Note from NRCA to Dave Foster, Chair, Arlington County School Board, February 27, 2006

Dave,

About four years ago you addressed our Civic Association as one of several candidates running for election to the School Board. At that time, we raised to you our deep disappointment at the conversion of the Wilson School playfield into a parking lot for temporary classrooms. You indicated that this situation would probably continue for several years as various schools undergoing renovation used the School and the temporary classrooms as ˜swing space' till renovations were complete. We understand though that the utilization of the playfield is once again undergoing review during this year's capital budget process. We further understand that the need for the temporary classrooms is not so pressing: they are nearing the end of their useful life, and there is no school scheduled to need ˜swing space' anytime soon.

The Wilson School playfield is of particular concern to us because it really is the only playfield within a mile of downtown Rosslyn. Prior to its conversion to a ˜trailer park,' it was heavily used as a real park by the community for informal sports activities like soccer.

The North Rosslyn community would like to see the Wilson School playfield restored. We've accepted the burden of being a ˜swing space' for a decade. It's time to restore the playfield.

We'd very much like to discuss the long term future of the playfield with you. Thanks.

Mark Antell
Acting President, North Rosslyn Civic Association

cc. Robert Smith, Arlington County School Superintendent
cc. Allison Denton