Developer Unveils 'Grand' Plan For Reston Golf Course

RESTON, VA -- Ever since Wheelock Communities purchased Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston last October, locals were concerned that the developer would seek to turn the golf course into residences. Wheelock made just such a proposal to the Reston Association's Board of Directors on Thursday, including a proposal for a "Grand Park" to soothe concerns residents have that Reston will lose green space as a result.

The conceptual plan for the 160-acre property calls for "an unprecedented, 100 acre Grand Park that the entire Reston community will be able to enjoy and determine its vision."

The plan would include the addition of 2.5-3.5 miles of new trails, and a W&OD trailhead with facilities and parking.

The plan appears to avoid discussing the most controversial aspect of the proposal: more housing. RestonNow reports that the project would involve between 600 to 1,000 new residential units, and residents flooded the hearing Thursday to voice their opposition to the proposal.

Fairfax County currently restricts Hidden Creek Country Club as a golf course only. However, that has not stopped developers from eyeing the property as an attractive redevelopment opportunity in Reston, where real estate continues to be red hot.

Local activist group Rescue Reston slammed the plan on their website, arguing that despite the proposal for open space, 40 percent of the golf course would be turned into housing.

"Speculative developers will not stop trying to pave over green spaces when they might make millions by building more housing," they write. "Let’s not give them an opening to take away our green space in Reston. If Wheelock does not have the vision for how to make Hidden Creek the gem of a golf and tennis club that it should be, then they should sell to those who do have the vision."

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