Pony Barn Recreation Area Working Group November 10, 2014 DRAFT Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 Pony Barn Recreation Area Working Group November 10, 2014 DRAFT Meeting Minutes The Reston Association (RA) Pony Barn Recreation Area Working Group (PBRAWG) held its fourth meeting at 6:30 pm on Monday, November 10, 2014 at RA Headquarters, Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA. Attendees included over 25 members of the Reston community, RA Board of Directors, and RA Staff. The purpose of this meeting was to continue to discuss developing and reviewing potential changes to the Pony Barn Recreation Area, including the pavilion and riding ring sites, and recommend alternatives to the Reston Association (RA) Board of Directors for final consideration and implementation by staff. At the time of this meeting, $30,000 in capital funds is available for the project(s) approved by the RA Board of Directors. A. Welcome & Introductions Senior Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Resources Larry Butler called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. CEO Cate Fulkerson informed the attendees that the Working Group recommendations would be the only ones considered by the RA board. All recommendations, including those from IPAR or any other interested party, would need to be included in the Working Group's recommendations. Additionally, Cate explained that the recommendations would be subject to a public comment process and reviewed by the RA Advisory Committees before they could be finalized. Cate also stated that RA would like the recommendations to be submitted no later than spring 2015 and that the 2014 RA funds ($30,000) reserved for the Pony Barn Recreational Area would be carried over to the 2015 RA budget. B. Member Comments The following members of the Reston community made comment: 1. Bob Wolf, Triple Crown Road Topic: Asked whether, based on the comments by IPAR representatives at the Pony Barn Working Group s October meeting, consideration of a memorial garden at the Pony Barn site could be put to rest. 2. Lisa Burks, Red Leaf Court Topic: Noted the United Christian Parish on Wiehle Avenue created a memorial garden that is now open to the public. C. Review Minutes of October 27, 2014 Working Group Meeting The Pony Barn Working Group approved the minutes of their meeting on October 27, Pony Barn Recreation Area Working Group Meeting November 10,

2 D. Presentation by Pony Barn Alliance Pony Barn Alliance Members Renette Oklewicz and Marianne Zawitz gave the attached presentation on recommended site improvements. E. Presentation on Meadow Program Environmental Resources Manager Claudia Thompson-Deahl gave the attached presentation on Reston s meadows. F. Highlight of a Smaller Accessible Playground Senior Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Resources Larry Butler gave the attached presentation on accessible playgrounds. G. Examples of Play Equipment with Public Art Senior Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Resources Larry Butler gave the attached presentation on play equipment with public art (merged with presentation above). H. Begin Determining Site Amenities The Pony Barn Working Group participated in an activity to prioritize site amenities. I. Next Steps 1. Establish Next Meeting Date Tentative meeting dates for the next Pony Barn Working Group were established for the next two months: December 15, 2014 and January 12, Suggested Agenda Items for Next Meeting The Pony Barn discussed possible items for their next agenda, including a report on the results of the site amenity prioritization activity and a report on the results on a land survey, if completed by the time of the next meeting. J. Adjourn The meeting concluded at 8:27 pm. Attachments to Minutes: Presentation by Pony Barn Alliance Presentation on Meadow Program Presentation on Accessible Playground and Play Equipment with Public Art Pony Barn Recreation Area Working Group Meeting November 10,

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4 Maintenance of and improvements to the Pony Barn Picnic Pavilion Preservation and protection of this open space particularly the Butterfly Meadow and the natural areas around and between the clearings Dedication of the area to uses that are consistent with a residential community Promotion of uses which reinforce the vibrancy and vitality in the neighborhood and encourage participation by children and families 2

5 Two sites in need of improvement: Picnic Pavilion and Butterfly Meadow 3

6 Covered picnic pavilion (2006 square feet) Seven tables, 11 parking spots (gravel) Mulch flooring Two swings (one child, one infant) One grill Portable toilets and dumpster located at entrance to pavilion No handicapped accessibility 4

7 Changes to pavilion have negatively impacted its aesthetic and functional appeal:! Two grills replaced with one grill! Playground equipment replaced with only two swings! Wooden billboard sign replaced with metal-framed billboard 5

8 Add concrete floor, skylights, grill and electrical outlets Replace metal billboard with wooden frame similar to pavilion design Improve accessibility for walkers, cyclists and handicapped by adding permeable sidewalks and pathway to Steeplechase 6

9 Remove unsightly dumpster at entrance to pavilion Move portable toilets to a less visible location Improve overall appearance of pavilion site with attractive landscaping 7

10 Incorporate equestrian history! Add educational kiosk depicting history of the Pony Barn! Explore registering the Pony Barn with the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources 8

11 Improve playground amenities by adding:! Pony-themed toddler equipment! Handicapped accessible equipment 9

12 In need of structural improvements: Replace damaged railing on Steeplechase Road pathway overlooking the meadow 10

13 Make this area an active, hands-on learning experience Add observation deck on pathway with educational billboards focused on:! butterflies, the wildflowers they need and their migration patterns! mason bees and their importance to pollination! wildlife in the Glade Stream Valley! ecological importance of the Glade Stream 11

14 Add bird and bee houses throughout field Bluebird Houses Bat Houses Mason Bees Develop curriculum for school children and campers 12

15 Create a certified: Monarch Waystation with Monarch Watch! Become part of a recognized network of people across the country who are helping bring back the Monarch! Provide a way to communicate to others about the plight of the Monarch and the need to restore habitat Sanctuary for wildlife through the Audubon At Home Wildlife Sanctuary Program! Promotes citizen participation in conserving and restoring local natural habitat and biodiversity! Sanctuary species include birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects 13

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17 Some ideas to consider:! Work with Artist in Residence program! Promote student involvement sponsor contest focused on equestrian history! Seek educational resources from Fairfax County Public Schools! Develop a student program focused on ecological and wildlife education 15

18 Neighbors willing to assist with research, planning and site development Work with partner organizations Conduct needed research Identify potential funding sources Help with property upkeep Serve as community ambassadors 16

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20 Pony Barn Working Group November 10, 2014

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23 BRINGING NATURE TO SCHOOL

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26 Wildflowers in the Pony Barn Meadow New York Ironweed Swamp Milkweed Cup Plant

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28 Pipeline Meadows Purple Milkweed Joe-Pye-Weed

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32 Challenges

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36 change

37 views

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39 milkweed

40 bergamot

41 grass

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43 insects

44 butterflies

45 caterpillars

46 dragonflies

47 spiders

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49 reptiles

50 mammals

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