| Round Hill to Franklin Park Trail
Goes Out for Construction Bid |
By FRANK ETRO
Mayor, Town of Round Hill
While the Franklin Park trail project has been on the books for what may
seem an eternity, the trail will finally become reality when its first
two construction phases go out to bid in the coming weeks.
Phase one will construct a trail on both sides of East Loudoun Street
from the corner of Main Street/New Cut Road to Evening Star Drive, then
continue under Route 7 through Lakepoint to Franklin Park.
Phase two will complete the trail through Franklin Park to the pool.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by winter 2007.
The trail’s effects on existing sidewalks, the eastern gateway, the
Town’s Heritage Sycamore Tree and adjacent properties prompted the
creation of Round Hill’s citizen-developed Streetscape Master Plan.
This plan addressed the siting of the trail within Round Hill and
convinced VDOT to revise a number of design requirements without
impacting the funding for the project.
In addition to the trail itself, implementation of other aspects of the
Streetscape Plan are also underway. Installation of curbs and gutters
will improve drainage and increase pedestrian safety.
The planning process is underway to create a network of sidewalks to
connect town to adjacent neighborhoods. These include pedestrian and
storm water improvements from Yatton Road north along New Cut Road, and
up Main Street to Greenwood Drive.
The coming Creekside neighborhood will install a sidewalk from Greenwood
Drive to connect with the recently completed trail running north on 719,
which along with to the Franklin Park trail will complete a loop from
the Villages through Town.
Creekside has also proffered funds for new decorative street lighting.
In addition, the Town Council is considering pavers in place of concrete
in front of the Loudoun Street Park and in the central business
district, as well as extending the sidewalk to the Round Hill Arts
Center. |
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| The design committee hopes a new park on the east
side of Sleeter Lake will open for passive use next summer. |
| Committee Plans Sleeter Lake Park |
By MARY ANNE GRAHAM
Member, Round Hill Town Council
The Town of Round Hill, Oak Hill Properties, and the Villages at Round
Hill Homeowners Association (HOA) have teamed up to open the Round Hill
Area Park at Sleeter Lake for limited use during the summer of 2007.
The seeds were sown for this project during the rezoning of what is now
“The Villages.” Round Hill was proffered approximately 11 undeveloped
acres on the east side of Sleeter Lake for public use. In an effort to
strengthen the community, it was determined that this property would be
open to the public within the Round Hill postal area for passive use.
Because funding is limited, development of the park will evolve
gradually with a great deal of community involvement. A joint committee
dusted off the plans in the 1995 Town Comprehensive Plan and has begun
to develop the details for management and regulations as well as siting
picnic areas, a fishing pier and a launching area for canoes, kayaks and
non-gasoline powered boats. An ampitheater is also envisioned at the
park in the future.
The committee consists of citizens that reside in and outside of town
limits and is facilitated by the Villages HOA manager and the Town
Council. Meetings are held sporadically on Friday evenings in the Town
Office. If you would like to participate, refer to the Town web site (www.roundhillva.org)
for announcements. |
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