Pony Barn Recreation Area Total Compilation of Comments

Transcription

1 Pony Barn Recreation Area Total Compilation of Comments Below is a compilation of all comments received to date by Reston Association Staff. Included are comments that were submitted through shared via the Comment Cards from the July 30, 2014 community meeting, expressed directly to staff, stated verbally at the July 30, 2014 community meeting and submitted via the website through Friday, September 19, 2014 at 5 p.m. 1. Many thanks to the Board for having the meeting yesterday. I am looking forward to being on the working group, but I just wanted to recap last night that almost all of the neighbors attending were not in favor of a memorial garden, but rather fixing up the existing site because of its local value to the community. Thanks again. 2. This situation is similar to the bocce court: people didn't feel they were adequately notified. There are other sites in Reston that would be more appropriate for a memorial garden. 3. Thank you for having this meeting. There are several neighbors who were not able to attend, but I hope there will be more effort at community engagement to give them all an opportunity to contribute. Coming from a small town in New York, historical significance is important to me. I would hate to see this meant to be used as something specific. There is a lot of casual use here. This facility doesn't look as attractive as some others in Reston. I think we should see this improved upon and made better rather than replaced. 4. My family loves to go out "impromptu", cook something on a grill and eat outdoors about once a week during the summer. This is one of the sites closer to our home. We'd hate to lose the grill and table. On the other hand, the location seems out of the way for a memorial garden, whatever that might mean (I think you could explain a little more here). It will probably be as deserted as the picnic pavilion is. One more thing: we'd love one of these: at this site or somewhere else. There is one in Lake Fairfax but we were told to leave because it's just for the campers. My kids were heartbroken since on this device they can build the fire and do the cooking themselves. My husband, who is disabled, was actually able to cook while sitting. Please consider adding one to RA picnic areas. Thank you. 5. There is a place at Lake Anne that has memorial stones, and one can go there to contemplate. I don't see why we should do another one. The noise coming from the pool is very loud, making this a bad location for quiet contemplation. 6. There is no path connecting and Steeplechase. I think accessibility does need to be a concern for getting to the Pony Barn, as well as for using Triple Crown for walking, jogging, walking dogs and children and even using a wheelchair. The path the developer built is falling apart is not very accessible. Please don't remove the path; it at least keeps walkers off the road even if we have to dodge tree roots. 1

2 7. An archery range would be a great addition to Reston and the region. There are very, very few in the area. 8. I think you should leave it as it is and not repurpose it. This is a residential area, and I do not support a repurposed use that will attract noise and traffic to this area. Find somewhere else. You can put in another piece of play equipment with the $30K, to replace the wooden structure that was removed a few years ago and add more swings. Cars parking on Triple Crown is unsafe. Also, I don't want memorial services going on in this area. 9. Please do not re-purpose the Pony Barn. Although official revenue-producing RA rentals of the Pony Barn pavilion may be low, please be assured that the playground and open spaces at the Pony Barn are currently enjoyed informally every single day by many, many people in the community. This area should not be and does not need to be transformed into something else. a. Almost always when I go past the Pony Barn, I see children playing on the swings. People park every day at the Pony Barn parking area for easy access to the RA trails, including the one that wanders past the lovely meadow area that is part of the Pony Barn property. Although they may not officially rent it out from RA, people often hold informal meetings and gatherings at the historic pavilion. My Girl Scout troop has held ceremonies there, and my children s HWES classes have held parties there. b. If you have $30,000 to spend on the Pony Barn, please use this money simply to enhance the existing facility. You have indicated that the historic Pony Barn picnic pavilion needs repair. Please use the money to repair and restore the pavilion to good condition. A few years ago, there was a small wooden play structure that Reston Association removed but did not replace. Please use the money to install a new, small play structure next to the swings. The current swing set at the Pony Barn only has one big kid swing and one baby swing. Please use the money to put towards two additional big kid swings. c. But please also remember, unlike say North Point, this is NOT a commercial area next to a Home Depot. The area surrounding the Pony Barn is purely a residential area, and peoples homes back up to the Pony Barn on almost all sides. It is not fair to the homeowners who live in those houses to repurpose or even enhance the Pony Barn to become a community facility that is routinely, heavily used by large groups and/or numbers of people, bringing increased noise and traffic to the residential area. We also do not support the installation of lighting at the facility, which would cause light pollution and also would encourage use during what should be peaceful, dark evening hours in a purely residential community. d. Additionally, the current parking area at the Pony Barn is insufficient to support anything other than the current, informal use of the recreation area. The corner of Triple Crown Road and Steeplechase Road is already subject to significant amounts of traffic, and cars routinely exceed the posted speed limit there. When there is an official rental of the Pony Barn picnic pavilion currently, attendees cars overflow the small Pony Barn parking lot and are parked on Triple Crown and other residential roads in the area. It is not safe to have users of the Pony Barn park their cars along Triple Crown Road. There is not enough room on the sides of that road for cars to park, which means that people park the vehicles on the road itself, impeding the flow of traffic and restricting vehicles traveling along Triple Crown to going one way only. 2

3 Also, because there is not a sidewalk along that portion of Triple Crown where the Pony Barn is located, people coming from the pathway on Steeplechase, and people who have parked their cars on Triple Crown, are forced to walk on the actual road to get to the Pony Barn facility, creating a safety hazard. e. I also do not support the proposed repurposing of the Pony Barn multi-purpose community area into a single-purpose memorial garden destination. The intersection of Triple Crown and Steeplechase is not well suited to being a place for quiet reflection and remembrance of loved ones. As noted above, there is already a lot of vehicle traffic and corresponding noise- in the area; and the Deepwood community pool is right next door, which also already generates a lot of noise and activity. There are already plenty of places in Reston including benches along secluded pathways, and existing memorial gardens at various places of worship, such as UCP, where people can go if they want to remember loved ones. We like the historic Pony Barn multi-purpose community area just as it is and ask that you please do not change it. 10. The community is starting on the right track with the traffic study. However, the County Board of Health will be involved if ashes start being spread here. This is a great start to a community process. There are processes in place to protect residents, and residents can weigh in for a long time during this process. 11. I think changing this space to a memorial garden is going to turn it from something that gets used a lot into something that is not really going to get used. We're taking something that's useful and historic and turning it into something that's pretty. I don't think a highly formalized garden is appropriate in this natural setting. I also don't think people in the area see the high amount of use this pavilion gets. Maybe we should enhance it for more of the same use. 12. I am kind of appalled at the push-back from everyone. I am also hearing different arguments - Do you want it nicer, which will attract people, or do you want it not to change so no traffic increases? 13. I would like to see a needs assessment. It sounds like we need to advocate for greater capital expenditures in south Reston. There is demand here. I would like to see a needs assessment on what the neighbors want. Separately, this is currently a densely wooded area, but in the winter time there is little buffer between this area and surrounding areas. 14. Do not support memorial garden. 15. Keep the pony barn. Use the $30K to upkeep it. $30K is not enough money. 16. I live at Triple Crown Road on the pipe stem across the street from the Pony Barns. For the record, I am opposed to creating a memorial park at the current location of the Pony Barns. I go past the location several times a day. Whenever I see kids playing and families picnicking, it raises my spirits. It reminds me of why I love living in Reston. Improvements to the Pony Barns should be designed to bring more joy to more kids and more families in our community. Passing a memorial park every day can bring memories -- often sad memories -- of fallen friends, family and comrades in arms. I, and my neighbors, should be able to honor and reflect with grief those who have passed at a time and place of our choosing. We should not have such remembrances imposed on us by a neighborhood memorial. 17. I oppose a memorial garden. 3

4 18. As a long-time resident of Triple Crown Road, I think whatever happens to the Pony Barn needs to discourage vehicular traffic. We have way too much traffic on the street, and when my children were smaller we had several instances where I feared for their lives when a ball rolled into the road in front of an oncoming car. We actually have many more children in the neighborhood now. Even now it is sometimes difficult to back out of my driveway during rush hours. If the Pony Barn does draw vehicular traffic, Reston should consider installing sidewalks along TCR. I can say that when my kids were small, the tot lot at the Pony Barn was a favorite stop for them and for me, and they would often stop on their way home from school to play. I think keeping it child-centric would be good for the neighborhood. 19. Use the $30,000 to upgrade the picnic facilities so that families use it more. Among the suggestions: 1. Move the trash bin to a side location 2. Add grills 3. Add skylights to the barn 4. Better level the site 5. Move the Porta toilets to a less conspicuous location. 20. Concerned regarding amount of money available for whatever. Would like to see enhancement of status quo. 21. We are writing to show our concern and opposition to the possible memorial garden at the Pony Barn Pavilion/Steeplechase Recreation Area. Here are a few points we would like to make: a. That recreation space is used for family gatherings, school parties, etc. things that bring joy to our community. b. We will lose the ability to rent that space for family gatherings c. There is already a place for people to donate memorial trees. d. We like the idea of renovating the Pony Barn and adding landscaping, seating, shading but not the sculptural elements or the idea of a memorial place. We think the space should be more family friendly. There are so many young families in this area do to the closeness to Hunters Woods ES. You will be taking away a space for these young families. 22. What is the function and use of the parcel down the woods? Is it used? 23. We were delighted to learn of plans to renovate and improve the Pony Barn Park area. Families and groups from Hunters Woods have enjoyed using the limited facilities currently in place and welcome the idea of a long-needed update. The North Hills Park in north Reston with its attractive pavilion and other facilities for children and families could serve as a template for the renovation although we would welcome any innovative ideas. a. However, the concept of building a "memorial park" to replace the community park is, in our opinion, misguided. The park is totally surrounded by a residential area and in no way can be viewed as a multi-purpose public area. We already have a hazardous traffic problem as Triple Crown Road is often used as a short-cut between Glade and Lawyers Road. Children playing in our yards unprotected by sidewalks have had close calls with speeding vehicles and any increase in traffic would be unwelcome. Parking either at the Pony Barn site or on the street is extremely limited and it is difficult to imagine how well-attended memorial services could be accommodated. Finally, we cannot believe that the Reston Association would consider replacing a community park serving children, families and groups with a misplaced memorial park where scattering of human ashes would obviously take place. 4

5 b. If Reston Residents favor the creation of a memorial park, there is an obvious location. It is centrally located, it is in a largely public area, it has substantially more parking than the Pony Barn area and it is already appropriately named. Of course, it is Brown's Chapel and the adjacent area which are under RA supervision. Creation of a memorial park at Brown's Chapel would not deprive a community of its family-friendly park. c. To sum up, we commend the RA for its proactive approach to improving the neglected Pony Barn park. The renovation is long overdue. Converting the park to a memorial park would be the wrong use given traffic patterns, limited parking, non-central location, proximity to a noisy pool and, most importantly, elimination of a community park. We welcome the opportunity to redirect the memorial park planning to a more appropriate location. d. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. 24. I am the Chair of the Fairfax County 9/11 Memorial Garden Foundation. This is a large parcel; why can't we consider multi-use, or the southern parcel might be appropriate, as already active use. Does PBAC need to review the paths/trails for safety? Safe routes to school project? (Note: Also own Generation Court.) 25. I respectfully request the "affected area" be expanded to include all of Steeplechase Drive. I am familiar with the impact the 9-11 memorial garden has had on the area in terms of traffic. 26. Our concerns are (1) that the Pony Barn Park be renovated to bring it up a to modern standards and (2) that if the RA and Reston community do indeed want a memorial park that due consideration be given to Brown's Chapel. 27. Reston is committed to open space, and my understanding of the term open space is to not have a defined purpose or function. If you make this space a memorial garden, every other purpose will be eliminated; it will instantly become a cemetery. How can you prevent funerals and ashes from being the singular purpose of this space? 28. I think RA should engage the Deepwood residents and Hunters Woods Elementary School in a needs assessment. 29. The facility is used far more than documented, and would be enhanced with additional swings and playground equipment. Possibly better running water, built in benches or half walls. 30. Memorial gardens are for ashes. How will you prevent people from spreading ashes here? 31. I would like to see an adult exercise area there, with stations to do chin-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, etc., and a track around the perimeter for cardio. There could be a children's play area in the center and/or a picnic pavilion. Anything to get people outdoors and moving! 32. I submitted a request for a traffic study with Catherine Hudgins' office. I think the memorial garden is a lovely idea but this is a residential area and traffic is of concern to many of us. 33. Art barn or place to make art. Outdoor sculpture along the place/walk. Playground with disabilities features added. Keep historical attachment to garden. Call it a "meditative garden." 34. I would like to see this turned into something that's beautiful as we walk, whether it be outdoor sculpture, a place to make art, or a playground that incorporates more for disabled children. I would like to see something other than a memorial garden. This is a flow-through area for this neighborhood, and people are coming and going all the time. We would love to see art, but we need to have many possible uses. 5

6 35. These meeting materials show that this project is moving forward in one direction. I think there needs to be a restated open process so that we have confidence what RA is saying is what will happen. IPAR is great, but not necessarily here. Go back, and send out a reframed concept showing that this will be a fully engaged process. 36. I would like to receive updates on this issue (Pony Barn). I would like to recommend that IPAR and RA and the working group develop a project together of interactive art or sculpture that kids can climb on and learn to appreciate art from (like "Awakening" in DC but obviously not of this scope!). Perhaps a young artist looking to make his/her mark can contribute a work. Also, please keep parking area that is contained within the site so that the street is not blocked up with cars creating a traffic or safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to my comments. 37. I hope you will consider adding parking within the area so people are not parking on the streets. People coming for memorial services will block up the streets. 38. There should be special consideration for people whose properties abut the lots being considered. I much prefer what we have now to a memorial garden. 39. My impression from this meeting is it was just a discussion. I have a hard time seeing how a memorial garden will bring traffic. I don't understand why everyone is worried about such a small area. RA is not trying to descend upon this neighborhood and change things. Their Board is comprised of volunteers and they're trying to do the right thing. 40. I don't understand the memorial garden idea. Memorial to whom? I realize we don't have burial grounds in Reston but this cannot possibly compensate for that, can it? In addition, a memorial garden that is run by IPAR sounds very static and uninviting to me---sorry, IPAR--I love everything else you've done, but this doesn't seem appropriate. 41. I would like the Pony Barn to remain an area for picnics and recreation and green space. 42. Wonder if the space might be repurposed as a large, creative playground for children? While Reston has many small tot lots & school playgrounds, what it doesn't have (I don't think?) is an elaborate playground that lends itself to creative play - equipment in the shape of castles, pirate ships, forts, etc. Might potentially promote creativity and fitness, two objectives that align well with RA's mission. (I wonder, however, if potential liability considerations preclude consideration of such an option? It's a shame we live in such a litigious age...!) 43. I would like to confirm the working group will be developing ideas on how this space will be used, not being tasked with making the memorial garden a reality. 44. Enhancement of pavilion (too dark, please no lights) but not "landscaped." Keep as natural area with space for play and meetings. 45. I attended the meeting on 7/30 and found RA to be very receptive to the comments from the neighbors and welcoming of input. I am not opposed to changes to the area, but I think the best idea is to keep the area as it is, only better. A better playground and lighting in the barn which would only light the area inside so that it's use is not so limited. I would also suggest a "closing" time to be around 9 PM so that any noise does not disturb immediate neighbors. The areas down the path are great as is. It would be very sad to see the barn torn down. 6

7 46. Reston should be happy. I don't want people coming down the street to my house mourning! Not the other site either! I let bullfrogs that I catch at the creek there go! Can kids play in a memorial garden? No! 47. My family would like to see more swings added to the play area and possibly putting a play structure back on the site. We miss the one that was taken out several years ago. A volleyball court would be a nice addition. The Picnic Pavilion could be made brighter by painting the ceiling white, installing several skylights, and pouring a concrete floor. Thank you. 48. We hold Girl Scout ceremonies here, and birthday parties, and we like it because it's free. We have lost several neighbors and a preschool teacher, and I would never think to come here to remember them. 49. I would like to volunteer only if you need me. I prefer to have my neighbors get first opportunity to serve, especially those who are not already volunteering in Reston. 50. So much hostility about this without seeing the design that is proposed for this space. Maybe if folks see the proposed design they would not feel so threatened. 51. Any sort of memorial garden is a bad idea for a residential neighborhood. This is not a quiet place. Some sort of park is a better idea. 52. We strongly disagree on the memorial garden. We live right across the road. It would lower the value of our house. 53. "I suggest keeping the structure, if safe, paving the parking lot, and putting in a basketball pole and net. Add some playground equipment. It is not appropriate to put a memorial garden in this neighborhood. This place is used by families. Kids use this area all the time. Reston campers use this place all summer long. I live right across the road. 54. The focus of the Pony Barn is and should remain children and families 55. I would like for the entire Pony Barn area to remain a recreational area only. While a memorial garden of reflection is a commendable idea, it is inappropriate to place it within an exclusively residential area with limited parking and concerns about increased auto traffic. IPAR has previously identified other areas within Reston which are suitable for the memorial garden. The Pony Barn should not be one of them. 56. A member of the neighborhood has initiated a request for a traffic study to be done in the area. We are concerned that high speed traffic is increasing. Would a traffic study be part of the process for determining what changes are made at this site? 57. Please keep the Pony Barn recreational area as it is; a family centered picnic area, playground and open space. However, it does need improvements. I suggest the following: Concrete floor and paved parking and paths - It is the only rentable picnic pavilion in Reston that does not have a concrete floor or paved parking and paths to the picnic area. While the mulched floor is in keeping with its use as a Pony Barn, it severely inhibits the use of the pavilion for picnics and gatherings. In order to be accessible to people with disabilities as well as families with strollers or bikes, it needs a concrete floor and paved parking and paths. Better lighting inside the pavilion It is very dark inside the pavilion even during the day which severely limits its use. More light could be provided by sky lights in the roof. 7

8 Electricity - The two most rented pavilions also have electricity which is absent at the Pony Barn. Electrical outlets would diversify the food options available through the use of crock pots, warming platters, and coolers. It might also provide a lighting alternative. In addition to the picnic area, the paddock or riding ring should remain a meadow and open space. It is just beginning to recover from its use as a delivery point and staging area during the stream restoration. Keeping it the way it is would encourage butterflies, birds and other wildlife to thrive. Any other uses would require visitors to cross Triple Crown Road which is a very busy and dangerous cut through to Glade Drive from Lawyers Road. 58. As residents who live near the Pony Barn, our family has come to enjoy the landmark this small park truly is. That said, we also understand that the facility needs a bit of love and care in order to continue to be a landmark in Reston. While there are many different improvements that can be made to the facility, one thing is certain - we are absolutely opposed to anything resembling a memorial garden or cemetery. We know we are alone, and we also know we have voiced our concerns regarding this plan publicly at the two meetings that have been held at the Pony Barn thus far. So, it is time to turn our attention to what could be done with this 11 acre space. The first thing we need to discuss is the needs of the community. This is an area that is turning, once again, into a neighborhood of young families. South Reston, including residents in Dogwood, is not entirely a young neighborhood. Instead it is well mixed, so any improvements to the park should keep this good mixture in mind. As you can probably tell, I have been giving this a great deal of thought and here are a few of the ideas I have had over the past few weeks. 1) Whatever changes we make, we need to upgrade the part to include a way for those residents who have difficulty moving around to utilize the park. The parking lot must be paved and we should consider pouring a concrete floor under the pavilion roof to allow those in wheelchairs access. With the immediate needs of ADA compliance out of the way, here are some ideas for upgrading the 11 acres and making them more inviting to the entire community. 2) South Reston does not really have a true town center. A place to gather to chat, play games, share a meal, etc. Since we live in the woods, you may not think this is a natural spot for something like this, but I would say that it is. The Pony Barn is walking/cycling distance to a great number of Reston residents - and yes, I am including our neighbors in Dogwood who's property abuts the Pony Barn Recreation Area - and could be crafted into a wooded village social center. Imagine the upgrade Pony Barn Pavilion (perhaps slightly smaller) surrounded by cycling racks, grills, a campfire circle, two top tables dedicated to chess or checkers and four top tables available for other types of games including card and board games. There can also be a life-sized chess board, a life-sized Jenga game - a way to bring people together in using joyous social interactivity. 3) Lighting inside the Pony Barn Pavilion to allow comfortable use later in the afternoon. And before anyone screams - while it certainly could be, this does not have to be electrical lighting. I have thought of two options: 3a) If possible, solar panels placed on top of the pavilion to power LED lights inside the pavilion. These lights would be on a timer, dimming them over a period of 15 minutes as a warning before they go out 8

9 at an appropriate time of the evening. Since the Pony Barn is supposed to close at dark, we may have to discuss a sliding schedule based on season. 3b) Choice 2 - skylights placed around the new roof (the current roof has so many nail holes, I am surprised it's not leaking yet!) to allow natural light into the space. The drawback is if it is a cloudy day, there would be very little light. 4) A new play area - larger than the current and designed for a more diverse age range than the play area further down the hill by the Glade. If we create a play area that can accommodate ages 10 through adult, we will not be recreating the younger play area down the hill. And I mean play area - slides, climbing areas, things for adult recess - not just an exercise area. If something like this wooded town square does not already exist somewhere in the world, we can create it and be a first. That takes care of the areas by the Pavilion. Now for the meadow. I believe that this space can become the contemplative area that many desire without being focused on a singular purpose. It currently is divided into two parcels - mown grass and a wildflower meadow that invites migratory birds, butterflies and the all important bees. If we are mindful of the natural habitat this space has become, we can incorporate several groomed spaces that will allow residents to mediate singularly or in small groups in the open air - essentially becoming a non-denominational, non-religious sanctuary in the woods. Here are some suggestions: * A labyrinth created out of natural materials - either landscaped native flowers, natural pavers such as field stone, or a combination of both. As with other labyrinths around the world, walking the maze itself is the point. It is meditative and allows the walker to focus on solo contemplation. * A space to allow group contemplation for example Tai Chi, Yoga, group meditation etc. * A small, bare bones stage with a few benches to allow more organized gatherings. This area can be landscaped with stones, trees and plants dedicated to life's celebrations - births, milestones, and yes, even deaths. The difference between this concept and a memorial garden is that it won't just focus on one milestone (death). As with the Pony Barn Pavilion, we will need to dedicate resources to making access to the space ADA compliant. Perhaps there is a way to create a path from the Fairfax County path down to the meadow rather than paving over the natural path that runs along the side of the meadow closest to the homes. I would also like to recommend that we consult with a few organizations who specialize in creating interactive artistic spaces. One such group, Gorbet Design, Inc. ( has a track record of developing innovative, interactive artistic spaces that fit the environment they are designed for. To top it off, Ms. Gorbet grew up here in the Northern VA area. (I went to HS with her and am still in touch with her.) They, and other groups like them, may have ideas that we have yet to come up with once they see the space. 9

10 Those are my ideas. I know there are quite a few other good ideas that have been submitted. I also know that this will not be a one and done project. Hopefully these ideas will be a good starting point. 59. The Pony Barn recreation area is on RA common area and is intended for the use of all RA members, not just those living in the immediate vicinity. The $30,000 budgeted by the RA Board was intended to upgrade the Pony Barn pavilion and immediate area. IPAR proposed to establish a memorial garden at its expense on the RA common area south of Triple Crown. It did not contemplate replacing the pavilion, the spreading of ashes, or group services and it is unlikely the RA Board of Directors would approve a plan that did contemplate those things. 60. I think that taking out the park which can be used by everyone and turning it into a memorial garden to be used by few is a terrible idea. My child is grown and gone but in the 30 years I have been here there has been an influx of children into the area. Now you prose to take that park/picnic area from them and tell them to play somewhere else? This is a residential neighborhood. There is a pool next door to the property. Are you going to tell the kids there to keep the noise down so someone can contemplate? I live within walking distance of the pony barn, but I would never go there to "contemplate my departed parents. That is what cemeteries are for. 61. A few points to make to the group: the space can be multi-functional. A water feature could be used for reflection and for children and parents to enjoy. (Looking at or getting wet) If there were a memorial space, chances are it will not be used very often. Once or twice/ month? The traffic to the sight for a group most likely would not be at rush hour or school traffic times. The field sight is a possibility for a reflection place. Next steps: possibly consider a sight designer to look at all suggestions and give a couple of suggestions to enhance the sight Consider Parking restrictions for the area. 2. Please, NOT a memorial park; benches, yes. 3. Replace the playground equipment! It had heavy use until it was removed. It was great for after school activities for lots of children! 4. We would like to receive updates on this issue. Thanks! 63. Dear Pony Barn Pavillion Working Group, The HW area and particularly the pony barn site are synonymous with horses and outdoor fun - not a great place to build a memorial garden. Reston is in great need of a playground that is natural, inclusive (allows disabled children to join in some of the fun), sensorial and artsy. We have tons of playgrounds throughout Reston, but most of them are very one-dimensional and don't inspire a variety of play. The Natural Playground Company (naturalplaygroundsstore.com) and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds (naturalplaygrounds.ca) among other companies offer some fantastic (and low cost!) options such as music/sound/art play equipment, water play, creative play and science play that seamlessly blend into the landscape. To honor the history of the area, the playground could have a horse/pony "theme". I am happy to get involved in 10

11 this project, if the working group decides to move forward with this idea. I am a trained community planner, mother of a one year old, member of the RA Sustainability Working Group, member of the P&Z, very familiar with Reston principles and about to move into the neighborhood (from North Reston). I am also very familiar with Montessori concepts. Feel free to contact me at nicolewynands@gmail.com. 64. The Pony Barn Pavilion site seems to me to be a perfect place for a labyrinth--a space to honor the concept of Reston, the connection between people and place. The website describes the labyrinths that are already in the Wash. DC area. When I look at that website, some appeal to me and some don't. I would think that we could come up with a design that would allow people to come and personally connect with this place we call Reston. 65. I am new to Reston but think every area needs a pavilion. I also think a memorial garden would be enjoyed by many. What kind of garden would it be: Rose, Flower, community vegetables or possibly meditative? 66. This is a great project. The gardens should be child friendly and in cohesive with the natural surroundings. It will be great to have the garden be an educational space also. This can be done by having the common and botanical names and maybe information available about the plants especially if they are native plants. 67. After reading all the comments regarding the Pony Barn recreation area, I have a few more to add. Firstly, I had no idea that there were 11 acres. This is a much larger parcel that I even imagined. Secondly, there didn't seem to be a definition of what a ""memorial garden"" would be. It seems like most of the neighbors where not enthused about a memorial garden even though I couldn't find a clear description of what one would include. It certainly seems like 11 acres could be multi-use: an area with some picnic tables, grills, small play area etc., a children's garden with native plants for birds, butterflies, and bees. The Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida has a lovely children's garden as does the American Botanical Garden in Austin, Texas. Both of these can be seen online and could provide ideas for the Reston site. I do like the idea of a labyrinth too and many of the current ones in the Wash. area can be viewed online. A water element would certainly make the design more attractive Lots of electric lights would detract considerably and I don't feel would be appropriate, but some solar panels providing ground light would be nice. Is there actually enough sun on the site for solar panels? Parking does need to be addressed too, please no more large areas of cement. A small smooth walkway for wheelchairs is all that is necessary, not lots of asphalt or concrete. Limiting the size of the parking lot and not allowing street parking could be a way to control the size of the groups that gather there using an auto for transportation. Perhaps our two feet and our bicycles should be our primary way to access this site. 11

12 68. I support exploring this use for the Pony Barn site. A peaceful setting surrounded by woods, quite appropriate. 69. Memorial garden is a great idea. It should be a quiet and reflective area with lush plantings used to separate out intimate seating areas. 70. In rehabilitating the Pony Barn sight I would like the group to consider having a part of it be a place where one could come and reflect and remember those who have passed away. Perhaps incorporating a water theme, perhaps a beautifully planted arbor. Establishing a spot, a place of beauty is important. 71. I think the Pony Barn site would be excellent for a reflection garden so that people could sit or wander through and reflect on thier feelings for those who have passed on or whatever moves them. Any improvements or additions woud have to be tasteful and reasonable in scale. This is a wonderfu, inexpensivel way for remembrance in a quiet, garden setting that might ease a burden for many of us. 72. I attended the public input meeting at the pony barn and support what most of the neighbors were asking for, an enhancement to the pavilion and the grounds surrounding it. After the meeting I walked across the street to the meadow and think it is beautiful and could be enhanced with some public art that works with the natural state to create an environment for reflection. 73. This site looks like a great opportunity for the memorial garden. 74. This site is one of two possible sites. Of the two, it seems closer and more central. I look forward to the creation of a Memorial Garden (or, another suggested name: Memorial Pathway) where those who have lived and worked in Reston can be remembered in an inclusive, non-denominational way. 75. Reston is in need of a quiet, reflective and beautiful spot for a memorial garden. In my years at RA we got many requests for places to plant a memorial tree or place a plaque. The pony barn site is underutilized and in need of updating. The potential is there to make this spot fill a long standing community need. This land was set aside for all Restonians to use and enjoy. I encourage you to move forward to to meet this very real need. Thank you. 76. Dear Working Group Members: I am a second generation Restonian. My parents moved to Reston in 1973 when I was a baby. They still live here. I am now raising my own family here. My mother has devoted a good part of her adult life to making Reston a great place to live, work, play and get involved. Reston is where precious family memories and friendships have been made. It is our community, our home. It will mean a great deal to our family to have a place in Reston to remember our loved ones when they pass. I am an IPAR Board Member and I have witnessed how carefully IPAR goes about creating a project. This gives me great confidence that IPAR will create a garden of reflection with grace and sensitivity to the Reston context. 12

13 I urge you to carefully consider IPAR s proposal of developing a garden of reflection at the Pony Barn site. Thank you for your consideration. 77. I encourage RA and the Reston community to consider the Pony Barn site as a possible location for the proposed IPAR project know as the Garden of Reflection. The only other site proposed for the Garden of Reflection is at Lake Fairfax Park, historically not a part of the original Reston Master Plan. (Note: Lake Fairfax Park was recently incorporated into Small Tax District Number 5 by RCC and FCBOS). TOTAL COMMENTS: 77 13