TJ Field Final Memo

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Arlington County Logo
 May 15, 2001

 Mr. Jay Wind, President
 Arlington Heights Civic Association
 jay.wind@att.net
 
 Dear Jay:
 
  I thought you would like an update on staff's proposal for use of synthetic turf at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  As you may have heard, this proposal has been removed from consideration by the County Manager at the request of Mr. Zimmerman, with the full support of the Board.
 
 First, we regret that the project emerged ahead of engaging the community fully.  The Board has shared with the County Manager our expectations on when and how the staff should approach the community on future projects in order to avoid the concerns expressed by you and others in the community.
 
  For your information, please find enclosed a copy of a report the Board recently received from the County Manager on this matter.  You will note that the Manager has decided not to move forward at this time on consideration of locating synthetic turf at any field in the County.  The Manager wishes to dedicate staff resources toward upcoming major projects, including but not limited to such matters as review of the County's Open Space Master Plan and planning for recreational uses on the North Tract at Potomac Yard.  Both will involve substantial community input.
 
 The Manager has informed the Board that when staff considers installation of the synthetic turf in the future, it will most likely be in the context of a planned field renovation, rather than a special project in partnership with any third party.  Experimentation with this new surface offers the potential of providing better fields and meeting the high demand of playing time; however, consideration of future options will be done in earlier and closer consultation with the community.
 
  Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with the Board.
 
       Sincerely,

       Jay Fisette
       Chairman
 
 Enclosure
 c:  Ron Carlee, County Manager


ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM

May 1, 2001


TO:  Members, Arlington County Board

FROM: Ron Carlee, Acting County Manager

SUBJECT: Withdrawal of the Staff Proposal to Install Synthetic Grass on the Thomas Jefferson Upper Soccer Field in Partnership with Marymount University

 On April 24, 2001, I made the decision to withdraw the staff proposal to install synthetic grass on the Thomas Jefferson upper field based on the extremely negative reaction by the Jefferson Middle School PTA and residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods around Thomas Jefferson.  Toni Hubbard, Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources, attended the Arlington Heights Civic Association meeting on the evening of April 24 and informed those attending the meeting of the County's intention to withdraw the staff proposal.

 The staff proposal presented three distinct issues that needed to be considered very thoroughly and carefully.  The first issue dealt with the consideration of the County trying a relatively new product to help alleviate the critical shortage of usable athletic field in Arlington.  The second issue was the location of the proposed installation of the synthetic grass field.  The third issue was whether the County should enter into a new shared-use agreement with Marymount University in association with this field improvement.  There appeared to be some interest in discussing the installation of this new synthetic grass product, but the proposed location of Thomas Jefferson in conjunction with the new partnership with Marymount University raised numerous concerns with the surrounding neighborhood and school community.  While staff believes that many of the concerns could have been addressed, there was no compelling reason to pursue this project.  Clearly public involvement will need to occur earlier in the process before undertaking similar projects in the future.  Meanwhile, I am delaying indefinitely further consideration of artificial turf at any site.  There are higher priority park planning and development projects that demand staff attention at this time.

 Although this project has been within from consideration, the existing Memorandum of Understanding among Marymount University, Arlington Public Schools and Arlington County is still in effect.  The County has had good experiences with Marymount University and others in the public-private partnership venue and intends to continue the agreement with Marymount University for the use of Quincy Park soccer field for Marymount's men and women soccer teams.

cc: Rod Irwin, Assistant County Manager
Toni D. Hubbard, Director, DPRCR
 Janis B. Wood, Division Chief, DPRCR