Residents tell Reston Association of drug use, trash and safety problems at Dogwood Pool and nearby natural areas

Residents of the Pinecrest Cluster told the Reston Association Board of Directors on June 24 that repeated after‑hours use of the Dogwood pool pavilion and adjacent natural area is creating a public‑safety and sanitation problem. Speakers asked the association to convene a multi‑agency response and to consider measures such as more frequent litter pickup, fencing, and partner coordination with Fairfax County and community service providers.

David Barker of 2442 Cloudcroft Square told the board he has found evidence he described as “paraphernalia” and said people are camping, leaving needles, burning trash and depositing human waste in wooded areas near the pool. Barker said the behavior has disrupted neighbors and limits safe use of the pool and picnic pavilion. “It’s really bad,” he said, listing broken bottles and smoke that bother residents nearby. Barker said he has personally removed trash and chased people from areas that cross private cluster property.

Robin Shell, who identified herself as a Pinecrest Cluster resident, echoed Barker and said the problems have escalated over the last five years. Shell said litter — including spoons and sharp fragments — and evidence of harder‑drug use have made the splash pad unsanitary at times. She told the board the Reston Association’s prior response was “underwhelming” and asked for stronger measures this summer.

Both speakers said the trouble is concentrated in evenings and overnight, when people arrive and remain in the picnic area and woods. Shell suggested several possible responses including adding more trash receptacles and scheduled litter pickups, installing fencing similar to other splash pads, enhanced coordination with Fairfax County police and community services, and short‑term landscaping alterations to limit runoff of picnic debris into splash pad areas while the board considers longer‑term fixes.

Board members did not take immediate action during public comment; staff said they will compile resident requests with operational options for the board to consider during the budget and operations planning cycle. The residents who spoke emphasized they were asking for coordinated solutions involving RA, Fairfax County police, property owners and local social‑service providers, not pointing blame.

Ending: Residents said they want a durable plan that protects children and day‑time users of the Dogwood facilities. The board instructed staff to include the concerns in maintenance and public‑safety planning for the summer and to return recommended actions and estimated costs at a later meeting.