Parks Report Looks to the Future

After 36 months of work, a subcommittee of the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Commission is putting the finishing touches on a planning document charting a future vision for the city park-scape. The Future Parks Report, prepared by the Future Parks Committee, will suggest 14 capital improvements to Fredericksburg's park system, ranging from a golf course on the site of the old city dump in Stafford County, to a number of "pocket parks" scattered throughout the city. 

"This has been a massive undertaking," said Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director Bob Antozzi. Members of the Future Parks Committee compiled boxfuls of city land documents to inventory and identify city-owned parcels which could be developed into parks. In the process, they have produced one of the most accurate pictures of Fredericksburg's land holdings on city records. "Even if nothing else is done with the report, that alone is a major accomplishment."

A draft version of the report was presented to members of the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Commission last night. 

The report is based around a map of the Fredericksburg's existing parks and recreation resources. The map then subdivides the city into six sections largely defined by major city thoroughfares and examined the availability of existing and additional park resources within those zones. 

The report breaks down future park development into three types: destination parks, neighborhood parks and pocket parks. 

The taxonomy is not too rigid, however, with many existing and proposed parks sharing aspects of all three types in different concentrations. However, destination parks are generally the largest of the three. They may feature sports fields and water features, man-made or natural, and they can accommodate large crowds and a variety of uses. Neighborhood parks are generally smaller and geared towards residential uses featuring things like playground equipment. Pocket parks are generally the smallest. Designed for unofficial uses (mostly), they are typified perhaps by Hurkamp Park or Market Square.

Ideally, the report sets up a vision for Frederickbsurg's future parks infrastructure which sees every city community served by open space without having to travel by car. The report is designed to guide City Council in future park planning. 

Among other park improvements which the final report will suggest for the city include a new riverfront park stretching across 2 miles of shoreline in the vicinity of Celebrate Virginia South, an expansion of Dixon Park facilities, and the addition of five small pocket parks scattered throughout the city. 

The report continues to go through final edits. Members of the Future Parks Committee will be meeting in two weeks for the last time to discuss the report. After that, the report will be submitted to City Manager Bev Cameron for inclusion in an upcoming City Council work session.