Reston Association explores creation of lakes-focused equity group

Reston Association is working on the creation of an equity group with a focus on its lakes.

If created, the work group would focus on maximizing the enjoyment of Reston’s four man-made lakes for its members.

“The Equity Working Group will develop an equity framework that clearly defines current use policies, usage by demographics, opportunities for improvement and make policy recommendations that focus on equity and improved access for all,” says a proposal set to go before RA’s Board of Directors at its meeting tonight.

The group could focus on improving access to lakes, equal opportunities for recreation, and non-discriminatory signage or use policies.

Reston has four man-made lakes: Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon and Lake Newport, which collectively span 125 acres.

According to the meeting agenda, the proposed group could consist of:

• A voting member representative from each of the four lake communities
• Four voting member representatives from non-lake condominium or apartment communities in each district
• A voting staff representative selected by RA’s CEO
• Two non-voting staff liaisons, including RA’s watershed manager and human resources director

The idea came at the suggestion of director Erwin Flashman and board president Sarah Selvaraj-D’Souza.