Lake Accotink Preservation: Meeting Summary with Supervisor Walkinshaw
On July 1, 2024, a crucial meeting was held with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw to discuss the future of Lake Accotink. The meeting was attended by community representatives and key stakeholders, both in-person and remotely.
Key Points and Progress:
- Sedimentation Study Agreement: An agreement between the County and USGS is expected to be finalized within a month. This will be reviewed at an upcoming Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting.
- Community Engagement: Broader community engagement is planned before the feasibility study begins. This will include feedback via the website and participation in community events starting in Summer 2024.
- Accotink Dam Assessment: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), with support from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), is coordinating the scope of work with the selected consultant team. Work is anticipated to begin in the summer/fall of 2024 and be finalized in early 2025
- Feasibility Study: Consultants LimnoTech and Arcadis will commence a feasibility study on a smaller lake option, expected to conclude by late 2025.
- Funding: The $60 million budget commitment remains secure.
- Dewatering and Transportation Options: DPWES will reopen options for dewatering and transportation at Southern Drive and Wakefield Park locations. Robinson Terminal is not a top priority for processing spoils at this time.
- Community Feedback: A survey conducted through Save Lake Accotink, Ravensworth Farm, and Springfield Civic Association Facebook pages indicated strong community support for maintaining Lake Accotink, primarily for recreational opportunities, community health, and environmental benefits.
Community Involvement:
The community emphasized the necessity for continuous engagement throughout the preservation process. Active participation is crucial to ensure the project aligns with local needs and leverages community expertise. Supervisor Walkinshaw agreed on the importance of two-way communication and committed to seeking broad community input during the feasibility study.
Community Concerns:
Community members expressed concerns over the perceived lack of progress and the need for better communication and transparency. Supervisor Walkinshaw acknowledged these frustrations and emphasized ongoing efforts to bridge information gaps. He highlighted hiring a dedicated Project Manager for Lake Accotink and the importance of the contractor being hired to focus on community engagement.
Next Steps:
- Feasibility Study: The study will begin this summer with significant community involvement.
- Master Planning: Supervisor Walkinshaw is pushing for the FCPA to commence the Master Planning process.
- Short-term Measures: While immediate dredging is not feasible due to permitting timelines, accurate sediment data will be collected to inform future actions.
This meeting marks the beginning of a long-term dialogue aimed at ensuring the successful preservation of Lake Accotink. Supervisor Walkinshaw reaffirmed his commitment to this cause, maintaining the $60 million funding and actively seeking solutions to expedite progress.
For detailed information and ongoing updates, please visit the official Fairfax County website DPWES Lake Accotink Analysis and Feasibility Study and subscribe to the Braddock Beacon and Walkinshaw Advisory newsletters here.
