Reston National Golf Course Redevelopment Proposal Not Recommended—For Now

By Gene Powell, Staff Writer

A two-option plan to redevelop all or part of Reston National Golf Course has not been recommended for further study by Fairfax County in 2025. But the review process isn't over, and a smaller version of the proposal could still move forward.

The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development staff issued a “do not add to work program” recommendation on April 24. It was the only one of 11 developer submissions in the Hunter Mill District—which includes Reston—not advanced for further review this year. The recommendation appeared in a 50-page report evaluating site-specific development proposals countywide.

This is just the first step in the county’s multi-month Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process. The Planning Commission will review the recommendation on May 15, followed by a June 10 vote by the Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.

Staff cited “clear and significant policy issues” related to land use compatibility and environmental protection. Developers War Horse Cities and Reston-based NVR are seeking clarification, but remain committed to the process, possibly with a scaled-down plan.

The two-option proposal is the latest in a series of redevelopment attempts for the 166-acre course, which opened in 1970 as “Reston South Golf Course.” The primary option would eliminate the golf course and build about 850 homes on half the property. The remainder would become a “linear park,” potentially owned by the county or Reston Association.

If that plan is rejected, the developers may pursue a smaller option: redesigning the 18-hole course and developing 288 townhomes on 14 acres already zoned for medium-density housing. This area borders Sunrise Valley Drive, Colts Neck Road, and South Lakes Drive. It would include a renovated clubhouse, new restaurant, upgraded final nine holes, a multi-tiered lighted driving range, and other training amenities.

Both options have been presented at public meetings, including a contentious April 7 session at Langston Hughes Middle School attended by more than 400 people, and a smaller April 23 meeting at Herndon Middle School.

Developers say the course is not financially viable without major upgrades, and cannot compete with newer public and private courses or meet current demand for shorter play and enhanced practice facilities.

Many residents at the meetings opposed the plans, citing threats to Reston’s original open space design, increased traffic, added school-age population, stormwater concerns, and higher housing density. Some, however, pointed to the need for more affordable housing. Developers said workforce housing units would be included and that new homes would generate revenue for Reston Association, which maintains community facilities. All new homes would be required to join the association.

They also said the proposed linear park would be protected from future development if the larger plan is approved.

War Horse Cities purchased the golf course in 2019 for $23.6 million, citing the price as reflective of “future development potential.” Critics say that price doesn’t justify altering Reston’s original plan.

Rescue Reston, an all-volunteer group, remains a leading opponent. It advocates preserving the existing 18-hole course as a privately owned green space that, in its words, “contributes to a healthy natural balance between nature and residents of our community and is being directly threatened by unnecessary development.”