MVCCA Drafts Resolution Supporting No Action at Fort Hunt Park

CORRECTION (10/14, 10 a.m.):

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the environment and recreation committee of the MVCCA has drafted a resolution announcing its support of the "no action" alternative of the proposed changes for Fort Hunt Park. The resolution was drafted by the MVCCA board and supported a "no action" alternative one if the NPS did not extend its deadline for public comment. The NPS did extend its deadline to November 5. On Wednesday night, the environment and recreation committee passed a resolution asking the NPS to consider the development of one or more alternative designs that would preserve Fort Hunt Park's recreational facilities while enhancing the park's historic value. We apologize for the error.

The environment and recreation committee of Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations (MVCCA) has drafted a resolution announcing its support of the “no action” alternative of the proposed changes for .

The National Park Service’s site development plan would entail demolishing four of the park's five picnic areas, constructing a visitor center, and re-routing roads and bicycle trails.

A number of neighborhoods don't want the NPS to remove the picnic pavilions and restrooms, according to Betsy Martin, chair of the MVCCA environment and recreation committee.

“The (NPS) proposal doesn’t seem to be inclusive with historical interpretation in the plan,” Martin said. “The park really does have a rich history. It’s great that they want to implement a historic interpretation, we’re all for that. But we didn’t see how removing picnic tables fit into that.

A number of politicians oppose the demolition of the park pavilions, including Del. Scott Surovell, who voiced his opposition of the proposal in The Dixie Pig.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11) also wrote a letter to the NPS addressing the issue of preserving the pavilions while expressing support for building an interpretive trail and reducing nonpermeable paving, according to The Connection.

The board will decide whether to publish the resolution for a vote at Thursday’s meeting. If it is published, it will be voted on at the MVCCA General Council Meeting on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.