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Reston Association narrows Lake Newport repair plan, expands pool hours and hires lifeguards for summer
Summary
RA staff told the board March 27 that a planned $600,000 full resurfacing of Lake Newport Pool will be deferred while staff patches leaks and investigates; the board approved expanded pool hours and staff said hiring of seasonal lifeguards is underway.
Reston Association staff told the board March 27 they will delay a full chip‑out and resurfacing for Lake Newport Pool, instead making targeted repairs and conducting an investigation this summer to determine whether the larger 2025 allocation of roughly $600,000 is warranted.
Peter Lusk, RA chief operating officer, said staff discovered last year that Lake Newport was losing water at a concerning rate. Rather than spend the full budgeted amount immediately, staff elected to do a targeted “seal of some cracking” and open the pool for summer while performing dye testing and diving inspections. “It would be more prudent for us to do a seal of some cracking, get that work done, open the pool for the summer … and then come back to the board during budget season with a recommendation for what we should do moving forward,” Lusk said.
Staff also reported a broader set of pool and parks items planned for the 2025 season: an additional 1,400 pool hours approved by the board, continued hiring for lifeguards and seasonal staff, and several maintenance and accessibility upgrades. Laura Kowalski, recreation staff, said all 15 RA pools will open for the season with expanded hours and that the full 2025 pool schedule will be posted online April 1.
Other capital items discussed included: a near‑term dredging project for the Lake Anne Canal (staff said Army Corps and Fairfax County approvals are complete and dredging is expected before Memorial Day), the Hook Road ball‑field renovation (phase 1 includes moving home plates, new fencing and pathways; construction scheduled for summer/fall 2025), and a Lake Thoreau observation dock that will use RA’s recreation facilities investment process and include public engagement this summer.
Board members also pressed staff about safety projects. Staff said they are preparing to seek Design Review Board feedback on a short safety railing at Running Cedar to make a steep slope safe for game attendees; staff characterized that installation as a short (week‑long) project once approvals are obtained. For Barton Hill, staff said VDOT has recommended either a raised crosswalk or refuge island because of sight‑line limitations near Sunrise Valley Drive.
Staff confirmed recruitment is underway for lifeguards and other seasonal positions and noted strong retention rates among returning seasonal employees. The board discussed operational planning for Hunts Woods, Dogwood and Glade pool scheduling to ensure geographic equity when pools have closures or different hours.
Why it matters: RA’s decisions determine summertime access to pools, field availability for leagues, and near‑term capital spending. Lake Newport’s deferred major resurfacing means more limited capital outlays now but a directed investigation and possible future budget requests.
What’s next: Staff will continue the leak investigation at Lake Newport, report back with a recommended long‑term fix during budget season, and post the full pool schedule online April 1. Hook Road construction and the Lake Anne canal dredging are scheduled to proceed later in 2025.
