November 7, 2011

Scott Tobin, left, cuts the ribbon to officially open the park with county board members Mary Hynes, Chris Zimmerman, Walter Tejada, and Jay Fissette. Tobin was chair of the design committee for the park.

Scott Tobin, left, cuts the ribbon to officially open the park with county board members Mary Hynes, Chris Zimmerman, Walter Tejada, and Jay Fissette. Tobin was chair of the design committee for the park.

<< Click the photos at left to see our video coverage (left) and slideshow (below left) of the day's event.

The county celebrated the opening Saturday of Long Bridge Park, the newest, largest park in the county at 18 acres.  The site had been a “brown field,” contaminated with PCBs and other toxins.

“Today is a milestone for Arlington’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This project represents conversion of a brown field into a green park with so [much] eco-friendly design,” said Dinesh Tiwari, head of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. He acted as the emcee of the opening ceremonies for the park on Saturday Nov. 5.

The park sits between the Potomac River and Jefferson Davis Highway, just north of Crystal City.

The fields and esplanade are part of the first phase of the project, which cost about $40 million.

This first phase includes three rectangular ball fields that will be used for soccer, lacrosse and other sports. A pedestrian-friendly esplanade rises to the east of the fields and provides scenes of monuments, the Potomac River and trains. Also included in this phase is a nature trail into Roaches Run Overlook and a run-off rain garden.

“We have turned what has been, as I said, a functional gateway [to the county] into a spectacular gateway, that is appropriate to this county and that represents in every way the things we stand for,” said County Board Chair Chris Zimmerman.

The second phase, in planning, is for a state-of-the-art aquatics center. It will expand the park to 30 acres.

Total expenditure from the county over six years on the second phase is expected to be about $50 million. That money will come from a future bond issue and from about $14 million leftover from the bonds that were issued for the first phase of the park, according to county documents. Plans call for another $20 million from developers.

For much more, see our video and slideshow, above. 

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November 7, 2011

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Long Bridge Park Celebration

A rebuttal to " Arlingtonian". on Opening Day
I saw beautiful views of the capital city
I saw old men marveling at the approaching trains
I saw young collegiates playing a healthy soccer game
I saw little soccer 'wanna be's" getting ready for the big time
I saw biker's in helmets strolling their bikes around the Esplanade
I saw people of all ethnic backgrounds excited to be together celebrating what Arlington holds dear: community!
I saw proud architects and committee members pleased with the first phase of the project
I saw hopeful citizens awaiting the next phase.....an aquatic center that will serve all of the same people listed above!
I did not see anyone protesting the use of funds to improve the quality of life here in our little part of Virginia.
I am so glad they did not come.

Nancy Weinberg more than 1 years ago

Excited for Long Bridge Park

I couldn't be happier about the addition of Long Bridge Park to Arlington. As young professionals who commute to DC for work, my significant other and I had our pick of neighborhoods to live in when our lease ended. We decided to stay in Arlington (near the Crystal City Metro Station) for a number of reasons, one of which being our excitement for the opening of Long Bridge Park. We had frequently used the nearby Mount Vernon Trail, Gravelly Point, or Virginia Highlands Park to go running or to practice with our flag football team, but Long Bridge Park provides new opportunity for recreational space. I love the walking/running/biking path and the three turf fields provide much-needed space for sports, as athletic field space can be scarce within this area of Arlington.

If other Arlington residents are displeased with the park, I would encourage them to visit the park on a weeknight or weekend to observe firsthand how other residents are enjoying the area even just a few weeks after the park's dedication. Considering this space was previously a dirty and dangerous brownfield that some used as a dumping ground, I can't imagine how anyone would prefer the former state of this area. As a Arlington taxpayer, this is exactly how I would like to see my taxes spent. I would also encourage other taxpayers to stay informed and involved in the future development of the park. I, for one, appreciate as much natural green space as possible, and I will be advocating for a community garden space somewhere within LBP.

Additionally, a quick Google Maps calculation estimates that it is approximately .5 miles from the Crystal City Metro Station to the south entrance of Long Bridge Park at 12th and Crystal Drive. I think that is a very reasonable distance to walk.

Julia Lyskawa more than 1 years ago

Hurray Long Bridge Park

What an incredible addition to South Arlington! Recreational fields (something heavily in demand in the County), walking paths, observation areas, there is virtually nothing like this in the County! Better yet, this new park will serve the Crystal City and pentagon City neighborhoods providing quality open space for all. Once Long Bridge Drive is repaved and additional bicycle infrastructure placed throughout the area, this park will serve the community well. Kudos to the County Board for making such a great investment in our community.

Happy Arlingtonian more than 1 years ago

Long Bridge Park

Long Bridge Park is a huge waste of taxpayer money. When people voted for the Parks bond, few knew that the bond would fund this project. Arlington will never be able to receive enough income to match the construction and maintenance costs for the park. Because of its location, the park will likely serve more people from D.C. and Alexandria that it will serve people from Arlington. There is very little natural area in the park; a small rain garden is all. All of the park's pavement and mowed grass is nothing less than an environmental disaster. Even worse, practically nobody is going to take Metro to the park. Nearly everyone will drive.

When the County requested potential names for the park, I suggest the name "Boondoggle Park". Instead, the County named the park "Long Bridge Park" to commemorate a bridge in D.C. No part of the bridge was in Arlington. You can expect nothing better from the Arlington parks department.

I refused to dignify the Park by attending its dedication. I found a better way to spend that fine autumn day. I did this outside of the County.

Arlingtonian more than 1 years ago

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