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Health & Fitness

Burke Lake Dam Project to Impact Park Users

Supervisor Herrity discusses major renovations taking place this fall and winter at Burke Lake Park that will impact some of the facilities and the trail at the park.

Fairfax County’s award winning park system is a big reason we are the envy of the region. Our parks are well attended. 

Nowhere is this more evident than Burke Lake Park, which can host over 60,000 park goers a week. I wanted to make sure you were aware of a major renovation taking place this fall and winter at Burke Lake Park that will impact some of the facilities and the trail.

Beginning in mid-September, the dam at Burke Lake Park will be undergoing repairs to comply with new state dam regulations.  As those who frequent the park know, the dam is a critical segment of the popular five mile trail loop that runs around the lake.  The project will close the segment of the trail which runs over the dam.  The remainder of the trail will remain open, but due to the location of the segment over the dam, users of the trail will not be able to make a complete loop and will be required to turn around prior to reaching the dam. 

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In addition please note the following changes at the park during the renovation of the dam:

  • While there will be closure of some trails in proximity to the dam, the trails used by the schools for cross-country races will not be impacted by the construction.  Teams will also be able to use alternative routes for practice.
  • There will be no access going to or coming from the neighborhoods in South Run.
  • Construction of the wall and other improvements will require a drawdown of the water in the lake of 4.5 feet for the duration of the project (3 - 4 months).
  • FCPA boating opportunities will cease during the trail closure and lake draw down. The VDGIF boat ramp also will not be usable.
  • Events and shelter rentals will be accommodated through alternative routes and facilities.
  • Construction vehicles will access the dam from Laketree Drive for the duration of the project.
  • Project updates and information will be posted in park kiosks and as available, placed on the Park Authority website.

For information and updates please visit VDGIF online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/alerts

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is estimating that it will take 90 - 120 days to complete the project.  During that time, signs will be erected throughout the park, alerting users of the trail to the temporary change.  The map attached to this article shows the three points along the trail that will be affected by the dam repair.  Please take a look at the map and plan your walks along the trail, keeping in mind that a full loop will not be possible while the dam is being repaired. 

Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns about the trail closure or the dam project. 

Pat Herrity
Springfield District Supervisor
703-451-8873
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield
www.facebook.com/pat.herrity

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