New McLean Central Park Development Concept Presented

MCLEAN, VA — A revised development concept for McLean Central Park includes a different look for a new amphitheater, resurfacing sports courts, adding a meadow and not planning a dog park.

The revised concept was presented at a virtual meeting last Wednesday. In 2013, the Fairfax County Park Authority approved a master plan revision, a long-term planning document, for the 28-acre McLean Central Park. That master plan called for new facilities like an amphitheater, drop-off area, fitness equipment, picnic area, bocce court, game tables, seating areas, disc golf and trail improvements.

When $2.2 million in funding became available with a park bond approved in November 2020, the park authority presented the initial development concept in 2021 for proposed new facilities. Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said the park authority "did the right thing" by presenting the development concept in 2021 to see if the plan still had the public support it did in 2013.

"I think fundamentally, the answer to that question is yes, but not completely," said Foust.

That initial concept was revised based on over 500 public comments. According to the Fairfax County Park Authority's presentation, public comments called for preserving green space and existing park facilities, supported expanding or consolidating playgrounds, improving courts and updating pickleball layouts, and incorporating public art.

There was more support than opposition for an amphitheater in the public comments. However, the revised concept has an amphitheater maintaining more of the natural landscape in the northeastern part of the park. Removal of mature trees is minimized in the concept, said Adam Wynn, a project manager for the park authority. A portable restroom area is planned as needed for events near the amphitheater.

"The area can be used as a performance space for venues or simply be used as flexible space for everyday park uses such as birthday parties, picnics or events," said Wynn.

The accessible drop-off area near the amphitheater is also smaller than the one in the last proposal. An expanded parking area is proposed west of Dolley Madison Library, as well as renovated bathrooms near the library. McLean Central Park currently has around 350 parking spaces shared with the library and McLean Community Center.

To the west of the drop-off area and amphitheater, a natural meadow is proposed.

"The incorporation of a meadow will preserve the existing trees in this area, including some very large oaks," said Wynn. "The meadow would be managed with occasional cutting to maintain a variety of natural species and interpretive signage would be included to provide educational information on the flora, fauna and environmental processes. Preserving this area as a meadow will also further help buffer the area along Ingleside [Avenue] from the active interior areas of the park."

To the south of the amphitheater, the park authority envisions expanding the tot lot to a playground for all ages. A fitness area is proposed near the sports courts in place of an existing children's play area.

The public comments found limited support for a dog park in place of two existing tennis/pickleball courts as well as for a bocce court and game tables. Unlike the last concept plan, a potential dog park location is no longer envisioned at two existing courts. A bocce court and game tables are not included in the revised plan. The park authority proposes resurfacing the basketball court with new goals and resurfacing other courts adding the capability for four pickleball games. Tennis courts are currently striped to be used as tennis and pickleball courts.

Other planned improvements include a bridge replacement, stream viewing area, new walkways, improvements to trails, new furnishings, natural landscaping and invasive plant management, according to Wynn.

After the new development concept was presented, public comments will be accepted until April 1 at McLeanCentralPark@PublicInput.com. The park authority will review comments and make final revisions, work with a consultant on final design, and potentially start construction in spring 2023.

For future updates, visit the McLean Central Park project website.