ANNUAL REPORT
Vision:
Leading the model community where all can Live, Work, Play and Get Involved™.
Mission:
To preserve and enhance the Reston community through outstanding leadership, service and stewardship of our resources.
Core Values:
Service, Collaboration, Stewardship, Innovation, Leadership
Table of Contents
A Message from our President and Acting CEO Board of Directors Department Highlights and Related Summaries Recreation and Environmental Education Aquatics Reston Camps Events Pickleball Nature Center Tennis Volunteer Reston Capital Projects Covenants Information Technology Central Services Facility Communications & Member Engagement Member Services Friends of Reston Reston Association Statement of Revenue
4 8 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 18 20 25 26 28
A Message from our President and Acting CEO On behalf of Reston Association, we are pleased to provide you with this annual report, which includes departmental summaries of 2021 business and recreational operations and a look ahead at how the RA staff and Board of Directors plan to pursue new opportunities in 2022. While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly did impact operations of the association in 2021, we worked hard to keep our members and volunteers informed, engaged and safe. Business continued uninterrupted with association meetings conducted via Zoom and through other digital platforms. Reston’s outdoor amenities, especially our trails, were used by an increasing number of residents and our Reston Camps program returned as vibrant as ever after being shuttered in 2020 due to the pandemic. Also, a return to a more robust pool schedule was welcomed by many members. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 4
Caren Anton
RA President
The Reston board worked diligently last summer and fall to ensure the increase in the 2022 annual member assessment fee would remain modest. Meanwhile, the board and staff collaborated and moved forward on major capital projects such as renovations of the Lake Thoreau Pool, Shadowood Pool and the Barton Hill recreational facility. Protecting the environment remained a board priority in 2021. The board of directors demonstrated their commitment to one of Reston’s most valued founding concepts of sustainability and stewardship of our natural resources by approving a new senior level environmental position.
The covenants staff continues to provide many means of outreach to both clusters and other members regarding not only the Design Review Board process, but also the care and use of properties to keep Reston the beautiful community that it is. To improve upon IT security and innovation, the board formed a new Information Technology Committee. Projects overseen by this volunteer committee will help improve our services and online member engagement efforts, while at the same time keeping costs down in 2022 and beyond.
One of the significant accomplishments resulting from the reforming of the PRAC was a successful community-engagement campaign in October that enabled the association to move forward with a plan to renovate the Shadowood Pool. Working with staff, the committee surveyed community members to gauge the level of interest in improving the pool and other recreational amenities at Shadowood. A similar engagement model is planned for 2022 regarding the Barton Hill area.
Continued on page 7
In conjunction with the formation of the IT committee, RA worked with an independent Chief Information Officer to review IT infrastructure and data collection. This review will also include recommendations to RA that will help members and other constituents efficiently do business with the association in the future. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee was restarted in 2021. The committee advises the board on the sound management and development of facilities and amenities for RA members, the delivery of association sponsored or co-sponsored recreation/leisure activities and services, and the prioritization of funding for capital improvements and recreation services.
Larry Butler Acting CEO
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 5
Continued from page 5
The RA board and staff actively engaged in the Reston Comprehensive Plan process, which is driven by Fairfax County. Board Vice President, John Mooney, and Acting CEO, Larry Butler, served on the 21-member task force that provided input on many aspects on the future of Reston, including transportation, the environment, parks and open space and others. A significant challenge for RA in 2021 was related to an increase in staff turnover. The association experienced a 19 percent staff attrition rate, compared with 10 percent in prior two years. This was mainly due to RA employees seeking new opportunities in a strong job market. The association is continuing to explore new and innovative ideas to help hire and retain talented employees in 2022. Towards the end of 2021 the RA Board commenced the search for a new CEO, and it is hoped that by the time this report is published, that person will have been hired.
We believe the wide-ranging successes and unique challenges of the past year have made us a stronger association. More than ever, Reston Association is addressing the needs of our membership in this rapidly growing community. We’re exploring new ways to do business and provide amenities that will benefit our diverse membership, protect home values and improve the quality of life for Restonians. As always, we encourage RA members – both property owners and renters – to get involved in making RA the best it can be. We hope you enjoy reading this annual report. Sincerely, RA President Acting CEO
A review of the association’s insurance coverages took place in late 2020 and 2021. The purpose of the review was to make sure there was adequate coverage in place and to prevent duplications or omissions based upon RA’s lines of business and exposures.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 7
Board of Directors Caren Anton
President
Hunters Woods/Dogwood District RA-BODPresident@reston.org
Robert T. Petrine Treasurer
John Mooney
Vice President
At-Large District RA-BODTreasurer@reston.org
North Point District RA-BODVicePresident@reston.org
Tom Mulkerin Jennifer Jushchuk Secretary
South Lakes District RA-BODSecretary@reston.org
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 8
At-Large District RA-BODATLARGE1@reston.org
Aaron Webb
Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District RA-BODLATA@reston.org
Timothy J. Dowling Sarah Selvaraj-D’Souza
At-Large District RA-BODATLARGE3@reston.org
At-Large District RA-BODATLARGE4@reston.org
Larry Butler Mike Collins
Apartment Owners Representative RA-BODAPTOWNREP@reston.org
Acting CEO
RA-COO@reston.org
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 9
Department Highlights and Related Summaries
Recreation and Environmental Education Overall
The Recreation and Environmental Education Department showcased Reston’s best qualities this year through outdoor activities. While the pandemic was still impactful, the outdoor setting that is the platform most of the Reston Association’s recreation and environmental activities, allowed RA and its members to thrive. The Recreation and Environmental Education teams creatively moved forward with quality programming in a safe way to deliver leisure services and healthy activities for all RA members. Each program area adapted ever-changing safety protocols to meet facility and customer needs by following federal guidelines, Centers for Disease Control recommendations, Virginia executive orders and advice provided by organizations for specific areas such as camps, courts and pools.
QUICK FACT
931
Participants in junior tennis lessons
Aquatics
RA successfully opened 12 pool facilities in 2021. Despite the continued restrictions in place until after Memorial Day, along with staffing and training challenges, there were over 250 certifications to operate with a 70% retention rate from the year before. Not only were RA members happy to be at poolside, but our staff was glad to be back. We saw a 40% increase in lessons from the previous year and close to 1,500 water fitness participants. We expanded our programming at our lakes to include stand-up paddleboard classes that drew over 300 participants.
Camps
The Reston Camps program was back with record attendance, surpassing pre-pandemic registration in 2019. We thank the Friends of Reston for its continued support of our scholarship program for 19 children last summer. Through our outdoor-based camp program, ensuring that all COVID policies and protocols were strictly followed with smaller groups at multiple locations and modifications to programming, we are happy to report there were no cases of COVID-19 amongst campers or staff. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 12
Events
Community events were able to move back to in-person with a total of 61 events in 2021 and 8,500 members and non-members in attendance. Highlights included the addition of innovative programming such as Drive-In Movies, Movies in the Park, Dog Paddle events Paws and Claus and a joint event with our partner Reston Community Center on a summer picnic series. In addition, Senior Movie Day returned in 2021 – a popular program that has been offered since 1994.
Pickleball
Despite the pandemic, pickleball continued to expand at a rapid pace. In fact, we were challenged to accommodate everyone who wanted to get involved in this new and growing sport. Permanent courts were added at Autumnwood. Sales were exceeded and the first-ever Pickleball Paddle Battle Tournament was held with 200 participants. Program expansion will continue in 2022.
QUICK FACT
315
Players enrolled in pickleball lessons
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 13
Nature Center
QUICK FACT
The Walker Nature Center remained a popular destination during the pandemic. Most programs, events, citizen science and environmental volunteer activities were brought back to in-person participation. •
There were 199 programs conducted with 3,848 participants in 2021 with 91% of people participating in-person compared to 45% virtually in 2020.
•
In September, walk-in visitation resumed at Nature House, welcoming 1,212 visitors, not including the thousands who enjoy the trails and natural amenities.
•
Rentals returned with a 72% increase from 2020 with 105 private rental events. Outdoor rentals of the Fire Ring and Pavilion continued to out pace indoor rentals of the Multipurpose Room.
•
We look to 2022 for the return of our Spring Festival.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 14
72%
Increase in nature center rental events
Tennis
Reston Tennis remained extremely popular with an increase in programming, rentals and open play, surpassing revenue goals. While statistics for open play are not collected, the RA staff saw an increase in the volume of play when visiting sites and in lesson sales. •
Lessons saw a 30% increase over 2020 with 931 junior participants, 491 adults participants and private instruction jumping to 469 participants March-November compared with 256 in 2020.
•
The Simon Cup Tennis Tournament was brought back and will continue to 2022.
Volunteer Reston
More than 850 volunteers, with an eye on a safe return to in-person opportunities, participated in volunteer opportunities in 2021. Reston Association thanks our volunteers for all their help at more than 70 land management events, Gold Award Scout Project, International Coastal Cleanup and Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, tournaments, Shadowood Pool Community Outreach, Nature Center events, the Fall Friends of Reston 5k, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Holiday events, community events and more. When valued at private sector wages, volunteers provided more than $64,557 in labor benefits to RA in 2021. There was an increase from 2,262 hours in 2021 to 990 hours in 2020. This does not include the many hours of volunteer time provided by RA advisory committee members, Design Review Board members and the RA Board of Directors throughout the year.
QUICK FACT
2,262
Volunteer hours spent in Reston
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 15
Capital Projects
The Reston Association Capital Projects Department had another challenging year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Material costs skyrocketed, supply chains were disrupted and the construction labor market was stretched thin. However, the RA capital department was able to navigate these waters and successfully completed nearly 80% of all projects totaling approximately $2.7 million and ending the year under budget by approximately 10%. Major projects completed in 2021 included the complete renovation of the Hook Road tennis facility, with new asphalt court surface and energy efficient LED lighting installed. The refurbishment of the main and wading pools at the Lake Audubon facility was also completed.
QUICK FACT
113
Bridges maintained, inspected in 2021
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 16
Projects we look forward to in 2022 include the complete renovation of Lake Thoreau pool, Shadowood pool and Barton Hill tennis courts, as well as the refurbishment of the Ridge Heights wading and main pools.
Covenants
Building from a successful year in 2020, Covenants staff continued outreach efforts, which supported members by: • Establishing the Vote by Acclamation process in September 2021 for the Design Review Board, which allows the DRB to approve multiple applications with one motion, thus reducing meeting times and permitting more applications to be at each meeting.
Here are some interesting statistics from 2021:
•
Maintaining cluster outreach through multiple modes of communication: 19 in-person meetings with cluster boards (Show & Tells), five virtual Meet & Greets, two cluster collection data surveys, and six issues of the Cluster Connect newsletter.
•
Creation of a new design guideline for electric vehicle charging stations.
The Reston Association Covenants Department was looking forward to an exciting, non-COVID-19 year, however, the reality of the pandemic continuing forced us to adjust expectations. Covenants staff remained in a hybrid work environment but continued to provide the necessary services to all RA members. •
2,092 applications were processed. Of those, 95% were approved.
•
323 post Design Review Board property inspections were completed to ensure projects approved at panel and full board adhered to approvals received.
•
127 individual cluster or condominium standards were updated.
Looking further into 2022, the Covenants team is committed to continuing to • 1,241 of resale disclosure bring excellent service to RA members packages were processed, through continued effort in updating adding approximately QUICK FACT resolutions, working with the DRB $320,000 of non-assessment to evaluate and revise design revenue to the annual guidelines, and continue budget. internal training modules Cluster or condo for our staff.
127
standards updated
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 17
Information Technology
In early November 2021, Reston Association engaged the services of WIPFLI, a business consulting firm and two of their Chief Information Officers with almost 50 years of combined direct technology leadership, to conduct an Information Maturity Assessment. The assessment focused on: • Reviewing RA’s current technology environment. •
Providing insight around future considerations to make it easier for members to do business with the association.
•
Positioning the association with an insight to create technology business edge in the delivery services with all the proper data protection.
•
Providing the association with an “Information Technology Roadmap.”
Specifically, the assessment focused on member-based applications, cyber-security, third party vendors, and the overall cross-functional evolution of information technology at the strategic business level. The report concluded that RA has made significant progress in improving its cybersecurity posture and IT support. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 18
The Information Technology Roadmap also included in the report provides recommendations for improvements in technology governance and organizational integration to enhance the member experience, increasing staff efficiency, enhancing cybersecurity, and enabling revenue growth.
Central Services Facility
Reston Association’s Central Services Facility diligently worked around obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and kept Reston looking great as always. The CSF team, operating with a reduced seasonal staff and coping with various logistical problems, successfully maintained Reston’s amenities, grounds, facilities and structures while also finding ways to save the association money through cost-effective initiatives. Garden plots were maintained, roadway curbs were cleaned and edged, 55 miles of pathways were cleared of snow and 400 hazardous trees were removed from common areas throughout Reston.
Here are just a few other examples of the numerous maintenance projects and installations CSF executed in 2021: · There were 24 underpasses maintained and power-washed last year. ·
Special weather and insect-resistant materials were purchased to replace and enhance 24 benches throughout Reston. The special boards do not require expensive care such as painting and will save RA about $9,000.
·
Approximately 800 acres of open space were preserved and maintained in 2021.
·
113 bridges and 36 tot lots were inspected for safety and repaired if necessary.
QUICK FACT
800
Acres of open space maintained
· The RA team hired and oversaw the repair of sidewalk easements, making it safer for pedestrians. In 2022, CSF will move forward on planting native trees with funding provided by VDOT and continue to use recycled materials to build and replace benches and trash can slats. A new concession stand for Reston Camps will be constructed. The team will, of course, continue to maintain all of RA’s natural and manmade assets. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 19
Communications & Member Engagement Continuing our efforts to educate, engage and inform members, the Reston Association Communications team, in collaboration with various RA departments, produced several on-going publications in 2021 to keep members apprised of the association’s activities, programs and operations.
The publications include: • RA News
(https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/jhCrE4S) – 50 weekly
digital issues were published in 2021 focusing on the association’s news and events. • RA Activities Guide
(https://issuu.com/restonassociation/docs/march_ra_activities_guide_2022)
– four quarterly print and digital issues promoting RA activities, events and programs. •
Branching Out
(https://issuu.com/restonassociation/docs/branching_out_spring_2022)
– four quarterly print and digital issues focusing on the Walker Nature Center, environmental and wildlife topics.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 20
•
RA Monthly Activities and Events – distributed monthly to members with WebTrac accounts, this digital publication highlights activities and programs happening each month.
• Cluster Connect
(https://www.reston.org/cluster-connect-news) – a quarterly
newsletter to educate and inform cluster association leaders about various Covenants-related matters and programs. •
New Member Welcome Guide – In 2021, to assist new Reston Association members with the association and the activities and programs available to them, a new digital New Member Welcome Guide was developed and is available online (https://www.reston.org/member-welcome-guide).
•
2020 Annual Report – to provide the membership with an update and recap of the association’s prior year’s programs and operations, RA produced an Annual Report available online for members to view. The Annual Report is now an on-going annual publication.
With the pandemic in its second year, RA continued governance and operation of the association with all Board of Directors, Design Review Board, and all advisory committee meetings held remotely via the Zoom virtual meetings. In 2021, RA utilized its social media channels and website platform extensively to engage and share information with members. Specifically, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and the RA website (www.reston.org) were used to educate and inform members about environmental issues, pandemic operational matters, board and committee activities, and to increase member engagement in activities, programs and virtual meetings. RA achieved significant growth in all key social media metrics including followers, impressions, reach and total engagement. Facebook Total Reach exceeded 1.274 million and Total Engagement more than 75,000. LinkedIn impressions were almost 14,000 with Total Engagement of 729 and our Twitter had more than 272,000 Total Impressions. In addition to regular monthly Board of Directors, Design Review Board and advisory committee meetings, the association conducted numerous special meetings and events throughout 2021 to listen and exchange dialogue with members.
QUICK FACT
8,000
RA News subscribers
Continued on page 22 ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 21
Continued from page 21
2021 Board of Director Elections: • Candidate Forum (virtual) – 2/24/21
• Candidate Meet & Greet Sessions (virtual) – 3/1-4/2021
RA Lakes Community Discussion (virtual) – 3/31/21 Annual Members’ Meeting – 4/13/21 Board of Directors Member Listening Sessions: • North Point District– 9/8/21
• Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District – 9/13/21 • Hunters Woods/Dogwood District – 9/20/21 • South Lakes District – 9/30/21 • At-Large Directors – 10/4/21
2022/2023 Biennial Budget Sessions:
• Budget Public Hearing #1 (virtual) – 10/13/21 • Budget Public Hearing #2 (virtual) – 11/10/21
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 22
In September 2021, RA staff partnering with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, executed an extensive member engagement model to seek feedback for the Board of Directors about the Shadowood Recreation Area and pool located on Springwood Drive. The board was particularly interested in hearing from Shadowood area residents who were seeking ways to improve the recreational area. An online survey was developed and distributed to members within the Shadowood area containing questions about pool usage, how to improve amenities and other related topics. Members were encouraged to provide their input by completing the short survey, which was available in both English and Spanish. In addition to the survey, in-person open houses were held at the Shadowood pool facility on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26, where members could voice their questions and suggestions. A virtual meeting was also held via Zoom on Sept. 26 at for members unable to attend the in-person sessions.
Member Services
RA’s Member Services team provides general assistance to members with activity registrations, Recreation Pass purchases, assessment payments and facility rental reservations for The Lake House, Conference Center, Glade Room, Brown’s Chapel and pavilions. In 2021, the MS team answered more than 20,000 inbound phone calls and had 16,000 email interactions with members. Despite social distancing requirements resulting from the pandemic, the team handled almost 1,100 rental reservations for RA members, non-members, businesses, nonprofit organizations and RA staff. To increase rental activity at The Lake House, the MS team also conducted two special marketing events to promote RA’s beautiful Lake Newport rental facility. Partnering with Extravagant Affairs & Catering, RA held an Open House on June 24 and our first Lake House Wedding Expo on Nov. 7. The Wedding Expo was promoted extensively throughout the Greater Washington area, featured 16 wedding vendors featured entertainers, cakes, bridal fashions, caterers and photographers and the expo drew more than 200 attendees.
In support of RA’s strategic plan initiative to improve the overall member experience, MS began collecting, measuring and tracking member satisfaction during the last quarter of 2021. Members who contact the MS team by email now receive a post-interaction customer survey link at the bottom of their email communication encouraging members to share their feedback and customer experience with RA. For members calling into the MS team, they receive a post-call survey sent to their email at the end of the business so they can share their feedback as well. RA received over 100 survey responses between November and December and 95 of the 100-member feedback surveys indicated they were either “Very Satisfied” or “Somewhat Satisfied” with their RA experience. When asked if the member would recommend RA to a friend or colleague, RA received a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 83. Collecting and tracking QUICK FACT member satisfaction will now be an on-going operational standard for Member Services. Survey respondents satisfied with their RA experience
95%
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 25
Friends of Reston
Established in 1999, the Friends of Reston for Community Projects, Inc., is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to support Reston Association in performing charitable, educational and scientific purposes. Even amid COVID-19, the Friends had a very successful 2021. In 2021, the Friends made donations to three community initiatives. First, to foster greater engagement, the organization purchased open-air cinema equipment for RA to be used for activities such as the Environmental Film Festival and Movies in the Park. The Friends also donated $20,000 to Reston Camps, making it possible for 37 Reston children with financial need to attend multiple sessions of RA’s popular summer camp program tuition free. The organization also provided funding for COVID-related supplies ensuring the safety of RA activities and Walker Nature Center programs. In addition to our annual Reston Camps scholarship giving campaign, the Friends also introduced some exciting new fundraisers in 2021. The Friends partnered with RA to introduce a WebTrac Donation Option, making it possible for members registering for RA activities, events and programs to donate directly to the Friends when making purchases via their RA WebTrac account and also raising awareness of the Friends’ organization and its mission. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 26
The Friends also partnered with Red’s Table, a local South Lakes Village Center restaurant, to pilot a roundup campaign. Upon receiving their check, diners were given information about the Friends and were made aware of a “Donate to Friends of Reston” option on their bill. This initiative ran through the summer and the Friends’ look forward to continuing the program in 2022. In October, the inaugural Friends of Reston Fall 5k took place at Brown’s Chapel Park with a fantastic turnout of 210 registered runners raising $7,500. In 2022, the organization looks forward to building upon its 2021 successful fundraising momentum by adding at least one community-based fundraiser, continuing to grow their impact, and further community awareness of the Friends of Reston. A special thank you to our 2021 corporate sponsors that were integral to our success: CACI CDW-G Onelife Fitness Northern Virginia Orthodontics Red’s Table Marnie Schaar Baird
Robert E Simon Children’s Center The Busy Blondes Real Estate Team Bach 2 Rock Card My Yard Lake Anne Brew House
2021 Financial Statements (unaudited) Reston Association Balance Sheet (unaudited) As of December 31, 2021
Statement of Revenue and expenses (unaudited) Year ended December 31, 2021
Assets
Revenues
Liabilities
Total revenues
490,546 $ 19,935,274
Total expenses Excess of revenues over expenses
$ 17,219,521 $ 2,715,753
Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Accounts Receivable, Net Prepaid expenses Property and equipment, net
$
10,069,796 5,322,154 1,283,437 380,694 26,349,327
Homeowners assessments and fees Recreation programs Late fees, penalties and service charges Open space programs Lake house rental Total assets $ 43,405,408 Land use Covenants administration and POAA Liabilities and Fund Balances Interest and other Accounts payable Accrued wages and benefits Deferred compensation Revenue collected in advance Deferred rent liability
Total liabilities
$
$
Fund balance $ Total liabilities and fund balances $
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | 28
$ 15,490,570 1,953,475 685,009 751,857 116,647 67,850 379,320
568,462 714,551 Expenses 719,962 Management and staff services $ 5,986,918 1,968,271 Operating programs 5,177,532 2,453,834 Recreation programs 3,980,347 6,425,080 Depreciation and amortization expense 1,804,685 Lake house programs 29,055 36,980,329 Land use 240,984 43,405,408
www.reston.org 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191 • 703-435-6530 Member_Services@reston.org
