Residents urge board not to rename Lake Ottabon and call for improved pool access at Dogwood

At the June 11 meeting, residents used the public-comment period to press the Reston Association Board of Directors on two distinct community concerns: opposition to a proposed renaming of Lake Ottabon, and limited swim access at Dogwood Pool.

Jeffrey Serell, a Reston resident of more than 35 years, spoke against proposals to remove the Ottabon name from lake signage and other features. "It is expensive. It is expensive. You have to go through the county, change names, lawyers," Serell said, urging the board to survey the broader population before taking action and noting that the national Ottabon organization had rejected prior calls to rename. Serell described canceled meetings, limited public notice and circulating opposition petitions.

Separately, a remote commenter identified in the transcript as Dr. Nar Longa urged the board to investigate expanding or improving Dogwood Pool, which he described as the smallest Reston pool with just three lanes and no swim-team programming. He said the southeast portion of Reston faces access challenges, including heavy traffic across Reston Parkway and limited transit options, and urged an inquiry into how to increase swim access for residents who lack vehicles or are mobility challenged.

Board follow-up: a director asked staff to email members who signed up to speak about the Ottabon topic before the board takes it up in a future meeting, and staff agreed to that request. No board vote on a renaming occurred during the June 11 meeting.

Why it matters: naming actions and pool access affect perceived inclusiveness and daily use of association facilities. Residents asked for broader community engagement before any formal board action.