Reston resident urges RA board to improve transparency on park chemical treatments

Amy Becker, a Reston homeowner of more than 30 years, told the Reston Association board on April 30 that the association’s current approach to applying pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers lacks adequate notice and signage and called for immediate changes.

"The current protocols are lacking in the following areas," Becker said, listing missing advance notice, too few or small warning signs, signage that fails to delineate treated areas, and a lack of information about which chemicals are used and when treated areas are safe to re-enter. She said those gaps make it hard for residents, children and pets to avoid exposure and left printed photos of small or sparse caution signs near the Hook Road baseball fields with board staff.

Becker asked the board to "review and initiate improvements in RA’s chemical treatment protocols," to include public access to safety data sheets and to consider measures that go beyond Virginia or federal EPA minimums. Board members thanked her and asked that she forward her written comments to staff for follow-up.

Why it matters: Residents who use RA trails, parks and fields need clear, timely information to reduce exposure risks to pesticides and related products. The board did not adopt new rules at the meeting but invited Becker to provide written materials and signaled staff would review her concerns.

Next steps: Becker submitted photos of existing signage to the board; staff will review her written comments when provided and consider whether changes to signage, advance-notice procedures or public disclosure of safety data sheets are warranted.