County leaders are being urged to not forget about Virginia Highlands Park when planning facilities upgrades.
“The community would like that to happen on schedule,” Park and Recreation Commission chair William Way told County Board members during a July 9 work session.
As part of his proposed fiscal 2027-36 capital improvement plan (CIP), County Manager Mark Schwartz has proposed $1.76 million in funding for the park in fiscal year 2034, and $2.43 million in fiscal year 2036. That likely would be enough to develop a master plan for the nearly 20-acre property, located at 1600 S. Hayes Street in the heart of Pentagon City.
Asked by County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti if the commission wanted the project moved forward in the timetable, Way said parks advocates “would be very happy” if plans could be advanced to an earlier date.
But, he said, “there is more concern that they are not pushed back.”
“Population is growing; [area park] space is limited,” Way said of the Pentagon City/Aurora Highlands area.
Currently, the park includes two lighted diamond fields, six lighted tennis courts, two tennis practice walls, two pickleball courts, two lighted basketball courts and a volleyball court, according to county officials.
There also are several rectangular fields, a sprayground, three pétanque courts and a dog run sponsored by Pentagon City Dogs.
The park also is home to the Highlands Urban Garden, managed by the Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture in partnership with Livability 22202 and the county government.
“The garden showcases how edge spaces can be transformed into all-season, productive land that builds a vibrant ecosystem,” county officials say.
The 2030s also are expected to bring redevelopment of Quincy Park, a 4-acre parcel adjacent to Central Library in the Ballston-Virginia Square corridor.
Schwartz’s CIP proposal calls for about $38.4 million in funding for Quincy Park, with the first planning funds allocated in fiscal year 2030 and construction funds coming later in the decade.
