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F.A.C.T.S. |
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| Nichols Farm | Fields Farm | Franklin Park |
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Loudoun County Needs a Reality Check A lot of myth-making is going on concerning the possible sites for the next Western Loudoun High School, scheduled to open by 2008. Supervisor Jim Burton’s recent report assessing Franklin Park raises more questions than answers. Let’s take a look at the MYTHS vs. the FACTS: Myth #1: The School Board needs 60 acres to build a high school. Fact: A high school placed on the Nichols property in Hamilton will require the full 60 acres for the school building, parking lots, green space, roads, and fields. A recent study shows this site does not, in fact, provide 60 buildable acres. At Franklin Park, however, we need less than 10 of the park’s 200 acres for the building since more than 500 parking spaces, roads, and athletic fields already exist on the property. Additional fields, including, perhaps, a lighted high-school stadium, could be located at Fields Farm north of Purcellville. Myth #2: Franklin Park is already finished. Fact: Franklin Park was designed to be a full-service regional park. In addition to its existing recreational and arts facilities, the park’s master plan included a community center, equestrian center, four to six more tennis courts, volleyball/basketball courts, and lighted ball fields. However, according to a 2003 Leesburg Today article (6/26/03), this plan has been “all but abandoned by county supervisors.” A creative “campus” design would bring some of these much-needed community facilities to Western Loudoun County. A high school with a shared library, indoor pool, and other recreational facilities would finally make use of the County’s substantial investment in the park. Less than 5% of the park would have to change to accommodate a school. Myth #3: Putting a school in Franklin Park would reduce green space in Loudoun. Fact: A “land use swap” with Fields Farm – which was purchased as a high school site but is burdened with political and logistical obstacles – would increase the total number of dedicated parkland acres in Loudoun County. Additionally, the County would avoid extra paving for roads and parking spaces that are already available and unused during school hours. Myth #4: Soil conditions at Franklin Park would increase costs over alternative sites. Fact: Mr. Burton’s report on Franklin Park identifies three areas suitable for construction of the 8.4-acre high school building, while taking advantage of existing parking and road infrastructure. Preliminary reports indicate that building a school and all its necessary amenities on the Nichols property would require draining a pond and substantial regrading. Myth #5: Utilities for Franklin Park would be more costly than alternative sites. Fact: There are two active wells on the Franklin Park site, which according to Mr. Burton’s report, is “sufficient to serve the high school.” In addition, the Town of Round Hill has repeatedly reported that it has reserved water/sewer capacity for a high school in its utility system. Franklin Park is located approximately 1.25 miles from the Town’s current Route 7 lift station; however, depending upon the final location of the facility at the park and the results of a adequate sanitary engineering study, a shorter route, alternate connection locations, potential elimination of pumps, or cost-saving utility agreements may be accomplished. According to Mayor Keith Reasoner, Hamilton’s water service is “in poor shape. … If there were a major fire at the east end of town, we don’t have the capacity to fight it.” (Leesburg Today, 1/14/05). Consequently, a major upgrade to Hamilton’s system would be required to service a school. Who is going to pay for that upgrade? Myth #6: Road changes at Franklin Park will cost more than alternative sites. Fact: Franklin Park already has completed turning lanes, nearby access to the Route 7 bypass, and a neighboring paved road for emergency exits. The Nichols Farm offers none of these benefits. Myth #7: Parks and Recreation cannot share facilities with the school system. Fact: The School Board’s own Capital Improvements Program report for 2005-2010 states that the School Board “is not alone in its need for land to develop facilities. The County Government is confronting similar demands for public facilities ranging from libraries and fire stations to parks and recreation facilities. The School Board and County staffs are exploring opportunities for facility co-location.” Additionally, Loudoun schools already use Franklin Park for athletic activities, including soccer and cross-country. Surrounding municipalities such as Clarke County, Franklin County, and Fairfax County regularly share facilities. Sherando High School in Stephens City is an excellent example of a high school and regional park working together. Myth #8: Our problems are over if we quickly condemn the Nichols property. Fact: A short-sighted solution is going to leave long-term consequences. Parents will sue to re-district the school boundaries. Transportation costs will soar. Traffic will gridlock the town of Hamilton. The county, Hamilton citizens, or more development will have to pay to upgrade Hamilton’s water system. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and School Board need to face the FACTS: By using less than 5% of Franklin Park’s 200 acres, we can have a high school, a public library, a public indoor pool, and a beautiful park finally completed to provide recreation and community amenities to Western Loudoun. Why condemn land in Hamilton, buying and paving a new 60-acre parcel? By acting now at Franklin Park, we can use existing land, water, and transportation resources to build a school in a community that wants it, next to the growth that demands it, for the money we can afford, and in the time we need it. |