Fantasy Urban Design Project #2: Create a Beach for NOVA (Lake Barcroft: homeowner, friendly)

[normie]

LOL guess what it's gotten chilly outside and once again I find myself day dreaming about building an indoor beach. Don't you think having something like this would be a huge hit in Nova?

Here are a few new thoughts I've been toying with. I'd love some feedback from you guys.

1. Do you think it would require some sort of "show" or would people come just for the pleasure of sitting on warm sand, making sand castles, and hearing the sounds of the ocean? If so, what sort of entertainment would draw people in (a luau feast? Reggae music? Kitschy games like you find on a cruise ship?)

2. If I built this thing out near Leesburg, would it draw tourists or locals only? If I need to draw tourists, would it be better to build it closer to DC? (Or is this really the sort of thing that belongs out in the 'burbs.)

[Caladium]

OK, you've been talking about building this beach for a year now. Chop chop! It's cold out, get building so we all have a beach to hang out on.

[Caladium]

Normie, where are you? I hope you're out there getting building permits because it's cooooold out there. I want you to build this beach NOW!!!!!!

We need warmth, so add extra sun lamps! Turn up the heat and I'll spend the whole day there doing my Christmas shopping online while I sip my margarita. Oh and while you're at it hire some good looking surfer dudes to slap tanning lotion on my back.

[roninsedge]

I really like the idea of a center beach with an outer mall ring. Remodel one of the floundering indoor malls. Already has plenty of parking, most right off of major roadways, infrastructure is sound and would only need some tweaking to accomodate the idea. Springfield and Landmark I am looking at you guys.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by normie

Here's another fantasy project for you Urban Design buffs. The one thing NOVA doesn't have is a beach.

uh uh.


lake barcroft beach - Google Search=

[Pandoras]

I love this thread. Let's use Springfield Mall for it! Target can sell floaties.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Pandoras

I love this thread. Let's use Springfield Mall for it! Target can sell floaties.

Yeah yeah yeah!!!! Springfield Mall Beach Club would be a huge hit. And using a mall for something like this would guarantee it would be big enough to really be a fun place.

[brooklynborndad]

Dudes. Dudes.

We moved here in 1993, when DW was one year old. Within a year, DW and DD had met (through gymboree or something) a family that lived in lake barcroft. They invited DW and DD to join them, at their BEACH. Beach. Got it? less than a ten minute drive from where we lived in Alexandria.

I invited the mom of that family to DW's 40th BD.

to add a NoVaish twist, we lost track of them at some point - you know how that can happen in Nova, right?

Then DD enters TJ. She meets the little girl (no longer so little) she went to the beach with. Same year as her at TJ. They renew their friendship. They are even in plays together.

A sweet little NoVa story. yes it CAN happen here. ANd it began with NoVa's BEACH.

[Caladium]

So, can anyone go to the Lake Barcroft Beach? Or is it for homeowners only?

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by Caladium

So, can anyone go to the Lake Barcroft Beach? Or is it for homeowners only?

Or folks who are guests of homeowners Fortunately Lake Barcroft people are friendly

OP didn't say a PUBLIC beach. Just a beach.

Maybe someday Fairfax county could buy the beach from LB. Wouldnt count on that though