Board Set To Resume Open-Space Discussion

Plans Have Costs That Vary Widely

One of the unintended consequences of last fall's debate on illegal immigration was that much-needed changes to Prince William's parks and open space comprehensive plan were put on hold.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors deferred the open-space briefing in October but is scheduled to resume the potentially controversial discussion Tuesday.

The Planning Commission had approved a proposal that recommended a goal of 25 acres of open space per 1,000 residents. This goal would require $790 million in additional funding but would not include program, staff and maintenance costs. County staff preferred a goal of 15 acres per 1,000 residents, which would cost $346 million. The county has less than 10 acres of open space per 1,000 residents.

"We're already behind," County Executive Craig S. Gerhart said.

Kim Hosen, executive director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, said the county is well behind neighboring jurisdictions' open-space goals.

"We will never be able to compete with Fairfax, based on proximity to D.C.," Hosen said. "Parks and open space and trails are key parts of healthy communities and contribute greatly to quality of life."

Hosen, who also is the Occoquan District representative on the planning commission, said the commission's recommendation represents an acceptable compromise from residents engaged in the process.

Taxpayers shouldn't assume they will have to foot 100 percent of the bill, said Hosen, adding that private donors, nonprofit groups, businesses and developer proffers can help make up the difference.

Supervisor W.S. Covington III (R-Brentsville) has said he favors considering national parks and historic properties as parkland. He also wants to find a revenue stream outside the general fund for parks before approving the plan.

When it comes to park facilities in Prince William, the county is nearly $200 million short of its goal. The county's $27 million parks bond from 2006 has not been sold because of financial constraints.

The county also has redefined open space as "land that is not dominated by man-made structures. It preserves natural or cultural resources, provides for passive recreation, or exists in a natural or undeveloped state."

Now that county officials are clear what open space means, they hope to achieve their goal of preserving 39 percent of the county, not including Quantico Marine Corps Base, as "protected open space." The plan includes creating a countywide network of trails.

A public hearing on the changes is tentatively scheduled next month.