On the agenda: King George County meeting — data center (May 13)

PARKS & RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Ma y 13 , 202 6 : 6: 30 p.m.
Citizens Center
Call to Order
Public Comment
Approval of March Minutes
Dahlgren Parks Master Plan
Member Reports
Adjournment

DAHLGREN AREA PARKS MASTER PLAN
April 2026
Contents
Master Plan Working Group ....................................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................3
Project History...............................................................................................................................3
Proposed Barnesfield Park Amenities ....................................................................................... 5
Restroom and Concessions Building .................................................................................... 6
Trail Network............................................................................................................................ 6
Dog Park ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Pond Area ................................................................................................................................... 7
Little League Fields ................................................................................................................... 7
Multi-Use Fields ........................................................................................................................ 7
Sports Courts............................................................................................................................ 8
Tent Camping ........................................................................................................................... 8
RV Camping .............................................................................................................................. 8
Indoor Recreation Facility ...................................................................................................... 8
Proposed Dahlgren Wayside Park Amenities .......................................................................... 9
Parking and Roadway Improvements ................................................................................... 9
Park Development.................................................................................................................. 10
Boardwalk and Pier ............................................................................................................... 10
Boat Access............................................................................................................................... 11
Recommended Construction Phasing ..................................................................................... 11
Initial Needs ......................................................................................................................... 11
Second Phase ....................................................................................................................... 12
Third Phase .......................................................................................................................... 12

Fourth Phase ........................................................................................................................ 13
Long Term Development ................................................................................................... 13
Implementation Considerations .............................................................................................. 13
Cost Escalation and Funding ................................................................................................ 13
Engineering and Environmental Review ............................................................................ 14
Operational and Staffing Impacts ........................................................................................ 14
Phasing Flexibility ................................................................................................................... 14
Project Costs ................................................................................................................................ 14
Barnesfield Park Cost Table .................................................................................................. 15
Dahlgren Wayside Park Cost Table....................................................................................... 16
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 16
Project Map .................................................................................................................................. 17

Master Plan Working Group

Advisory Committee
Michael Norris
James Ford
John Carnifax
Danny Bridges
Tyson Fortenberry

Roger Kniceley
Christina Buck
Allen Parker, Jr.
Kim Clark
Alex Fisher
Jim Lynch
Chris Clarke, Director

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Executive Summary
King George Parks & Recreation (KGPR) contracted with McGill Associates (McGill) to
develop a master plan for both Barnesfield and Wayside Parks. Public input, both at the
beginning and end of the process, guided the types and locations of development in each
park. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) was instrumental in finalizing
the plan and establishing the order of importance for the improvements.

Project Histor y
Acquired from the United States government through the Federal Land to Parks
Program, both Barnesfield and Wayside Parks have served King George County for over
40 years. Limited development of each park was completed in the 1980s. Since then, only
small upgrades and improvements have been made.
In 2019, King George County acquired 166 acres along the northern boundary of
Barnesfield Park and 3321 Roseland Road, a 2-acre home site, as compensation for the
loss of land due to the construction of the new Harry Nice/Thomas “Mac” Middleton US
301 Bridge. Approximately 4 acres of land was taken from Dahlgren Wayside Park, the
Dahlgren Heritage Museum, and Barnesfield Park.
With the acquisition of this new property and the construction of the new bridge, the
Board of Supervisors approved the development of a master plan as a part of the FY24
Capital Improvement Plan. Staff developed a Request for Proposal. The proposals were
scored by staff and PRAC. The highest scoring firms were invited for a panel interview.
After those interviews the review committee selected McGill Associates to conduct the
master plan. Work on the plan was started in March 2025 with a public input phase.
With a limited budget and an abundance of acreage, Chris Clarke met with Mike Norris
and Danny Bridges of McGill Associates to develop a plan on how to approach the project.
Rather than attempt to delineate all the wetlands and complete a boundary survey which
would have spent most, if not all the funding. McGill identified specific areas of the
Barnesfield property that were of sufficient size to add amenities.
The planned public input instrument and how to solicit responses were discussed as
well. McGill and staff agreed on utilizing a visual preference board at in-person
activities. An online survey was conducted to gather information from residents and
visitors. The survey allowed respondents to rank the recreation activities in which they
participate including both active and passive recreation.
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Wetland delineation and mapping was key to developing this master plan. McGill
Associates surveyors conducted onsite surveys to determine what areas of the property
were able to be developed as well as looking for evidence of any endangered and/or
threatened species. One key find during this process was the existence of a bald eagle
nest. That nest has been shown on the master plan maps.
McGill Associates prepared a custom survey instrument to gather public input for the
master plan. This survey asked about activity participation
McGill Associates developed an initial conceptual map after studying the public input
from both the survey and the visual preferences exercise. In June 2025, McGill presented
the initial concept plan to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.
McGill incorporated the feedback from PRAC into a second conceptual plan. This plan
was put out for public input through a online survey. KGPR manned a booth at the King
George Fall Festival to engage with the public and spread the word about the survey.
Additionally, marketing efforts were made through social media, emails, and website
updates to solicit survey responses.
Each amenity area was surveyed on a scale of Strongly Support, Support, Neutral, Do Not
Support, Strongly Oppose. The Support and Against percentages were developed by
adding the two categories together and dividing the total by the total responses. The Net
Support figure was calculated by subtracting the Against percentage from the Support
percentage. The weighted score was calculated on a 5-point scale from +2 to -2 for each
selection and then the total was divided by the number of responses.
The top three improvements for the parks are rebuilding the Barnesfield Park
Concession Stand/Restroom Facility, adding the Fishing Pond and Trail Network within
Barnesfield Park, and the construction of Additional Amenities in Wayside Park. The
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee agrees with the public input on the priority of
these three improvement areas.
The construction of camping areas received a strong response both for and against. Staff
believes that camping could provide consistent revenue to the department. The question
of whether the campgrounds would be operated by KGPR or by a concessionaire needs
to be researched prior to constructing these areas.

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Improvement

Support %

Against %

Net
Support

Weighted
Score

Concession Stand & Restrooms

88.3%

1.7%

+86.6%

1.42

Fishing Pond & Trail Network

86.7%

2.9%

+83.8%

1.39

Wayside Park Additions

87.4%

5.0%

+82.4%

1.35

Sports Fields

76.6%

6.3%

+70.3%

1.21

Community Center

77.1%

6.7%

+70.4%

1.18

Sports Courts

74.3%

5.9%

+68.4%

1.05

Tent Camping

72.5%

12.1%

+60.4%

0.91

Dog Park

60.3%

13.8%

+46.5%

0.73

Yurt Camping

66.2%

18.9%

+47.3%

0.69

RV Camping

59.4%

26.7%

+32.7%

0.52

Total County Resident Responses

918

Proposed Barnesfield Park Amenities
Barnesfield Park is a sports and recreation hub with existing fields and amenities. This
plan seeks to increase the number and variety of these amenities as well as improving
some of the original assets. The public supports both passive and active recreation
improvements including sports fields, courts, camping areas, dog park, fishing, open
play area, and a recreation facility.
PRAC worked with McGill to put the improvements into phases which can be built as
demand grows for that improvement. PRAC, park users, and staff agree that the first
improvement for Barnesfield Park should be the replacement of the restroom and
concession stand building. The current building is approximately 40 years old and does
not meet current building standards. There is insufficient storage, the restrooms are
undersized, and the concession stand is cramped.
Each development area requires the construction of different infrastructure including
roads, shared use paths, utilities, and parking lots. While not specifically described in
each amenity it is assumed that these parts of the project would be included as a part of
each phase.

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Restroom and Concessions Building
The replacement of the Concessions/Restroom Building is the greatest need for
Barnesfield Park. The current building was constructed in the 1980’s and has exhausted
its useful life. The facility is cramped and antiquated while also not meeting current
Americans with Disabilities Act (2010).
A new, modern restroom and
concession building would serve both
King George Little League and KGPR
more efficiently. Included in this
project would be ADA compliant
restrooms, storage rooms for both
KGPR and KGLL, a larger concession
stand with additional electrical outlets
and cooking areas, and a second story
with meeting space and scorekeeper
areas.
As a part of this phase, the removal of asphalt and addition of pervious surface is desired
to avoid heat island effects. Shade sails over spectator areas and picnic tables will
complete this section allowing for the enjoyment of games in a comfortable
environment.

Trail Network
A comprehensive network of both asphalt and stone trails is proposed for much of the
park. These trails will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Care will be taken when
trails cross resource protection areas and wetlands.
An established plan for the trails will be completed
during this phase to ensure that the environment is
protected properly. Trails may be constructed by a
variety of groups including, but not limited to, scout
groups, non-profit organizations, KGPR staff, and
contractors.
Barnesfield Park trails provide connectivity to
each park element.

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Dog Park
A 1.3-acre dog park will be constructed near the entrance to Barnesfield Park. Seved by
the roadway network, this park will include a small parking lot, a shade structure,
benches, and watering station for the dogs. The park will be separated into two areas,
one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Both will have vestibule enclosures to allow
owners to remove and attach leashes in a safe area. In the public input for this plan the
dog park received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Some of the negative feedback
seems to come from citizens who own large
parcels of property and do not see the need
for such a facility and the benefits it provides
to citizens who live in neighborhoods with
smaller lots, townhouses, and apartment
complexes.

Pond Area
The stormwater pond located in the western portion of the original property behind the
truck scales. The soil dug out to form the pond was used to form the parking lot and
softball fields. This project will clean up the pond area, establish proper shorelines,
construct a small fishing pier, add two small picnic shelters, and stock the pond with
fish.

Little League Fields
Baseball and softball field requests have increased and having new, official sized Little
League baseball and softball fields will not only
improve opportunities for King George Little
League but will also increase sports tourism
opportunities at Barnesfield Park. The addition of a
restroom and concessions building at these fields
will provide the possibility of entering into a lease
agreement with King George Little League for those Multiple Ballfields support various levels of
fields, freeing up the current softball fields for other play.
uses.

Multi - Use Fields
Quality, rectangular fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse are a need in King George
County. Currently soccer teams practice on these fields that are not game ready. While
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this is acceptable for practice, providing a safe environment for citizens is important.
Since the current Barnesfield Park soccer fields will be removed with the construction
of the Little League Fields, two rectangular fields will be added near the proposed Indoor
Recreation Facility to host other team sports.

Sports Courts
Increasing the availability of sports courts including
basketball and pickleball is a goal of this plan. The
basketball court will be reconstructed and add eight
pickleball courts will be added in this phase. This will
provide a second set of public pickleball courts in the
County. This set will be available during all daylight
hours as the Tennis Center is closed to the public
during the school day. There is the possibility of
changing the pickleball courts to tennis or another racquet sport or doubling the use of
some courts by painting multiple sets of lines on them like at the Tennis Center.

Tent Camping
Camping scored highly on the initial public input survey.
With the hope of increasing department revenue, the
addition of camping areas is a part of this plan. For the tent
camping area a bathhouse and picnic shelters will be
constructed. The number of camping sites will be
determined. This area could either be operated by the
department or contracted out to a concessionaire.

RV Camping
A second camping area, this one located near the dog park
Camping options range from RV,
and fishing pond, will be developed for RVs and travel Cabin and Tent camping.
trailers. To adequately service these visitors a bathhouse,
picnic shelters, pump out station, electric hook-ups, and an office will be needed. As
with the tent camping, this area can be operated either by the department or by a
concessionaire.

Indoor Recreation Facility
KGPR needs additional indoor recreation space. Currently the department utilizes the
schools during non-instructional hours. This limits the types and number of programs
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that can be offered. As the County grows there is a need for indoor space in the Dahlgren
area. The size and scope of this facility is still to be determined and is projected to be
built no earlier than 2035.

Proposed Dahlgren Wayside Park Amenities
Dahlgren Wayside Park is a passive park primarily used for
picnicking and water access. Passive recreation continues
to be the goal for this property including the addition of
picnic shelters, parking lots, restroom facilities, and play
areas. With these amenities steps will be taken to improve
the environmental conditions including, but not limited to,
shoreline stabilization, litter removal, wetland delineation,
and invasive plant removal.
The immediate need is an appropriate parking lot for the
southern portion of the park. Currently there are not
designated spaces and many of the park visitors leave their
vehicles within 50 yards of the Potomac River on pervious
ground. Protecting the Potomac River from contamination
from oil, grease, gas, and other automotive fluids is
essential. Recognizing this, the first amenity needed is a
proper parking lot at the top of the hill near the park
entrance. An area of the access road near the beach can
be designated as a loading zone and for ADA accessible
parking.

Wayside Park

Here each development area also requires the
construction of different infrastructure including roads,
shared use paths, utilities, and parking lots. While not specifically described in each
amenity it is assumed that these parts of the project would be included as a part of each
phase.

Parking and Roadway Improvements
Dahlgren Wayside Park does not have adequate parking. As the use of the park increases
there is an immediate need to construct a parking lot, improve the access road, and add
accessible spaces. With the accessible spaces it will also be important to add accessible
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mats or similar items to allow mobility limited individuals to reach the beach area. These
additions should be started as soon as possible. Parking for south, restroom – green
flush, everything else, then boardwalk….

Park Development
In the original, 1984 master plan for Barnesfield and Dahlgren
Wayside Parks, all 10+ acres of Dahlgren Wayside Park was
planned to include trails, parking, play areas, and picnic
shelters. This new plan continues that theme. A parking lot,
large and small picnic shelters, an adventure-based play area,
restrooms, a pier, and open space are all planned for the
currently undeveloped acreage. Appropriate fencing will be
installed to separate the neighbor’s property from the park.
During the park’s history only the southern half of the
property has been used. It has provided beach and picnic
areas like a typical wayside1 park. The southern area needs a
restroom facility with outdoor foot washing stations. Since
picnicking is the main attraction of the park, smaller
picnic shelters will be constructed. Permanent yard
games, recreation equipment stations, and
additional grills will be added as well.

Wayside Park offers water access
and picnicking areas.

To provide connectivity between these two areas,
ADA compliant trails will be constructed. These
trails will also connect to crossings into Barnesfield
Park. As was shown in the original 1984 master plan,
Dahlgren Wayside and Barnesfield Parks should be
seen as a cohesive unit.

Boardwalk and Pier
Dahlgren Wayside Park has the potential to offer a variety of educational opportunities
through a recreational environment. There is a wetland area that can be traversed by a
boardwalk. This boardwalk and additional trails around the wetlands will allow visitors
1 http://www.vahighways.com/waysides/waysides.htm

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to learn about area history and wildlife. The pier would include these same educational
panels while also increasing the opportunities for fishing.

Boat Access
King George County is bound by the Potomac River to the north and the Rappahannock
River to the south. The 2022 King George Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment and the
King Georgy County Tourism Strategic Plan both call for additional water access points,
particularly for engine powered vessels. The depth of the Potomac River and the
topography of Dahlgren Wayside Park preclude the addition of this type of ramp. KGPR
and PRAC both support the addition of a motorized boating facility where an appropriate
site can be identified.

Recommended Construction Phasing
The Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee has worked closely with KGPR
staff on the proposed construction
phasing
of
these
improvements.
Developing a clear, phased approach is
critical for this project as funding and
public support are the two driving factors.
Proffers made by both data center and
residential developers over the past five
years have the potential to provide the
foundation for funding. Using proffer
funding as matching funds when applying for Land, Water, and Conservation Fund
grants could double the available monies.
Initial Needs
• Barnesfield Park – Reconstruct Concession Stand & Restrooms
• Wayside Park – Parking and Roadway improvements
These projects received the highest support and address basic
infrastructure, safety, and accessibility. Compliance with the
current standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act is a
priority.

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Parking area #1 at
Wayside Park.

Second Phase
• Barnesfield Park – Dog Park, Trails, Pond
• Wayside Park – Park Development
The improvements at Barnesfield Park in this
phase are highly desired by specific
population groups. Adding a dog park,
quality public fishing area, and trails are
Barnesfield Pond, RV camping, and Dog Park.
highly recommended. The improvements
and additions to Wayside Park will bring the park from a traditional wayside area into
the modern age.
Third Phase
• Barnesfield Park – Athletic Fields
• Wayside Park – Boardwalk and Pier
There is increasing demand for baseball and
softball diamonds in the County. The
addition of two new Little League sized
fields, redevelopment of the current Little
League field, and the addition of restrooms
near this project could allow KGPR to lease
this section to King George Little League
(KGLL). Doing so would decrease the
responsibility of KGPR staff and provide a
quality set of fields for KGLL to host district
and state tournaments.

Athletic fields expand programming opportunities.

Additional multipurpose (rectangular) fields are needed as the current fields will be
removed during this phase. These new fields would be available for soccer, football,
lacrosse, field hockey, and other sports that use this type of field. Initial construction
costs are for grass fields, but artificial turf should be considered when preparing for
this phase.
The addition of a boardwalk and pier at Wayside Park will provide increased
opportunities for recreation and education. While not a boat ramp, the addition of a
pier provides additional water access as described in various County plans.
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Fourth Phase
• Barnesfield Park – Courts
The Tennis Center contains the only public racquet
sports courts in King George County. Their location
between two schools limits their availability. Adding
additional courts for racquet sports at Barnesfield
will provide improved opportunities for recreational
and competitive play.
Long Term Development
• Barnesfield Park – Camping Areas, Recreation
Building

Pickleball courts and a new Basketball
court add to the options patrons will find at
Barnesfield Park.

KGPR operates all programming through the
Recreation Activity Fund. Additional revenue streams need to be developed as the
department grows. The addition of camping areas, RV and tents, will provide a
recreational activity that is currently not available in the County. The proposed
campground areas will need additional study and research in future years. The
addition of the Lake Caledon property to Caledon State Park may meet the need for
campgrounds in King George County.
An indoor recreation facility to serve the Dahlgren area of King George County will
provide programming in that section of the County. Both a recreation center and
campgrounds will provide additional revenue to limit the burden of KGPR on the
general fund. A facility specific plan will be developed with public input as we
approach this phase.

Implementation Considerations
Implementation of the Dahlgren Area Parks Master Plan will require coordinated
planning of funding, staffing, permitting, and long-term operations. While this
document establishes a phased framework, final design, engineering, and budgeting will
occur as each project advances through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process.

Cost Escalation and Funding
All cost estimates are expressed in 2026 dollars. As projects move forward, estimates will
be adjusted to reflect inflation, updated engineering, and market conditions. Phasing
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may be modified to align with available funding, grant opportunities, and County
priorities.

Engineering and Environmental Review
Each phase will require detailed site design, engineering, and applicable permitting.
Projects involving wetlands, shoreline improvements, boardwalk construction, or
roadway access will require coordination with appropriate regulatory agencies. Final
alignments and design details will be determined during the engineering phase.

Operational and Staffing Impacts
Park staffing costs will need to increase as these amenities are added and improved.
Currently, one Parks Worker manages the maintenance of both Barnesfield and
Dahlgren Wayside Parks. KGPR has requested an additional Sports Turf Crew Leader for
FY2027 separately. Increasing the number of Parks Workers and adding a Crew Leader
will be necessary. Decisions on when to add employees will need to be part of the annual
budget process.
As amenities expand, operational demands will increase. Currently, one Parks Worker
maintains both parks. Additional staffing will be evaluated through the annual budget
process as new facilities are constructed to maintain
service levels and public safety standards.
Camping areas are anticipated to operate under a
concession agreement, subject to further operational
review prior to development. The proposed Indoor
Recreation Facility will require a separate feasibility
study and staffing plan before final design and funding
consideration.

Phasing Flexibility
The phased approach provides a strategic roadmap; however, project timing may shift
based on funding availability, regulatory requirements, partnerships, and community
needs.

Project Costs
McGill Associates included cost estimates for the different amenities in 2026 dollars. The
expenses are expected to increase with inflation. This development, which is planned
over a minimum of 10 years, is over $30 million. While this is a very large number, it is
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important to realize that this cost adds amenities to over 250 acres of parkland. Staff will
refine these cost estimates as in the Capital Improvement Plan as each phase approaches
construction.

Barnesfield Park Cost Table
Phase

Item

Cost

Phase Total Cost

Phase 1

Restroom/Concession Stand

$500,000

$824,000

Construction Costs

$324,000

Dog Park

$120,000

Trail Network

$1,800,000

Pond Area

$210,000

Related Paving Work

$500,000

Little League Fields

$410,000

Concession Stand/Restrooms

$550,000

Multipurpose Fields

$250,000

Related Paving Work

$300,000

Sport Courts

$1,000,000

Restroom Facility

$400,000

Tent Camping

$1,800,000

RV Camping

$2,650,000

Indoor Recreation Facility

$9,500,000

Related Paving Work

$1,000,000

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4
Phase 5

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$2,630,000

$1,510,000

$1,400,000
$14,950,000

Dahlgren Wayside Park Cost Table
Phase

Item

Cost

Phase Total Cost

Phase 1

Parking and Roadways

$350,000

$350,000

Phase 2

Restroom Facility

$2,050,000

$3,875,000

Trail Network

$300,000

Picnic Shelters

$500,000

Swim Beach Improvements

$500,000

Kayak Launch

$60,000

Adventure Play Area

$400,000

Site Furnishings and Landscaping $65,000
Phase 4

Boardwalk

$1,000,000

Pier

$450,000

$1,650,000

Conclusion
The survey results provide a clear mandate for prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, trail
access, and community gathering spaces. By aligning construction phases with
community sentiment and demographic representation, King George County can
ensure that its parks evolve to meet the needs of residents while fostering safe, inclusive,
and vibrant public spaces.

16

Project Map

Planned improvements at both Barnesfield and Wayside Parks provide a complete recreation experience for both active and
passive recreation pursuits.

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