys in 2010 to locate African American graves and structures.

The ground within this area should be graded and seeded, or covered with sod, and regularly maintained until the City’s Office of Archeology can complete their surveys and studies and develop a stewardship plan for its conservation, protection and interpretation.

For many of us these graves are a record of the rich overlooked history of African-Americans who contributed, in no small part, their hard labor and land to develop Alexandria into the vibrant city it is today. For others the graves are places where our residents remember those they knew and loved--neighbors, spouses, parents and grandparents.

I hope that restoring these graves, and interpreting this part of the park’s rich history, is not the lowest priority in Alexandria. I urge you to please, please do the right thing and add $150,000 to the 2010 budget for this purpose.

Thank you.

Comments by the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. on Fort Ward Park. March 15, 2009.

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:

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.

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.

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

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.


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

Fort Ward Park: Marlboro Estates Update by J. Glenn Eugster. April 7, 2009.

Fort Ward Park: Marlboro Estates Update
April 7, 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

The following information is a summary on the public and private activities related to Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Virginia. Should you have questions or comments about this information please call me at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail write to: glenn_eugster@comcast.net

Recognition & Restoration of African American Graves

1. Grave Areas within the Maintenance and Nursery Area: Following the City’s public meeting on Fort Ward Park, and two newspaper articles, the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Department began removing maintenance vehicles and equipment from the park maintenance and nursery area. The maintenance yard had been expanded by the City, without a Special Use Permit or any public input, to place vehicles and equipment on top off and adjacent to the graves of African Americans who lived within the area before the City created the park.

Unfortunately City maintenance vehicles are using the maintenance area almost daily and continue to drive and park on top of known grave areas. The City Manager, Mayor and City Council members have been contacted about this degradation of grave areas.

2. Oral History Interviews: The City Archeologist, Pam Cressey, in cooperation with Susan Cumbey, Director and Wally Owen, Assistant Director, of Fort Ward Park Museum and Historic Site, are working with local historians and community leaders to interview people who lived within the Fort Ward Park area. This first-hand information will provide the City with information about the historic and cultural values within the park. The results of the interviews will be combined with other oral history interviews, which were done by the City in 1996 and earlier this year, to provide a more sound basis for future decisions and park interpretation.

Fort Ward Park Action Plan

1. Fort Ward Park Community Meeting: City Presents Findings & Recommendations

On 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 comment period ended on 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.


Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

1. Richard J. Baier named as Interim Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities: Alexandria City Manager James K. Hartmann recently appointed Transportation & Environmental Services Director Richard J. Baier, P.E. as Interim Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities, effective April 7, until a new Director is appointed.
Fort Ward Park Funding

1. City Council Members Asked to Provide Funding in 2010: The Mayor and City Council were contacted and asked to help dedicate City funding in the 2010 budget to address ongoing problems at Fort Ward Park including the protection, restoration and interpretation of African American graves. Two of the seven members, Councilman Wilson and Krupica, replied to the funding request. Councilman Krupica wrote, “As we are cutting back grass cutting, tree services, are not paving roads or fixing sidewalks in this year's budget, I think it will be a challenge to find significant money for work at Ft. Ward. As you may also know, we are cutting positions in the park program and they have lost their most senior park planner to another jurisdiction and that position isn't going to be filled due to the economy. We'll review whether there are opportunities to move money around, but I don't want to create any false expectations. As we are cutting back on basic services to make ends-meet, it will be hard to find money for anything new, no matter how useful it is“.

Councilman Wilson wrote, “ It is wonderful to see the great momentum that is building now on this issue. This was actually a question at the City Council candidate's debate on Thursday evening.

I will keep you updated as this proceeds (and I hope you will do the same for me). I suspect that some of these issues will get raised as part of our budget deliberations--where hopefully we can set aside some small allocation of capital funds. It will be difficult given the environment we are in, but I will certainly look for all opportunities“.

The next public hearing on the City’s 2010 budget, which does not include funding for Fort Ward Park, is Saturday April 13, 2009. The City Council’s last work session on the finalization of the add and deletion list for the budget is Monday April 20, 2009.