Ballston Pond Park
Retrofitting the Ballston Wetland Park was a high-priority project in the County’s Stormwater Management Program. This pond receives runoff from more than 450 acres of urban and suburban land, and represents the most feasible opportunity within Arlington for a larger regional stormwater management facility.
The Ballston Pond was originally designed and constructed as a stormwater detention facility to collect and slow stormwater runoff from Interstate 66 when the highway was built. Over the years, the pond filled up with sediments deposited by stormwater runoff, which slows down when it reaches the pond. The Ballston Pond not longer functioned as originally designed, and its water quality benefits were limited due to water flowing straight through the pond instead of taking a more circuitous route. In addition to invasive plants, trash is a continual issue. Construction began on Dec.1, 2021 and completed in August 2023.
Retrofitting the Ballston Wetland Park was a high-priority project in the County’s Stormwater Management Program. This pond receives runoff from more than 450 acres of urban and suburban land, and represents the most feasible opportunity within Arlington for a larger regional stormwater management facility. Retrofitting the pond to provide more water quality treatment helps the County comply with the municipal separate storm sewer system permit and contributes to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
In fall of 2000, the pond was drained and the bottom surveyed to determine the pond’s remaining capacity. The survey data provided essential baseline information for a comprehensive study and redesign of the pond.
The restored Ballston Wetland Park includes:
A weir at the top of the pond that controls the water level in the pond.
Trash control devices, allowing trash to be collected and removed.
A deep water area in the middle of the current pond, and multiple small channels to allow water to flow throughout the wetland.
Emergent, shrub and tree wetland vegetation areas.
Native plants and invasive plant control.
Wildlife components, including turtle basking stations.
A new boardwalk on the eastern side of the pond.
Interpretive signage.
Images