Committee recommends conserved-open-space designation for Paramount Park to help manage stormwater

The Planning & Development Committee voted to recommend that City Council approve deed restrictions dedicating a portion of Paramount Park as conserved open space to manage stormwater generated by planned park improvements.

Wyatt Woody, Parks and Recreation Director, told the committee the city has accepted grants from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for improvements at Paramount Park that include a quarter-mile paved trail, a nature path, picnic areas, a fenced off-leash dog area, drainage work and an outdoor classroom. Woody said the conserved-open-space designation — implemented through deed restrictions — is a state-approved measure to manage and mitigate stormwater runoff and that City Council will need to approve resolutions to create the required deed restrictions.

Why it matters: staff said dedicating the land for stormwater management will help disperse or infiltrate runoff from the new park amenities. Woody said the parcel in question is “a little over an acre and a half” and lies in an area that underwent stream restoration about eight or nine years ago, allowing the city to reuse previously restored land rather than taking new acreage.

Woody summarized the improvements and links to adopted plans: the project is supported by the city's master plans and the comprehensive plan, and grants from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation support construction. He told the committee that stormwater created by the improvements will need to be managed in accordance with city code and state law, and that deed-restriction resolutions will be presented to City Council at the Aug. 26 meeting.

The committee moved, seconded and voted by voice to recommend that council approve the conserved-open-space designation; the committee record shows an affirmative voice vote.