ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
SMALL PARKS PROGRAM GUIDELINES

What's the Purpose of Arlington's Small Parks Program?

• To enable Arlington citizens to initiate small capital improvements and beautification projects for Arlington's parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities in their neighborhoods and schools
• To encourage community support for public land
• To enable these improvements to be completed without going through the normal budget process.

The type of improvements which have been funded include, but are not limited to: upgrade of totlots, sports or building amenities, fencing, dog exercise areas, drinking fountains, park furniture or landscaping. In all cases, the maximum allocation will be $10,000 for a specific project. Once either single or multiple allocations reach the maximum amount, the project will not be funded for the next three years. Those projects receiving partial funding (up to the limit) or projects which were not funded, may then reapply for funding during the next available funding cycle. The Small Parks Process is administered by the Arlington County Park and Recreation Commission.

What Makes a Project Eligible?

Small Parks projects must:

• Be on property that is (1) owned or leased by the County or (2) privately-owned with an easement granted for general public use;
• Provide long term service to a substantial number of citizens;
• Always be available for general public use;
• Be consistent with the community's Neighborhood Conservation Plan, if one exists;
• Demonstrate the support of local neighborhood groups, such as citizens' associations, PTA's, recreation center advisory boards, business and service clubs and houses of worship;
• Demonstrate that timely notification has been given to adjacent property owners, renters and other interested parties; and
• Include detailed cost estimates (10% contingency required to be included for each project).

What Makes a Project Eligible

In evaluating the projects, the Park and Recreation Commission will give preference to those projects which:

• Do not duplicate accessible near-by services; and
• Assist with the initial labor and continued maintenance where feasible; and
• Attract matching funds from other sources.

How Does the Process Work?

Applicants must file a letter of intent with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources (DPRCR) by May 15. When May 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday. The letter of intent is simply designed to express your interest in the program so that a Commissioner can be assigned to advise you in the ensuing application process. This letter must contain a general outline of the project, types of improvements desired, the name, address and telephone number of the contact person for the proposed application, and other appropriate information. However, the letter of intent does not need to cite community support, specific costs or specific equipment desired. A letter of intent must be filed or applications will be returned to the submitting party. EMAIL AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Postmarked letters or hand delivered letters will be the only acceptable method of delivery. Send the letter of intent and all correspondence to:

Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources
Small Parks Program
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 414
Arlington, Virginia 22201

The telephone number is (703) 228-3318.

For hand delivered letters a time stamp and receiving box will be available at the above address. Sample Letter of Intent

Next, a member of the Park and Recreation Commission will be assigned by the Commission Chairman who will contact the applicant, review the project, visit the location, advise the applicant in the preparation of their application, and make a recommendation to the Commission. Staff from DPRCR will also address technical and service issues.

Should applicants need help with project guidelines, design or cost estimates, they should then contact their assigned Commissioner.

How Does the Process Work

Although professional staff assistance is limited, it may be possible to arrange staff help for design and cost specifications. These specifications are important in the preparation of the project application prior to its submission to the Commission for approval.

When Are Projects Funded?

Projects are funded on an annual basis according to the following schedule:

• May 15* Letter of intent due to DPRCR by 4:30 PM.
• Mid-June Work shop to provide information to applicants on guidelines and cost specifications.
• September 30* All final applications must be submitted to DPRCR by 4:30 PM.
• Late Oct./Nov. Presentation of proposals by applicants to the Commission. Although it is not mandatory, the Commission encourages applicants to be present.
• December/Jan. County Board considers (approval of) Small Park Program project funding.

*When these dates fall on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early and participate in the June Workshop in order to submit the most complete application possible. Recommendations for funding are forwarded by the Commission to the County Board, which must approve final allocations.

Once projects are approved by the County Board, final design and construction details are prepared in conjunction with the DPRCR staff. Supplies, equipment, and other materials will be ordered by DPRCR. Installation will include either DPRCR construction personnel or a qualified vendor. It is estimated that construction or installation will begin in spring of the following year.

For further information on this program, please call (703) 228-3318.

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