Dan Genz, The Examiner
2008-04-08 07:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors is confronting a divide over how to manage a large new park it calls a “jewel” of the community’s efforts to preserve open space in fast-growing suburbs.

Supervisors seek a campground on the 233-acre site with a man-made lake, but disagree over whether the Silver Lake Park merits a larger commitment to amenities such as boat rentals and permanent facilities.

All three proposals for the park earned top ratings in some of the 10 criteria the county planning staff used to evaluate the pitches. Now supervisors are expected to settle more than a year of protracted debate today.

Ever since the Dominion Valley developers gave the county the land for the park in Gainesville nearly two years ago as part of a deal to build new homes, park leaders and politicians have been debating how best to manage the property.

“We need to make sure that the property is preserved and available to the public,” Chairman Corey Stewart said, “and I think there are three good proposals out there.”

The county park authority and Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority proposals would make the site a regional attraction, while the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy alternative would include adding few features to the property, which is a natural preserve.

A nearby landowner has agreed to provide 268 additional acres if the conservancy’s proposal is chosen, complicating the choice for supervisors.

“Given the options and the state of the budget, it really does appear to be a no-brainer,” said Kim Hosen, executive director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, which has supported the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy proposal.

But county staff have recommended the park authority’s option, citing its experience running parks and proven ability to operate complex sites.

Supervisors are concerned that it could be more expensive than a more passive alternative at a time when the county is grappling with a more than $51 million deficit.

“The park authority is a great proposal, but I don’t think we can afford it,” said Supervisor Martin Nohe, R-Coles. “There is certainly disagreement on the board.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com