Apparently the Fairfax County Park Authority has an extra 65 million dollars to spend in its 2005 budget (see article in Herndon Connection for details). According to a survey conducted by the park authority, the majority of residents want the money spent to buy new land to preserve open space. Yet despite the data, the authority plans to spend 80% of the money refurbishing existing and constructing new fields and facilities while only 20% will go toward acquiring land for open space.
This does not bode well for outdoor types like bikers and hikers. Recreational leagues are far more organized than people who hike and bike and have apparently lobbied the authority very hard. While I am sure that there is a shortage of playing fields in the county, it seems to me that this is largely a logistics problem more than a space problem. Scheduling the use of the fields more efficiently could certainly ease the crowding problems that exist in the short term. Also, if the fields are in disrepair than shouldn't the recreation groups that benefit from the use of the fields do more maintenance volunteer work as bikers do for trails?
Acquiring more land for open space is clearly an investment in the people of Fairfax County. Such an investment will make it more desirable to live in the region and in turn bring more money to the county. This money could then be used to repair and construct fields and facilities and all will be happy.
- Read the Fairfax County Park Authority's summary of the proposed bond.
Contact the following organizations to ask for their help with this important issue:
- Midatlantic Off Road Enthusiasts at va-advocacy@more-mtb.org
- Bikes Belong Coalition
