Reston Association board approves Core Foundation triathlon common-area request with agreement condition

The Reston Association Board of Directors unanimously approved a common-area request for the Core Foundation’s annual triathlon, including a contingency weekend to allow the lake swim to be moved if algae blooms create unsafe conditions.

Doug Boucher, representing the Core Foundation, told the board that organizers want flexibility after last year’s late-season algae bloom forced them to cancel the lake swim. “What we're asking for this year is a plan b… moving the race to a time that's a little cooler and less likely to have that issue,” Boucher said, adding that advertising a pre‑set Plan B would smooth logistics for athletes.

Directors pressed the applicant about how much of event revenue returns to local causes. Boucher and board members exchanged figures about net proceeds: Boucher said the larger Core Foundation 990 shows bigger totals, but the triathlon event itself “does not make a lot of… net revenue,” estimating that this specific event’s net would be “probably 5 to 10,000” while a different sprint event “nets probably 55 to 60,000.” When asked about specific community grants, he said the foundation planned to contribute this year toward Friends of Reston’s digital trail‑mapping program and that the foundation provides scholarships and free participation for young athletes.

Director comments focused on ensuring the foundation’s community benefits and on operational protections. Director Perry thanked the applicant for adding the Plan B, and Director Santa asked staff to get clearer percentages in the future so applications can be moved quickly.

The board approved the request “subject to a mutually agreed upon written agreement,” and the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The board’s action preserves lake access for a long‑standing community event while requiring a written agreement to document conditions for use and any community benefit commitments. Organizers said the triathlon supports youth programs and local causes, though the specific net revenue for this event is modest compared with the foundation’s other events.

What’s next: Staff will draft or finalize the written agreement with the Core Foundation reflecting the approved dates and the Plan B contingency and will return the agreement to the board or president for signature as required.