The following are emails from 22202 residents with feedback on the community use of the fields at Virginia Highlands Park along Joyce Street as of Oct 27.

For the video, see https://bit.ly/heartsatVHP 

Hi, 

I am writing because I so hope that the activities and art installments at the park continue. Walking by every day and seeing what is new and what is happening has been such a highlight during these difficult times. It has also been such a pleasure seeing all kinds of people (safely) come together in the wonderful space that has been curated and it makes me feel a sense of community in a new city. 

Please please please keep it up!!!

Hey All,

I wanted to provide some positive feedback in the hopes of helping you all convince the county to keep it going.  I have lived in the surrounding apartments since 2016 and enjoyed the park for its greenery and as a space to walk the dog, but I have often been perplexed at the general lack of non-sport infrastructure or support. 

The recent changes of live music, the kites/pinwheels/art, the friendly atmosphere, the accessible and open gathering space for all people has been great and I hope it can continue. These efforts have been a welcomed change, especially during pandemic times, and feels like the first step in building a stronger Pentagon City/Aurora Highlands community that had been lacking before these events were held -- all things that parks can help foster!

Thanks for all you have done and hopefully will continue to be able to do.

- Andrew Kaizer

Dear Aurora Highlands Civic Association,

I would like to thank  you for all the activities that you have been putting together on the open space on the northern diamond field near at Virginia Highlands park during the pandemic.  It has really helped turn the space into something usable by the entire Arington community rather than a few individuals that play adult softball several months of the year.  It has been transformed into a gathering space, a community space where neighbors can get together -- socially distantly -- and become better friends and neighbors.

While the community has been using the space regularly for the last few years, the pandemic -- and, more importantly, Arlington's lack of using the space for softball during this time -- has really accelerated the use of this open space by the entire community.  The community has been able to use the space for community and family gathering and events during prime periods (evenings and weekends).  As a result of this, the number of people using the space both during community events and generally during daylight hours for unprogrammed gathering and play has been growing exponentially.  It is truly a remarkable transformation.

I am extremely hopeful that this open space becomes a permanent open space so that these community gatherings can continue well into the future.  Arlington can make much better use of its extremely limited park space by completely opening it up to all members of Arlington, rather than just those that play softball.  While the decision to partially open the space up a few years ago to allow limited use of the outfields during off peak times was a step in the right direction, the space will never be used to its full potential until the community -- the Arlington community as a whole -- stops using this space as a clay softball field.  More and more families will feel free to use the space rather than feeling as though they are inappropriately intruding on a softball field.  I am extremely excited about the possibilities of what more we can do with the open space once the softball field is gone.

Best,

Robert Sidman

Hi,

I love that there's a space in walking distance of where I live where I can go, spread out my blanket and relax and enjoy the sunshine.  I also really enjoy the pop-up art.  It made me smile and warmed my heart the first time I saw the pop-up hearts. 

There's so much going on in the world today and having an outside area available to decompress and forget about my issues and world issues is a blessing.  Thank you so much for what you're doing!  I appreciate it. 🥰

Warm Regards,

Donya Smith

Hello!

Our family is using the Virginia HIghlands softball fields in the early evenings.  During this challenging time our busy playgrounds are still off limits because distancing _cannot_ be maintained, and masking cannot be used, with groups of young toddlers at our playgrounds.  We rely on this space as a place to have some outdoor relief with our little one, and a safe place to run and play at a distance from others.  Due to Covid we need much larger open areas to be able to keep our distance, and the wonderful programming has enriched our otherwise isolated summer in this neighborhood.

Thank you

Dr Marnie Phillips

821 22nd St S

Dear Mr. Anselene and members of the Arlington County Board,

I have lived in Pentagon City since 2015. When I first heard about some neighbors wanting to replace one of the softball fields with an open, passive use recreational space, I was very skeptical. I thought it was a NIMBY impulse to keep people out of the neighborhood. But since the pandemic and the restrictions on recreation throughout the region, my neighbors have really stepped up and showed what a gem this casual use space can be. It has been one of the few silver linings during this year. I have enjoyed the public art, kites, evenings of music, lawn games, outdoor Zumba class, and even a squirt gun fight with my son. 

I have heard that the County is starting to schedule field use again and Virginia Highlands Park is on the docket - particularly the North field that we have been using as our community space. I hope you will reconsider. We are just getting started with planning these community events. As the weather cools and the shadows start a little earlier, we will have even more opportunity to plan outdoor events that everyone can participate in. It seems that you have options that would not displace our community-building activities.

Thank you,

Jane Green

Good afternoon,

I just wanted to let you know that my puppy (ok, 6yr old small dog) and I are really enjoying the park.  Every time we go for a walk now, she heads straight for the Community Chest to play with the Chuckit Launcher!  I'm trying to unload some of the balls she's brought home over the years during walks, so there should always be balls available for dogs to chase after.

I also really enjoy the live music concerts on Saturday, but have unfortunately missed the Zumba classes due to work and the rain.

I really hope you keep it going!  It provides a great sense of community during these unprecedented times.

Thank you,

Leslie and Chouchou

Thanks for the Zumba classes and Sat evening concerts at Virginia Highlands Park.  It feels so hard right now to find activities, outside of the house, that are fun at a social distance.  The Zumba classes are great - especially the Tuesday evening time.  And I enjoyed the one Saturday concert I went to and hope to go to more.  The chairs and games on the field also help make the atmosphere more fun and friendly.  Thanks for helping keep our community happy and healthy!

Erica Cover

I live across the street from the ballfields and absolutely love all the wonderful activities you have brought to the park recently. I enjoy the Saturday evening free live music, the Zumba classes on Tuesday and Saturday, and the origami activity.

Please continue these great events and add more. I moved to this area recently and love the aurora highlands area. I will be sending my memberships dues to you.

Thank you!

Willis Collie

1401 S Joyce

Just enjoyed a Saturday evening of music at Virginia Highlands Park- so grateful for this happening just across from our apartment- it gave us a chance to be outside in a safe environment, have a picnic dinner and listen to music.. Thank you!

We love having this in our neighborhood! Please keep it around. 

Thank you,

Tanner Reel

Hi

I just wanted to write in to show my support for making the park more available for everyone to use. I walk my dogs through the park and over the fields every evening.  With covid it’s extra nice to be able to Use the fields to keep my distance from others. My 17 month old son also loves stumbling through the park and getting on the fields to be able to run around without the fear of being hit by a car or bicycle in our ever growing population and busy streets. I am saddened to hear that our community parks fields are chosen to be used while other fields in the county are not. I feel like that is a misuse of park facility assets. If park management needs help with the allocation of its fields for use I or many other people would be happy to donate our time to assist.

Thanks

Hello - I live at 1600 South Joyce Street and I feel so very grateful during this trying time to have a nice, big green space. I love the music, the Zumba, the art. You’re doing our community a great service by keeping us all occupied - and tying our lives together even as we stay safely six feet apart.

Alexandra Nseir

Pentagon City resident, River House

To the Civic Association, 

I'd like to congratulate you for all the fun activities and events that you are able to put through in our park. Such efforts make these hard times easier to live!

I also noticed the Tuesday Zumba class is becoming popular around the neighborhood, is it possible to continue with the class through September and October? 

Along with the Zumba class and weekend activities, it would be a good idea to collect ideas about other outdoors and healthy activities our neighbors would like to have at the park and present them to the Parks and Recreation Department. 

I think if we show them the importance the park has for our mental and physical health, they might reconsider the use of the space for the residents.

Thank you again for the great work you guys do. Keep it up!

Sincerely 

Natalia Gómez R. 

We are long-time neighbors and over the years, while improvements to Virginia Highlands Park have been made, somehow we residents seem to be bumped for organized sports and such.  I have to say we remain disappointed that no dog park was ever created, but now, during the pandemic, I understand more of the park is going to be off limits to us.

The land around the hearts is a pleasant respite and neighbors have created space that can be safely enjoyed communally.  I recognize that organized sports are nice, but they're not neighbors, and I believe that instead of blocking off our local park for people outside the neighborhood, it should remain open to us.

Thank you,

   Nancy DiPaolo

 1131 22nd St. S

Hello and Thank You for organizing all the events at Virginia Highlands Park!

Our family attended the Saturday music night with Gary Chambers which we greatly enjoyed. He drew a nice sized crowd ranging in age from kids to senior citizens. I was happy to see that everyone wore masks and adhered to social distancing requirements. I also appreciated that someone had set up chairs spread out appropriately across the field.

Another event we participated in was the origami art hunt. It was a nice way to play seek-and-find and it motivated us to get out. It also motivated us to try a little origami at home with some help from you.tube.

I also noticed that the Zumba classes were a big hit. I wanted to join in, but am still recovering from a surgery, otherwise I would have been out there, too.

But that brings up another point about the events: you don’t need to always participate in them to benefit from them. Since we live in the River House apartments, I could watch the Zumba classes and other activities from our window or when I walk our dog. Seeing people having fun always makes me smile. It makes me happy. And it makes me happy to live in a neighborhood that offers these opportunities.

The events at the park are ideal, and it’s part of what makes our neighborhood such a great place to live. Thanks to everyone involved in putting them together.

Many thanks and best regards,

Karen Thoms

1600 S. Joyce St

To whom it may concern, 

I am emailing in an effort to advocate to keep one of our softball fields for outdoor recreation activities of our community. We have enjoyed the outdoor toys and seating that have been provided by the association and use them often. We also frequently attend the events hosted there, including concerts and Zumba classes. Moreover, we have seen other community members using these items almost every time we pass by the park, today included.

In these times of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to continue to offer venues like these for healthy outdoor recreation for our community. Please consider allowing access to the softball field to our community in favor of these other activities if moving softball games to other fields is feasible. 

We appreciate all you do for our wonderful community!

-Roxana Soltero

Civic Association,

Thanks for setting up fun events for our community.  I’m excited about Zumba Saturday!

Respectfully,

Christie

As a 22202 resident, I want to thank the folks who have opened up the softball fields for public use. With limited green space in the area, it is a great asset to the community.  I've seen kids playing tag, families playing catch & folks relaxing. The events, like music and kite flying have also been an added bonus. It's a wonderful way to bring the community together in a safe way. 

Andrea

This park is such a great community asset and is used all day long by people who live nearby for walks, exercise, dog walks, and social get together space. When outdoor space is at a premium, and we do not have many options indoors due to Covid, this space has helped many of us continue to live a semi normal life during this pandemic. 

Good morning,

I’m a member of a gym in Arlington where I used to attend Zumba every Saturday, and then the COVID-19 pandemic started, and that class has been canceled ever since. My husband has heard me complain repeatedly about how much I missed going, especially since I have an office job that is fairly sedentary, and now that we’re working from home to prevent the spread, it’s been even MORE sedentary. I live in a high-rise condo, and it’s challenging to motivate oneself to do Zumba alone in the same living room where I’ve been sitting on the couch with my laptop all day. A big reason to attend Zumba is to improve health - but gathering indoors, in a group, for an extended amount of time, and breathing heavily is pretty much the definition of what NOT to do during this pandemic.

So, I was delighted to find Natalia’s 10:30am Saturday class at Virginia Highlands Park listed on the zumba.com website, and even more delighted to receive a prompt reply to my email inquiry. I attended last week & today, and I’m already looking forward to doing so again next week! Social distance is respectfully maintained, much more than six feet. It’s an outdoor space. It’s affordable (no  flat fee, but tips suggested). Being an extrovert, I’m so happy to get out and see other human beings and enjoy upbeat music at a loud but reasonable volume. The pandemic has added a new kind of stress to my life, and the opportunity to freely dance and jump around is a wonderful way to deal with it. Other methods of relieving stress such as meditation and such have their merits, to be sure, but they nearly always put me to sleep within minutes - and that actually results in MORE stress for me, as I have a diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia, and sleep impacts my life in more ways than I have time to explain right now (but you can find more info at www.hypersomniafoundation.org). In contrast, the liveliness and high energy of Zumba is so therapeutic! I love the 10:30am time slot too, which allows me to sleep in a bit on a Saturday, but also helps me to get up and out and still have a substantial portion of the rest of the day left. I don’t always bring up the subject of my sleep disorder, but today nears the end of Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week 2020, and Zumba helps me cope, so it seemed like the right thing to do here.

“Zumba in the Park” has brought a much-needed boost to my mental and physical health. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate, and I hope it continues. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Marisa Martineau

To whom it may concern:

My family and I attended the concert at Virginia Highlands park this past Saturday and really enjoyed ourselves.  We would like to see this space open to the community and used for additional community activities – concerts, exercise classes, art installations, food events, etc.  The community should have access to this space at all times. 

I have lived in Aurora Highlands for over 10 years and have almost never seen the softball fields used for softball.  At least one of the softball fields should be converted to some other park space – there’s no need for two softball fields.  Regardless, these spaces should be accessible and preferably converted to park space that can be used by everyone in the community. 

We really appreciate all the activities and really enjoy using the space.  Please do everything in your power to ensure that this space is not locked up again.  Thank you.

Best regards,

Lela Ames (633 21st St S, Arlington, VA)

Hello,

My name is Hannah, and in March, I moved to Pentagon City from across the country. As a newcomer to the area during a pandemic (who doesn't have a yard, green space, or tons of friends in the immediate area), I can say that the Aurora Highlands Civic Association events and programming have been invaluable. They make me feel so much more connected to my new neighborhood and community, and like I chose the right neighborhood to move to. It is a critical time to find ways to safely connect with our community, and the association is doing a monumental service to all of us by prioritizing that. I look forward to attending more events and supporting the association in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Hannah

It has been a great experience visiting VA Highlands Park this year meeting friends, enjoying the activities and food trucks, but I liked the free music concerts the best! Please continue....Jim Sheats

To whom it may concern,

I wanted to write in and explain a bit about why I love the open spaces and the events at the park at aurora highlands. 

I live at the Riverhouse with my husband, mother and two children. We always attend whatever the events are that are offered as many of our neighbors do as well. The hearts concept is so cool and we love the live music! 

It is wonderful for families and all ages. It gives people something positive to do which is extra important during these times and allows the community to come together to enjoy such a beautiful space. There is something about having an open space to run, fly kites, take pictures at etc.  it really makes this community special. There is a big difference with my kids when we get to utilize this space and get some fresh air. Not to mention the social distancing is very much abided by . 

I own a pet services business called  Two Way Pet Services  in Crystal City off of Eads. There are not too many spaces where myself and our clients can come enjoy events outside and it’s amazing how many clients of ours utilize this space and discuss it... this open space and the free events have been much needed here for a long time, kudos to providing this space and these very special free events. I’ve lived across the street for quite sometime now and have hardly ever seen these fields being used. It was such a wasted space. Now so many people appreciate and utilize this area! 

Thank you so much for caring about our community, giving us this area to utilize and for these events to look forward to!  We hope that you will continue this and make it more permanent as it is so appreciated by so many of us! 

--

Kind Regards,

Linda and Melissa

Owners of Two Way Dog Walking

Hi Folks,

I just wanted to know how much I have enjoyed the music in the park series and the use of this green space for something other than just a softball field.   My hats off to those that really led the charge to get some of the fencing pulled down to enable this space to go from single use to mixed use.  Lots of folks have been using this space for all kinds of activities.  !  Green space is SO precious in the area as the county has allow more and more density and elimination of green space, particularly for the large apartment complexes in the immediate area with plans to eliminate trees and the green buffers and replace with added streetside buildings.

Thanks again!

Scott Donelson

817 22nd st south

Thanks for putting together music in the park on Saturday night. Great to see friends and neighbors out enjoying themselves. Please continue to sponsor these events. 

Best,

Tim Henkle

I attended the concert tonight at Virginia Highlands Park and thoroughly enjoyed myself. This is the first I have attended but will not be the last. What a great way to get outside, visit with friends and meet new people, and enjoy good music. Please keep these going.

Best regards, 

Deirdre Henkle 

Good Morning Aurora Highlands Representatives,

Wanted to encourage you to continue the open spaces at Virginia Highlands Park. The volunteers were so nice and we had a great time last night. It was so nice to have a safe space to be social and meet new neighbors. Please continue these events and I plan to try the Zumba and appreciate the Halloween event to help with a safe time.  Also looking forward to the food trucks.

Have a great rest of your day

Sincerely,

Rachel Brady

Hello,

I just want to say how much I enjoy having the musical performances and socially distanced gatherings at the baseball field in Aurora Highlands. There are so few ways that people can go out these days, and this is always a huge release. Even when I cannot go, I can enjoy the music in my apartment. I hope that these events continue.

Best,

Stephen D'Alessio

Hello.  I just wanted to let you know that myself and my neighbors (12 of us in total!)  attended the concert at the park last night  (across from River House, corner of 15 & Joyce).  We had such a great time listening to music and connecting with friends and neighbors under the stars! I would love to see this event keep going, it is such a great opportunity & venue for neighbors to gather and truly connect.  Kudos to the civic association for enabling this great community event!!!

Rosamunda

Rosamunda Neuharth-Ozgo

Hello. My name is Betty Moore. I live at the Ridge House (1301 Arlington Ridge Road). I wanted to let you know what a great time I had at the concert in the park last night across from River House. Thank you so much for sponsoring this great event. I can’t wait until next Saturday’s concert. It’s such a fun community get together and no matter how much it rains during the day or in the hours leading right up to the concert, it always seems to clear out just in time for the concert.  Just like it did again last night!  Last night's concert was the  6th one I attended this summer.  I really enjoy it. Thank you. 

--

Betty Moore

Had a wonderful time with many neighbors at the concert in the park this past Saturday.  It is so good to have an opportunity to connect outside, with plenty of room to safely distance.

I very much hope this continues, our family will attend frequently if they continue.

Many thanks for putting on the show!

-Lynn O'Connell

Thank you for all you do to keep the park alive and vibrant during this time.  Especially for those of us living in (and teleworking in) the high rises, the park has been a place to get fresh air, see other neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors safely.  The extra events, art, and especially the white chairs, have been a game changer for those feeling isolated.   Thank you!  

1401 S Joyce

Just a quick note to let you know how much my family has LOVED all the events at VA Highlands Park!  We moved to the area in April and thanks to COVID didn’t really have a safe way to meet any of our new neighbors.  Thanks to the park events we were still able to get out and enjoy our new neighborhood and eventually make lots of new friends!  We’ve had so much fun!

Bryn

To whom it may concern,

I really enjoy the park! Nice flat space, fun toys, good music. Great place to see the sunset and to have socially distant fun.

Best,

Alistair

The parks are amazing. We need them in our community so we can stay safe from COVId & enjoy some nature in a town with so little space.

What a blessing. Thanks so much for the social distance concert.

We love our parks.

Alyssa Marlow

1515 S Arlington Ridge Rd

Good evening,

I am writing to thank the community-led group putting together all of the amazing events together in the park (Virginia Highlands Park). Quarantine has not been easy but  being able to engage, safely, with neighbors and friends in the park has been a true blessing. I particularly enjoy the live music, food trucks, art displays and the chairs!

Respectfully,

Kelly Sheehy

Thank You for sponsoring the outdoor Zumba class at the softball field.    It has been a lifesaver during the Pandemic.

I can only tolerate so much virtual exercising with Zoom!

Myself and my friend have enjoyed the Sat evening music in the park. It is relaxing and nice to be able to hear live music in a pleasant outdoor space without needing a reservation.

We would love to see it continue at least through November since weather here is usually pretty mild at least until then.

Thank you so much for organizing it.

I would also like it if we could get food trucks to come by.

Hello!

Thanks for organizing the event at the park tonight. Had good time

Best

Thank you for sponsoring the Saturday night concert series.

We've really enjoyed  the summer and fall evenings especially with so little else to do for entertainment during this crazy 2020.  The concerts have been enjoyable and very safe.

And we love it when there's a food truck there to enhance the experience.

Gary and Jeanne LaBella

Arlington residents

We have attended several of the Saturday evening concerts and greatly enjoyed them and the experience.  Keep up the great work.

Also performer Jim Sheets has been exceptional!

- Ted Saks

Linda Watson

Good Morning,

I wanted to express my appreciation of the events that are being held in the park, especially during these more trying times.  Last Saturday’s music event was great, and I hope to see more events like it in the future.

Thank you,

-M

Michael Upright

I love the events that you guys put on at the park. I do Zumba on Saturday mornings, and the music in the evening is the perfect venue for inviting people to a socially distance event. Having an outdoor place to go to with friends means so much to me.

Thank you for doing all this hard work, it is great for the community.

Good afternoon,

I wanted to write to express my gratitude for the numerous efforts put on by the Aurora Highlands Civic Association. As an Arlignton resident and particularly during "COVID times", it has been an incredible relief to be able to engage in the events sponsored in the area.

I believe that the music in the park program and the outdoor fitness programs in particular have been a huge boon to my physical and mental wellbeing. The time, effort, and heart that goes into events like these is highly appreciated. Thank you so much for making our community so bright!

Respectfully yours,

Joseph Begala

AHCA,

We enjoyed the music in Virginia Highlands Park on 10 Oct.

Thanks

Doug Brown

Good morning -

I am emailing to say how much I enjoy the activities at the Virginia Highlands Park. It is such a relief to have a wide open space to listen to music and do activities in the age of COVID. Please continue to allow this space to be used by the community.

Thanks, Linda K

I live across the street and have a view of the park from my apartment. I see people out there pretty much every day that the weather permits, and especially on weekends, lots of people come to set up picnics and use the chairs, and kids seem to love the available activities and toys. Unfortunately, I do not get out there as much as I would like, but I can often hear the music on Saturdays if I open the window, which is nice. I know several areas in Arlington are working on getting allowed open container policies. At the same time, I am sure some people drink already. I haven't noticed any groups get rowdy or cause trouble at the Saturday events. If the county would extend the policy to at least one field when events are held there, that might draw. Because the lights shut off at night, it is early enough that not too much trouble is likely to occur because of it. I would say, if the Civic Association hosts events in that field next year, which I hope they do, it would also be nice if there were bathroom facilities on that side of the park. Currently, the only ones are on the other side near the fire station. I understand it was probably not a good year for public bathroom facilities, but I am sure it would be appreciated next year.

Thank you,

Laura Hinton

It's so great to have a space to meet up with neighbors outdoors and with space to pull up a chair or throw down a blanket but not get too close. The music is a huge plus! Looking forward to warm days through the rest of the year so I can stay in touch with friends.

In a town where many people live in high rises and can't see the sun without parks....I just wanted to say how blessed we are to have some sense of activity to do safely right now.  Kids need time away from their devices too.

THANK YOU.  Please keep it up.

-Alyssa

Arlington Ridge Rd.

The VA Highlands Park space is wonderful. The execution of the Sat night music helps me feel a slice of normalcy and community in a year where those feelings are hard to come by. Some neighborhood parents have been meeting I. The part since early August and the activity around us helps it feel like we are ones of many, enjoying our public space, so much more because of our strange current circumstances.

Thank you for making it what it is. Please continue to make it a place of life, live music, and community!!

Thanks,

Kris

Hi there,

Just sending an email as a resident and member of the Aurora Highlands Civic Association.  I think the "Hearts in the Park" and Free Music Saturdays have been a revelation for organic, citizen-led, community building.  I encourage you to maintain these events, pending Arlington County support, when the time and weather cooperate.  

I know a number of people in our community as well as in surrounding communities who have enjoyed the free concerts on Saturday evenings throughout the Summer and Fall, so they would be supportive of keeping this community event going forward.

Thank you again for making the effort to provide this community service to the people of Aurora Highlands and Arlington as a whole.

Best,

Brandon Mansur