It might not look like much right now, but what used to be an overgrown and non-maintained stream valley on Westpark Drive in Tysons has undergone a significant transformation. Stream restoration crews associated with the Arbor Row project began implementing modifications to the stream valley earlier this year including: shallowing of the stream, removing debris, installing erosion control slope protections.
The site looked like any construction site early on, except this construction effort didn’t create a large parking lot or high rise building. Instead, the site has been returned to a healthier state, one in which natural rain events will not cause excessive erosion and where larger storms will naturally inundate the stream valley, a process that is crucial to small biomes near waterbodies.
The vegetated growth will take several more months to return to the disturbed portion of the project, but before then a new trail will be installed connecting Westpark Drive to Jones Branch Drive and the new recreational parks being built adjacent to the stream valley. The trail appears to be a 10′ wide path which can support multi-purpose uses, it’s unclear whether it will be an asphalt trail or more permeable stone dust or natural surfacing.
One mis-step by planners has been the lack of communication and connectivity between this stream valley restoration and trail, and the existing trail system and park located on the south side of Westpark Drive, just across the street. The existing park, part of the Avalon Tysons community, includes gazebos, benches, exercise elements, and a trail which weaves through a surprisingly quiet portion of town.
Our suggestion, hopefully sooner than later, would be to provide a signal which solves two on-going problems. Firstly, Kaiser Permanente needs to have a light, it is a high demand user with many folks coming to the campus who are not sure where it is. A signal will allow people to get their bearings, and provide an opportunity for better signage. Secondly, it can provide for a proper crosswalk on what is otherwise a super block without crossing opportunities.
There is a sign-noted crosswalk at a 4-way intersection approximately 1000′ further down Westpark. However, several times I have witnessed pedestrians attempting to cross here, without traffic coming to a stop (despite the legal requirement to do so at the provided sign). Because of this lack of traffic law knowledge from many drivers, the only safe solution is to signalize or at a minimum provide a stop sign. So, why not at this trail connection opportunity?
As with all things small scale in Tysons, we at this website can complain, but those with the power to make changes won’t recognize the need unless more people also get vocal. Write your supervisor and let them know these are the kinds of simple and efficient solutions that can be put in place tomorrow, not 30 years from now.