Paul Ferguson's Fairlington Kid and Dog Walk
Download Walkabout Map (342k PDF)
Description: an easy .7 mile loop through a tree-lined historical community in south Arlington, VA, with optional side trips to a fire station or shopping center(s). For the loop, allow 15 minutes for a solo outing; 30-60 minutes if accompanied by children and/or pets.
"I am very fortunate to live in a community that is close to ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities and for dogs of all ages and abilities as well!
Fairlington is a community that just celebrated its 60th year of existence. Being just a stone's throw from the Pentagon, Fairlington was constructed with public dollars close to the end of World War II. It is a nationally significant example of large-scale, publicly-financed defense housing that was intended to last far beyond the end of the war, as it has! By the way, for history fans: Fairlington is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and on the Virginia Landmark Register.
My family moved to Fairlington when I was 12 years old. I have lived here the better part of these last 26 years in fact, as an adult, I have lived in four different Fairlington homes. Now my wife, Karen, and I are raising a new generation of Fairlingtonians--our sons Timothy, age 5, and Daniel, age 2 in this family-friendly south Arlington community.
Fairlington currently consists of six smaller condominium "villages" on the south side of I-395, and one large one north of it, but all are seamlessly interconnected and the distinctions not especially obvious to the casual observer. For recreational walking, there are a variety of different routes through the pleasantly winding streets that one can choose, most of which are relatively flat and easy to tackle. Because there are sidewalks everywhere, and tree canopies virtually everywhere, walking is great any time of year. The absence of overhead power lines (they were all put underground in the 1980's) also makes walking more pleasant?a subtle but noticeable effect.
An excellent place to begin a walk through Fairlington is at the Community Center, which is located at the northeast corner of 34th Street South and South Stafford Streets. What was once a public elementary school is now home to a vibrant hub of activity from Friday night roller skating to a summer art camp (and year-round art classes) to a community pre-school. Not to mention the very well used basketball courts and playground?and exercise course out back. A real highlight for my two young walkers are the vending machines in the central hallway. Since becoming a parent, I've learned that sometimes an energy-filled bribe here and there makes for the most eager walking companions!
From here, I often head north, parallel to Quaker Lane, in the direction of Utah Park. At least, this is the route I take when I have our dog, Buddy, in tow. Utah Park has the distinction of being home to Arlington's first "Community Canine Area" (a.k.a. dog exercise area). I have no idea how many dogs live in Fairlington, but there are plenty, and so this CCA gets lots of use. There is water on site, and our Parks Department does a great job of making sure there are always plenty of plastic bags (you know what they are for) and bright green tennis balls for Buddy and his pals to chase.
By this point, especially late in the afternoon, my boys are usually ready to head home. The quickest way back is also very lovely, passing by one of the many swimming pools in Fairlington (each condo community has one!) and the back of the Community Center.
But on other days, we walk other ways (see map). A great alternative is to head across I-395 to visit the Fairlington Fire Station at 3116 S. Abingdon Street. Known also as Station 7, this outfit was among the first to respond to the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon, working for there for six solid days. The firefighters who work out of Station 7 enjoy visits from community members, so stop by and say hello especially if you have some future firefighters accompanying you. Station 7 company members have also been known to attend local birthday parties, fire truck and all. Plus on occasion they will spritz down overheated youngsters at the Community Center when the weather gets seriously hot, and they ALWAYS take part in the local 4th of July parade.
Another excellent destination is either of the two shopping plazas just across Quaker Lane in Alexandria: Bradlee and Fairlington centers. For Fairlington residents, it's possible in one trip to go the bank, get your hair cut, buy a birthday card, mail it, drop off the dry cleaning, stock up on bagels and videos for the weekend, and do some grocery shopping without ever getting in the car. Oh yes, and reward your dog, too, with a delicious faux-bone from the local pet supply store! Not to mention that there are seven or ten restaurants within walking distance ? from chicken to Chinese to Starbucks to Subway.
Even if you don't live in Fairlington, I highly recommend it as a great place to walk. It's easy to get to from I-395 (exit Shirlington/Glebe Road, then take Quaker Lane, or enter from Route 7/Leesburg Pike). Or there's a bus from the Pentagon every 10-15 minutes during rush hour.
You might also want to check out http://www.fairlington.org/History.htm, the website for the Fairlington Historical Society, for more on this unusually charming community."
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Paul Ferguson has served on the Arlington County Board since 1996 and was Chairman in 1999 and 2003. Education, public safety, pedestrian safety, neighborhood conservation and the environment are among the causes Mr. Ferguson has championed during his tenure on the Board.
Mr. Ferguson has logged a lot of miles walking his dog and offspring around the neighborhood, but there are other places he enjoys walking as well. In Arlington, for example? "Lubber Run and the Bluemont Junction Trail, for peace and quiet. Clarendon for more excitement and great coffee," he notes. And his favorite place to walk, anywhere in the world? "Kauai, the northernmost island of Hawaii," Ferguson revels. "Incredible mountains on one side of you; the ocean on the other. I'd recommend it to everyone."
For Mr. Ferguson's complete bio, click here.
