Minor Hill, which includes both the Emily Sharp Park and the county's water storage facility, is of particular importance to the Williamsburg community because of its prominence and its history. Eighty percent (80%) of survey respondents indicated better use could be made of this site. Sharp Park was established on privately donated land as part of a neighborhood initiative. Minor Hill, the highest point in Arlington, was an important Civil War observation post and signal station, and was the location of the first settlement in the northern portion of Arlington. The neighborhood has, on several occasions, successfully opposed inappropriate uses of Minor Hill. This site is critical to Williamsburg's conservation plan.

At the urging of the Williamsburg Civic Association about 20 years ago, landscaping was installed at the water storage site, and the underground reservoirs were topped with tennis and basketball courts. The addition of these recreation facilities transformed Minor Hill into a useful, and very used, neighborhood gathering point. The removal of the tennis and basketball courts several years ago is a loss still keenly felt by the community.

Residents understand that maintaining the integrity of the underground reservoirs which contain the county's drinking water supply is of primary importance. They would like to see appropriate mixed uses developed at the site which would satisfy the neighborhood's desire for more recreational facilities. Increased use of the site by residents could help deter vandalism and other behavior which is detrimental to both the water supply and the neighborhood. Additional landscaping would improve the appearance of the site and could be used to visually unify Minor Hill.

Recommendations

2. Preserve Minor Hill, including Emily Sharp Park and the water storage facility, as natural open space by:

2a. Evaluating the existing landscaping and hardscape and creating a master plan to create visual unity throughout the site. Using this plan as a guide, install appropriate landscaping and hardscape to make the site more attractive and inviting to residents. Residents have expressed a desire for more flowers and flowering shrubs.

2b. Protecting the mature trees on the site.

2c. Clearing away underbrush to allow pedestrians better access to the site.

2d. Implementing erosion control measures to protect the slope between the park and the storage facility and to improve drainage in the park.

3. Provide appropriate recreational facilities at Minor Hill by:

3a. Converting the former parking area off Powhatan Street into a children's play area.

3b. Initiating a feasibility study to determine what types of recreational uses are practical and appropriate at the site. Residents have suggested the following: an all-weather foot path suitable for walking and jogging around the reservoir platform, basketball and tennis courts.

4. Install additional trash receptacles. Trash and litter are a constant problem at the lower end of the reservoir platform and in the park. Neighborhood residents will assist with the effort to keep the site clean.