Reston Citizens Association Reiterates That Reston National Golf Course Must Be Preserved As Open Space

The owner of the Reston National Golf Course (RNGC), RN Golf Management, LLC (RN Golf) is reactivating its appeal for rezoning the golf course. Reston Citizens Association (RCA) reiterates its position that the use of RNGC land should be preserved as a golf course.

In response to RN Golf’s bid in Summer 2012 to explore rezoning of RNGC land for non-open space uses including residential development, RCA passed a resolution on August 27, 2012 rejecting the use of the land for anything other than its current use as open space, specifically its current use a golf course or as open space dedicated to parks and recreation.

RN Golf requested an indefinite deferral of its hearing before the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals in July, 2013. That hearing was in regards to RN Golf’s appeal of the Fairfax County Zoning Administrator’s determination that the golf course could not be developed without an amendment to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.

With more development contemplated in Reston due to the adoption of the Reston Transit Areas Master Plan Amendment to the Fairfax County Comprehensive , preserving open space dedicated to parks and recreation is critically important, and RNGC is integral to Reston’s longstanding vision and plan as a diverse “planned” community in which people are able to live, work and play.

The planning principles as envisaged in the currently ongoing Reston Master Plan Phase II planning process (Reston Master Plan Phase II Working Draft Document) are explicit in stating that Reston continue to have two golf courses (RNGC and Hidden Creek Country Club).

Sridhar Ganesan, President, RCA said: “Just as in 2012, Reston organizations such as Reston Association (RA), Rescue Reston (RR) and RCA are aligned in their opposition to any potential rezoning of the land.  Fairfax County Supervisor Ms. Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District (which covers RNGC land), has also said that she continues to support the Fairfax County Zoning Administrator’s determination with regards to RNGC and RCA thanks her for publicly stating her support for the original zoning determination.”

RCA continues to support RR’s efforts (RR RNGC Release) to defend Reston’s open spaces and encourages Restonians to actively support its efforts during the public hearings on RN Golf’s appeal.

RCA also strongly endorses RA’s opposition to any redevelopment (RA's RNGC Release) and like RA, RCA believes that RNGC can remain as it is today and operate profitably. RCA also supports RA’s willingness to consider purchasing the golf course if needed to continue to maintain it as a Reston recreational asset. 

RCA will continue to follow the developments with regard to RN Golf’s appeal and work with RR, RA and Fairfax County governmental leaders and agencies to ensure that RNGC land is preserved as open space and as a golf course.  We encourage Restonians to remain actively engaged and attend the public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, to express their support for this important Reston recreational asset.