Crystal City Water Park - Approved and Underway
- juliegrandon
- Aug 7, 2021
- 2 min read
Photo from JBG Smith
1601 Crystal Drive's Crystal City Water Park has just gotten unanimous approval for their plans to improve cycling and walking connections, along with several amenities that would surely be to the merriment of many. Owned by JBG Smith, the park serves as a connection to both the Reagan National Airport, Mount Vernon Trail, and the proposed Virginia Railway Express North Entrance. The plans that were proposed to the County Board in January of 2021 were mostly focused on modifying the Crystal City Connector path along with several renovations to improve the park overall.
Photo from JBG Smith
Even if the County Board members initially deferred the proposal due to foreseen unsafe interactions with pedestrians and cyclists, the project was finally greenlit on March 20, 2021 as they've seen that the addition of the Crystal City Connector Path proves to be efficient and super useful for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Photo from JBG Smith
Along with this, JBG Smith is also planning to upgrade the existing water wall, add a new water feature, add public art, add an outdoor bar, and also add an array of restaurants, cafes, and retail shops on the perimeter of the park.
Photo from JBG Smith
The additions include “nine (9) 300 square-foot retail structures positioned along Crystal Drive, a 1,415 square-foot retail structure along the northern edge, a 760 square-foot bar with a 2,069 square-foot terrace atop the water wall, a 409 square-foot performance platform to be used for the event lawn, and a 747 square-foot trailhead restroom facility,” per a county staff report.
Photo from JBG Smith
Some board members still stay skeptical of the decision despite the proposal's passing, voicing out concerns that safety concerns for the community and an increase in the level of public engagement should be ratified sooner in case another big renovation goes underway inside the county.
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