A public forum for the Gateway Park Master Plan was held Thursday September 30 at the Key Bridge Marriott. The architects presented two "schemes" for developing the park, one that would retain the existing bridge over Ft. Myer Drive and associated ramp structure and one that would remove these concrete structures. Both schemes had similar land uses depicted -- the current performance area on the Eastern half remains with the stage area in its same location, and both schemes would add some sort of food service pavilion at the intersection of Ft. Myer Drive and Eastbound Lee Hwy. The Western half of the park would be animated for a variety of uses: courts figured into one scheme, a bike station was in another, a children's play area was shown, etc. Both schemes also tried to improve the tree canopy within the park, opting for removal of small trees like some of the Lindens and Crape Myrtles in favor of taller shade-producing trees. This was to create a more gentle and greener transition between park areas to the North and East (owned by the National Park Service) and the buildings of downtown Rosslyn.

The architects emphasized that the Master Plan being discussed was not a site plan for the park, rather it addressed only proposed land use within the park and approximate size and location of amenities.

Those in attendance overwhelmingly supported the scheme that would remove the bridge over Ft. Myer Drive and accompanying ramps. THis opens much more useable space within the park and facilitates "greening" of the park area. Vistas to the East and towards Key Bridge are enhanced. Attendees also favored more active uses of the park as distinct from "quiet contemplation" areas. It was noted that the active uses did not necessarily interfere with contemplation, it was a matter of timing. One attendee argued strenuously in favor of a dog run, but this would not be possible given the county's requirements for those facilities -- a minimum of 10,000 sq. feet is required, ehich would eat up a significant chunk of the park.

Another interesting possibility that emerged during the discussion was the potential for "temporary" use of the parcel just to the North of Gateway Park (across from the Key Bridge Mariott, flanked by Ft. Myer and Lynn Streets), which is intended for a future national monument. National Park Service representatives at the meeting suggested that use of the site could be authorized if it was in keeping with Park Service principles and guidelines.

The two schemes will be posted on the website referenced below in the coming days. There will be future public meeting to discuss the scheme that will grow out of this meeting.

Jennifer

Learn more by visiting the Arlington County Department of Parks,Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR website at www.arlingtonva.us/prcr.
You may also contact the project managers,
Scott McPartlin, Arlington PRCR, 703-228-0929
Or
Holly Hull, JBG Companies, 240-333-3689

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jennifer Zeien,