W&OD Trail

Enjoying a fire in the Ashburn shop wood stove. Happy Holidays from the staff of the W&OD Trail!

Falls Church Planning Commission Voices Support for Proposed Dual Path

https://www.tysonsreporter.com/2019/12/17/falls-church-planning-commission-voices-support-for-proposed-dual-path/?fbclid=IwAR0Rshp-6-s6nkJk4vwrobCbCvBqg8d3CYQ10DYOePVRzSzCGMa8zk8d8OI

tysonsreporter.com The W&OD Railroad Regional Park may get parallel walking and bicycle trails in the City of Falls Church. The city's Planning Commission held a work session on the proposed plans last night (Monday). The dual-path would run between N. West and Little Falls streets, according to the city doc

FYI...a FREE holiday event tonight.

TONIGHT at Ice and Lights: The Holiday Village at Cameron Run arrive before 6PM and get FREE VIP ADMISSION (includes admission to the Holiday Village and Ice Skating).

(Free admission is limited to the first 100 people)

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #iceandlights #novaparks

Throughout the sixty years of its existence, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) has acquired some of the most beautiful parkland and historical sites in the Northern Virginia region. Significant settings like this lend themselves to significant occasions like weddings. While we do not know the date of the first wedding in a NOVA Parks facility, we do know that by the 1990s weddings in our parks were growing and has continued to grow ever since.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/BOdv50xDy2T

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE CELEBRATED AT OCCOQUAN REGIONAL PARK

While the Declaration of Independence declared “all men are created equal,” African American men did not gain the right to vote until the end of the Civil War (1865) and then had to struggle for decades to be able to fully use that right. Women did not gain the right to vote until 1920, also after decades of struggle!

The turning point in the long struggle for women’s right to vote happened in the early 20th century at a large prison complex near the north shore of the Occoquan River.

Complete story: http://ow.ly/lbC450xxLwz

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Before fall leaves us (pardon the pun!), one more autumn photo from trail-user, Mouncey Ferguson...

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—FROM CHURCH TO BATTLEFIELD TO PARK

NOVA Parks, formerly the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, is continually growing its parkland. With the rich history of Northern Virginia, historic sites are a big part of our park system. Today we throwback to just over ten years ago, a time when the park authority acquired a new historic site as well as new parkland. The two additions are located directly next to one another and they are often considered one and the same.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/m9Yo50xryLx

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #60years #novaparks

Some fall photos sent to us by trail-user Mokha Ramonovich Babiev!

NOVA Parks 60: We love NOVA Parks!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends, guests and partners! We hope today is filled with laughter and good cheer!

Today we are so thankful for the last 60 years. We are incredibly thankful for all our NOVA Parks supporters and guests throughout the last 60 years!

https://youtu.be/LsfuhQaF2SM

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

A fast and fun look through all the great services and opportunities NOVA Parks provide told from the standpoint of our favorite people - our guests! Produce...

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—40 YEARS AGO

Today we look back at NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) 40 years ago in late 1979 – early 1980. At that time the agency was celebrating its 20th anniversary and had already grown to about 8,000 acres.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/LHUX50xlKe3

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Just a heads-up: This coming Monday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., tree work will be performed near the intersection of Shreve Rd and Virginia Ln in Falls Church. Please exercise caution in this area at that time.

Arlington W&OD Trail Expansion Moves Ahead Despite Tree Advocates’ Objections | WAMU

https://wamu.org/story/19/11/21/arlington-wod-trail-expansion-moves-ahead-despite-tree-advocates-objections/

wamu.org Park officials and cyclists say the trail is too crowded, but some residents worry expansion would mean removing trees.

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS SANCTUARIES

NOVA Parks (formerly the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) has always been at the forefront of regional land conservation, historic preservation, and recreation. Today we throwback to 2013 and the acquisition of two of NOVA Parks with “sanctuary” in the name.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/ajFn50xgphU

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

NOVA Parks 60: A Salute to Our Partners

As NOVA Parks celebrates our 60th Anniversary we would like to give a huge thank you to all our amazing Partners! We wouldn't be where we are today without you!

http://ow.ly/S9yS50xfkIA

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

NOVA Parks works with a variety of partners throughout Northern Virginia. These partnerships have helped grow the agency, and in many cases, have helped NOVA...

Arlington’s W&OD Trail is so popular it could be widened, but it faces opposition

This is a great editorial supporting Dual Trails in Arlington from the Chair of Arlington’s Bicycle Advisory Committee.

http://ow.ly/6clW50xfg98

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #wodtrail #novaparks

ggwash.org The Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is a popular amenity in Arlington - so popular that the number of people of walking, running, biking, and scooting on the trail has led to congestion. There’s a proposal to enlarge the trail, but it’s facing opposition from some people because it mean...

Some absolutely gorgeous fall (and winter) photographs sent to us courtesy of avid trail user, Mouncey Ferguson! Enjoy!

Modular Wetland System Linear 2.0

We are working on improving the W&OD with dual trails (parallel paths for pedestrians and cyclists). While we are widening the trail for a better experience, we will also be improving the stormwater performance of the Trail property. Swales will slow down the water and allow it to soak into the ground. In addition, we will be using modular wetlands like this video shows.

MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC. The Modular Wetland System Linear is the only stormwater system to utilize Horizontal Flow Biofiltration. The MWS Linear replic...

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—MOSTLY WATER

60% of the human body is made up of water! And, in Northern Virginia, a very substantial amount of the water you drink is filtered and protected by the parklands of NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority).

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/NPZV50xaVgA

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Dual-use trail could be expanded to another part of W&OD

https://www.insidenova.com/news/transportation/dual-use-trail-could-be-expanded-to-another-part-of/article_ad729e5e-0637-11ea-9842-ab2653c415ff.html

insidenova.com Arlington County Board members on Saturday will be asked to add their voices in support of a request from the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) for $5.65 million

We would greatly appreciate your input into W&OD Trail safety. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey below.

http://ow.ly/d5UX50x6b1I

In preparation for the coming freezing temperatures, the water fountains the trail maintains that aren't all-season have been winterized. These include: the Vienna train station, Buckthorn Ln in Vienna, Lawson Rd in Leesburg, and the Purcellville train station.

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—NOVA PARKS 50 years ago

Founded in 1959, by late 1969 and early 1970 the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) was in full swing, creating the regional park system we know today. A review of the Board minutes from this time gives a snapshot of what was going on. Issues at the top of the agenda included:

◾Buying the Carlyle House
◾New Chevy Station Wagon for $2,262
◾Potomac Overlook Acquisition & Development
◾Major Land Acquisitions along the Occoquan
◾Bull Run Campground Development
◾Playground for $1,000
◾Development of Fountainhead
◾Pohick Bay Acquisitions
◾Dreams of the W&OD

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/V7Pc50x3AIO

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

The bridge rails now span Lee Hwy!

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—PARKS=LAND

At the most basic level, there would be no park systems without parkland. Land is the central ingredient. When NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) was founded 60 years ago the first act was to buy 537 acres that was the start of Bull Run Regional Park.

From there rapid park acquisitions took place throughout the 60’s, 70’s and part of the 80’s. By 1975 NOVA Parks had grown to 7,418 acres.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/NPb850wXDav

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Girder Installation Underway This Week for New W&OD Trail Bridge Over Lee Highway - Newsroom | Virginia Department of Transportation

Monday through Wednesday next week, girder installation for the bridge over Lee Hwy will take place, requiring a further trail detour between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. each of those nights.

https://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/northern-virginia/2019/girder-installation-underway-this-week-for-new-wod-trail-bridge-over-lee-highway10-21-2019.asp

virginiadot.org FAIRFAX – Bridge girder installation is occurring this week during daytime hours for the new Washington & Old Dominion Trail Bridge over Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Arlington. This work is taking place west of Lee Highway, and will not impact roadway or trail users.

By planting #trees, #pollinator plants & shrubs, NOVA Parks Algonkian Golf Courseincreases the habitat value for many species, including #hummingbirds, #butterflies, and #birds.

Learn how in this WTOP News story:

http://ow.ly/n9fn50wT8u0

#conservation #golf #NOVAparks #carbon #climatechange #pollinators #birds #bees #hummingbirds #nature #lovenature #parks #fairfaxcounty #loudouncounty #loveloudoun #CityofAlexandria #CityofFairfax #FallsChurchCity #protectpollinators #notopesticides #happinesshere

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—A BRIGHT LIGHT ON INNOVATION

Today, NOVA Parks is well known for the award winning winter light shows. Between the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, around 280,000 people a year are delighted and entertained. And, this year a third light show, the Cameron Run Ice and Lights, will attract visitors to Cameron Run on Eisenhower Avenue for ice skating and holiday lights. But where and why did this all start?

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/k2NH50wT5gG

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—A BRIGHT LIGHT ON INNOVATION

Today, NOVA Parks is well known for the award winning winter light shows. Between the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, around 280,000 people a year are delighted and entertained. And, this year a third light show, the Cameron Run Ice and Lights, will attract visitors to Cameron Run on Eisenhower Avenue for ice skating and holiday lights. But where and why did this all start?

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/k2NH50wT5gG

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--THE WOMEN OF RED ROCK

Throughout its existence, NOVA Parks has always worked hard towards many things. Two endeavors that are on the top of the park authority’s list are the conservation of natural landscapes and the preservation of historic sites throughout the Northern Virginia Region. Whenever an opportunity has come around to acquire land which offers the chance to do both of those things, NOVA Parks has always been prepared to do so. But when such acquisitions happen through a donation from a long-time resident of the region, the resulting park land becomes a special part of the park authority’s holdings.

In the late 1970s, just such a thing happened for NOVA Parks.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/2zMo50wMEhe

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS--Not Quite So Savage
NOVA Parks is a large park authority that is recognized in the Northern Virginia Region for its conservation, preservation and recreational efforts. The organization has many parks and historic areas within its system, most of which are quite well known. There are, however, a few gems hidden within NOVA Parks’ assets. Today, we highlight one of those and share the story of its name.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/xJj950wGQP1

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Throwback Thursday--NOVA Parks--
Washington's Failed Canal Makes a Great Park

George Washington is a man who needs no introduction. Just like any other virtuoso Washington tried many things throughout his life. One of his businesses is well remembered in the region for its ambition and promise but also for its overall failure. NOVA Parks operates a regional park on the banks of the Potomac River in Great Falls that showcases the history of Washington’s endeavor while also providing recreational land for fishing, hiking and connecting with nature.

Complete Story: http://ow.ly/e7UT50wzNzy

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

A quick update: the W&OD Trail underpass by Bluemont Park / Wilson Boulevard is repaired. Thank you to everyone involved in the repairs here!

Mirror image: The new detour trail near West St and Grove Ave in Falls Church will only cost you a split second on your journey!

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

On this day in 1959 NOVA Parks came into existence!
Creating the first regional park system in Virginia was not easy. Since the early 1950’s efforts were underway to create the park authority. The Virginia Park Authorities Act finally allowed two or more adjacent jurisdictions to form a regional park authority. On September 26, 1959 Arlington County Board adopted the resolution creating the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Then on October 7th Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the same resolution, followed by the City Council for Falls Church on October 12th. The agency was born!

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/Ickt50wqNyI

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Fall has fallen; or Autumn has sprung LOL! Photo from Fall 2015 but still a pretty picture!

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—A HISTORY OF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Northern Virginia is a mosaic of cultures. Since World War II, when the federal government started bringing in people from all over the country, the region became ever more cosmopolitan with each passing decade.

60 years ago civic leaders in Northern Virginia established NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) because they wanted something like a state park system, but not one like the segregated system Virginia had in the 1950s.

Complete story: http://ow.ly/cmcq50wfpmc

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS AN OFFICE IN A HOUSE

We all have to start somewhere.

That statement was very true for NOVA Parks. Former Executive Director William Lightsey, along with Capital Programs Director Darrell Winslow recognized the need for a centralized office somewhere in the Northern Virginia region where the Park Authority could set up a base of operations.

Believe it or not the Park Authority was given an opportunity in what amounted to be a small house. Dr. Barry Cook was a physician and Park Authority Board Member. He had his medical practice in a small house on Main Street in Fairfax City, and he had some extra room.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/jsTJ50w5gUD

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

A big thank you to the students from Brambleton Middle School in Ashburn for leading a cleanup of the W&OD trail in the Ashburn section near Carolina BBQ! The cleanup was conducted as part of their 9/11 Day of Service. A GREAT job and much appreciated!

Please join us THIS THURSDAY, September 12th at 7:00 PM for
"The Local History NOVA Parks Preserves"

The speech will be held at the Reinsch Library auditorium on the Main Campus of Marymount University

Chairman of NOVA Parks and Arlingtonian Mike Nardolilli will discuss the creation of NOVA Parks 60 years ago and the history that can be found in the three parks in Arlington (Potomac Overlook, Upton Hill, and the W&OD Trail) and elsewhere in the NOVA Parks system. Find out how Northern Virginia wound up with its own regional park system and what history each preserve. in this special presentation commemorating 60 years of NOVA Parks.

For more information: http://ow.ly/vOZ150w3bVK

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks