It’s going to be a hot one next week, Reston. Get outside this weekend with Dad before you find yourself inside with the AC every day for the foreseeable future. By the way, the HFStival is back! (We’ve got the deets down below).

In today’s Reston Insider:

• Alternative Comeback: The HFStival music festival is back.

• Casino Lobbying: The casino issue isn’t dead yet.

• The Big Idea: In defense of Reston Association.

THE BIG IDEA

In Defense of Reston Association

There is a reflex in some Restonians to instantly denigrate Reston Association (RA) at the mere mention of something within their purview on social media.

Some expect RA to solve all of their problems, whether warranted or not, while others want RA to take a laissez-faire approach to everything. Either way, they all agree they should pay a lot less for whatever they do get.

But dare I say, that $817 you paid to RA this year is an incredible value!

The maintenance of 55 miles of trails, four lakes, and 1350 acres of open space is worth it alone, notwithstanding the 15 pools and 52 tennis courts.

Look, this is not some RA ra-ra puff piece; I know they’re imperfect. Though lately they do seem to be getting a real head of steam on the way to doing some impactful work.

For example, it’s becoming clear that RA leadership is getting serious about the budget using a fiscally-minded, data-driven approach. At the risk of sending you down the rabbit hole of strategic plans, survey results, and meeting minutes that I just went down, I’ll point you toward a great overview of a recent budgeting exercise conducted by the board, as covered by FFXnow.

The budgeting process began last year with a comprehensive survey of RA members. This led to the creation of an updated strategic plan, which in turn is now informing the decision-making process for the new budget.

This is exactly what we want, people!

During this discovery and planning portion of the process, it was discovered that members expect and prefer maintenance and enhancement of existing amenities before new amenities are considered. As such, the strategic plan was updated to reflect this, and the budget aligns with this priority.

Meanwhile, the board is looking for ways to increase revenue by shifting toward a benefits-based fee model. This will ensure that RA amenities and programs that impact all members remain at low or no additional cost, while more individualized programs may carry higher fees, especially for non-members.

Additionally, RA is organizing to fight the efforts of some politicians and developers to put a casino in Reston, Tysons, or elsewhere in Fairfax County. Instead of board members who may or may not be versed in public relations expressing their opposition to this potential development, the association is smartly hiring a PR firm to voice the concern on behalf of the association and community.

Through these efforts, RA is clearly demonstrating a level of professionalism and discipline that was not always evident. Since so many people slam them online over almost anything, I think it is important to acknowledge when we see things improve.

What do you think? (Reply or leave a comment).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Flag Waving: Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs) are popping up all over Reston. Here’s what the one at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center looks like.

Best-of Reston & Herndon: Northern Virginia Magazine published its annual “Best of NOVA 2024” results, and several Reston and Herndon establishments made the list.

Casino Royale: While the casino issue went dormant while the Virginia legislature was out of session, the Reston Citizens Association and Reston Association are preparing for a renewed effort to put the issue to bed once and for all.

Food Composting: Between June 12 and June 16, you can get a free countertop composting container if you compost your food scraps at the Reston Farmers Market or any of the other Fairfax County Farmers Markets.

Fast-Fashion: European fast-fashion brand Primark is opening in the former L.L. Bean location in Tysons Corner Center.

HFStival Lineup: The HFStival is back this September 21 at Nationals Park. The popular music festival got its start at Lake Fairfax Park and eventually changed venues when it grew to 90,000 attendees. This is the first HFStival since 2011 and will be Headlined by The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie. Other artists include Incubus, Bush, Garbage, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter, and Lit. Get tickets here.

Demographic Data: According to the most recent demographic data from 2023, presented by county researchers, Fairfax County is getting older, wealthier, and more diverse. The report notes that the county ended the year with 1,186,000 residents and a median household income of $145,164.

WHAT TO DO

🏃‍♂️‍➡️ 5K and 1 Mile Race/Run: Get your fitness on with Dad at the Potomac River Running Run with Dad 5K and 1 Mile Run at South Lakes, Sunday, June 16.

🚸 Streetfest: The streets come alive with a Kids’ Zone, Game Zone, Pet Zone, entertainment, music, food, and vendors at Reston Town Center on Saturday, June 15, from 10 am to 2 pm.

🪰 Fireflies in the Park: With multiple dates in June and July, why not go on a Firefly Walk in the Meadow at one of Fairfax County’s beautiful parks?

🎥 Movie on the Plaza: Watch the movie Cool Runnings on the big screen in Reston Station Plaza. There will be a food truck serving Jamaican cuisine while you watch the show. Saturday, June 15 at 6 pm.

⚙️ Chill at the Mill: Head to Colvin Run in Great Falls on Father’s Day for a chance to see the mill in action grinding grains. Sunday, June 16 at Noon.

SAVE THE DATE

🧨 Lake Fairfax Fireworks: Spend your Independence Day at Lake Fairfax for food, family fun, and fireworks. Saturday, June 29, starting at Noon.

🧨 Herndon Fireworks: The Town of Herndon’s fireworks will be on Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 6:30 pm. Enjoy good food, entertainment, family games, and the fireworks start at 9:30 pm.

RESTON ASSOCIATION

Rethinking Fees: It appears that Reston Association is getting serious about its budget and is rethinking how it sets its fees. They seem to be using a data-driven approach and are actively seeking ways to keep fees down while simultaneously funding ongoing maintenance of existing amenities. Let’s see if they can pull it off.

EVENTS | NOTABLE DATES

Shadowoood Pool Grand Re-opening: Celebrate the ribbon-cutting and enjoy the renovated Shadowood Pool.

Celebrate Summer Campfire: Bring the kids and sing songs, have S’mores, and enjoy good company by the campfire at the Soapstone Fire Ring. June 14 at 7 pm.

THANKS!

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