Reston Association Board Weighs 2027 Budget Ideas, Pickleball And Dogwood Safety

RESTON, VA — Reston Association directors took an early step in shaping the association’s 2027 budget Wednesday, reviewing more than 140 member suggestions during a June 11 board meeting and budget work session.

The board’s discussion focused on which ideas should be sent to staff for cost estimates before directors decide later this summer what to include in the first draft of the 2027 budget.

Chief Financial Officer Ed Vroom told the board that staff and the Finance Committee would review the selected ideas and bring information back in late July. Final budget approval is not expected until November.

Member Budget Ideas Move Forward

Among the member suggestions slated for further review were a proposed queuing area for the Autumnwood pickleball courts, retractable step stools in pool restrooms and changing areas, shade canopies at Autumnwood courts, a single-login system for association services, signage or public art identifying Lake Anne, additional lakeside picnic tables and improvements to the entrance from Baron Cameron Avenue into Lake Anne Village.

Pickleball Supporters Ask For More Courts

Pickleball drew repeated comments from residents, particularly those asking for more courts south of the Dulles Toll Road. Several speakers said the sport is accessible to a broad range of ages and helps build community.

Cynthia Outwater, a Reston resident, said pickleball has mental and physical health benefits and argued that more of Reston’s court space should be dedicated to the sport.

Raquel Mullinex, spouse of RA Board Member Matt Mullinex, said pickleball is inclusive and asked the board to revisit prior discussions over siting criteria. Daniel Brendis said Autumnwood feels “like a community party” when players gather there, but said South Reston residents should not have to drive north to find court space.

A broader proposal to add more pickleball courts in South Reston ran into concerns from board members and staff, who said the issue may be more about policy and location than budgeting. Acting CEO Peter Lusk said existing siting criteria would limit where future courts could be placed and said the topic is expected to be addressed through the facilities master plan.

Later in the meeting, Treasurer Matthew Mullenix moved to have staff brief the board in July on pickleball siting criteria. That motion passed 7-2.

Dogwood Pool And Splashpad Concerns Resurface

Residents also raised concerns about Dogwood Pool and the Dogwood Splashpad area. Dr. Nyaradzo Longinaker said Dogwood Pool has only three lanes and does not host a swim team or Reston Association swim lessons, leaving nearby residents with less access to aquatics programming. She asked the board to consider ways to improve swimming access for Southeast Reston residents.

Dogwood safety also resurfaced during the board budget discussion. President Travis Johnson said he wanted to add three possible Dogwood-related budget items: security cameras under the pavilion pointed toward the splashpad, enhanced security lighting and contracted private security patrols after hours.

Board Members Raise Their Own Budget Topics

The meeting also included a discussion of board-generated budget topics, including advocacy spending and possible requests for Friends of Reston funding for Walker Nature Center-related projects.

Volunteer Appointments Approved

In other business, the board approved several volunteer appointments after interviews. Katy Boswell was approved as chair of the Elections Committee, Paul Thomas as vice chair of the Elections Committee and Jessie Williams as a member of the Covenants Committee. Caren Anton was approved as vice chair of the Covenants Committee.

Consent Calendar Adopted

The board also adopted its consent calendar with one abstention. The consent items included prior meeting minutes, common area use requests for the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta and amplified music at the Lake Thoreau Boat Party, along with additional land-use comment letters added to the agenda.

Directors are expected to revisit the budget suggestions at the July 23 meeting, when staff and the Finance Committee return with additional information.