Community input on a planned redesign of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park is kicking off this week.
The county is inviting locals to share their thoughts on the future of the park at 1300 Langston Blvd during an open house on Thursday evening.
Although Gateway Park has received upgrades including a dog park in 2021 and an outdoor coworking space in 2020, plans for the recreation area are still governed by the Rosslyn Sector Plan adopted back in 2015.
“Now, almost ten years later, the upcoming engagement provides us an opportunity to refine and update the vision for the park,” county spokesperson Jerusalem Solomon told ARLnow.
An overhaul could come much sooner than previously expected if the county approves a possible deal with the CoStar Group.
The company, which announced in February that it is moving its corporate headquarters from D.C. to Rosslyn, is offering the county $14 million to help fund a full redesign and reconstruction of Gateway Park. In exchange, it is asking the county to restrict access to the “View of D.C.” observation deck — currently a public amenity.
“Payment for CoStar’s exclusive use of the Observation Deck will be made when the County Board agrees to vacate the easement,” Solomon said. “It is currently expected to happen at the July Board meeting.”
The county currently only has funds to pay for reconstruction on the park’s east side. West side work would otherwise not be slated to begin until 2032.
An online questionnaire will follow Thursday’s open house, and more public engagement about the project is set to continue through this fall.
“Community feedback about potential themes, uses, and needs will help determine what will be included in draft designs this summer,” Solomon said.
The County Board is expected to approve a construction bid this winter, with design projected to begin in 2025 followed by construction starting in 2026.