"Arlington is the bit of Virginia just across the Potomac River from the monumental core of Washington, D.C. that leveraged the arrival of two Metro rail lines in the 60’s and 70’s to renew and revitalize their county into a prosperous, enjoyable and livable community that is a sought-after destination for employers, businesses, residents and visitors.
Today, Arlington is a shining example of what citizen engagement, visionary planning, and wise use of scarce resources can do for the livability of a community.
But it didn’t just happen by chance. So how did Arlington get from point A to point B? And more importantly, do the citizens of Arlington have any idea how their county made this transition and became this smart growth success story? Do they even know the story?
Arlington County has produced an hour long movie that tells the story. Entitled, "Arlington's Smart Growth Journey", it's available on DVD or online here.But the story is more than just about the Metro line corridors. Of particular interest is the history and planning of nearby Shirlington and Nauck, neighborhoods that not only share boundaries with Arlandria, but share a common history and face many of the same issues.
The Coalition for Smarter Growth has recognized these unique issues and has organized a walking tour devoted to this discussion:
Explore Shirlington's Urban Village
Please join us for our first-ever walking tour of this Arlington neighborhood. Come find out why everyone is talking about Shirlington!
Walking Tour: Life Beyond the Orange Line in Shirlington
Saturday, June 6, 2009
10:00am-12:00pm
RSVPs required ($10 suggested donation*)
Transit accessible; directions below
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Is it possible to create a walkable, mixed-use community without Metro? Shirlington thinks so -- and has the goods to prove it. Our latest tour showcases a walkable, mixed-use community with culture, recreation and retail galore. And you still don't need a car to get there.
Check out urban smart growth in a community not served by rail, but with a state of the art bus transit center. You'll see the integration of public services and private development in the Signature Theatre, new library branch and retail, apartments and office. Enjoy pedestrian-prioritized streetscapes and the integration of park, recreation and trail spaces.
Arlington County Board Member Chris Zimmerman will be our tour guide, with additional remarks from former board member and current Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson and CSG Housing Director Melissa Bondi.
Getting to Shirlington
Shirlington is one of the most accessible places in the region despite not having Metrorail, and we hope you'll arrive by bike, foot, or transit. The neighborhood is served by several Metrobus routes, all connecting to the nearby Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations.
Bicyclists can take the W&OD and Mt. Vernon Trails and Four Mile Run Trail
Driving Directions and Parking
*$10 Suggested Donation
We appreciate your $10 donation, which helps us continue to provide walking tours like this one. We'll accept cash or check donations at the event, or you can donate online.
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