Board allocates $50,000 to relocate trails to safer crosswalk near Lake Thoreau

The Reston Association board voted July 24 to allocate $50,000 to move association trail alignments so pedestrians access Lake Thoreau Pool using a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Upper Lake Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive. The motion was made after discussion of recurring member requests for a safer crossing path to the pool. Director Dushyant (mover) said the relocation would connect trails to an existing crosswalk and reduce the risk posed by the current informal crossing location near a tight turn. Staff said the work requires trail relocations rather than a full engineering study and that the effort for Upper Lakes is expected to be simpler than some other crosswalk projects. After discussion, the board approved the $50,000 allocation for relocation and design, with several directors asking staff to coordinate any related tree trimming or site work with central services. Why it matters: Pedestrian safety and access to aquatic facilities are repeated member concerns. The funded relocation aims to move foot traffic to a marked crossing where visibility is higher and motor vehicles are less likely to miss pedestrians. Vote and next steps: The board approved the allocation. Staff will produce a scope and schedule and return with a project plan; if design work finds additional needs, staff will report back with refined cost estimates and timing.