Reaction mixed on proposed fields

By: | Inside NoVA
Published: December 12, 2009

Three themes came out at the Prince William County Park Authority's hearing Wednesday on the seven soccer fields proposed to be built on the WIITA tract on Rollins Ford Road in Nokesville: "We need the fields," "Put the fields somewhere else" and "Why only soccer?"

The WIITA tract is named after the Wiita family, which gave the land to the county for parks and recreation.

The authority's executive director, Jay Ellington, outlined the history of the public process, which he said included several press releases, mailings and two meetings in September.

However, MaryBeth Schaal, whose home is 150 feet from the proposed fields, said she hadn't heard anything until two days before the second public meeting.

She said that not only would the lights be practically in her back yard, the elevation required building up the turf, which would put the fields right above her home.

"Seven soccer fields is ridiculous," said Frank Sanchez, a neighbor of Schaal. "The traffic will be horrendous."

Prince William Conservation Alliance Chairman of the Board Charlie Grymes said the WIITA tract is the "wrong place" for these soccer fields and the parks should be put closer to where people live instead of at the edge of a community where the proposed fields would be.

Presenting another perspective, Dave Milne, president of the Virginia Soccer Association, said that 1,200 association members live in the Brentsville district, but soccer enthusiasts from western Prince William County only have Long Park in the Haymarket area, which gets overcrowded and creates high traffic.

Milne said the soccer association has supported other parks without requesting more space. He cited Silver Lake as an example.

Several speakers advocated for a mixed-use park that would include hiking and equestrian trails. Ellington said the proposed park would have a hiking trail.

"I don't think it's a question of robbing Peter to pay Paul," said Kim Hosen, the conservation alliance executive director. "Everyone is important."

The Board will hold another meeting mid-January and possibly put the options to vote Jan. 27.