Friends of the W&OD

[Bruce Dwyer]

The Friends of the W&OD are looking for an Alexandria resident to serve on
its Board of Directors.  The by-laws call for an Alexandria resident because
we are part of the NVRPA, even though the W&OD does not go through
Alexandria.  Its close enough for it to be a wonderful asset for us though.
The Board meets most, but not all months.  Currently they meet on the first
Tuesday at the Vienna Community Center, but they may move to Falls Church.
They undertake fundraising actives to supplement trail amenities funded by
the NVRPA and are active in efforts to improve and protect the park.  They
have been lobbying to improve the safety of several street crossings and
recently helped keep the location of new power lines in Loudoun County from
using the Trail right-of-way.  Alexandria lost its opportunity to be part of
this linear park when the railroad was abandoned over 30 years ago and
development was apparently a higher priority.  The Jefferson Park Greenway
in Del Ray is on part of the old right-of-way, and current vacant land on
the right-of-way to the east of the Jefferson Park Greenway is a potential
park and path.  We were not successful in overcoming neighborhood objections
3 years ago to have this in the bike plan, but there may indications that
things could change with the developments in Potomac Yards and along Route
1.  We may be able to make a tie into the W&OD, so an Alexandria resident on
the Board may be an opportunity.
If you know of anybody who you think would be interested, please have them
contact me.
Thanks

Bruce Dwyer
703-549-3263
ouibike at worldnet.att.net