A visitor to Radburn

On Thursday Radburn entertained a remarkable visitor, 99 yr old Robert E. Simon, the man who envisioned Reston, VA. Like Radburn, Reston is a planned community, but build in 1961. Like Radburn, it is a community of mixed housing and business, and pedestrian safe neighborhoods. Unlike Radburn, it houses 60.000 people. But like Radburn, it has pools and tennis courts, and many walking trails. Unlike Radburn, it has highrises and its own school system. To read more about Reston, see Wikipedia, or visit the above link, which leads to the Reston Association.

Mr. Simon has a historical connection to Radburn. His father was on the board of directors of Radburn in 1929, as mentioned on the 1929 brochure cover that I found in my basement, tucked behind the electric panel. (I found an original inspection sticker as well, dated Aug 31, 1928).  Mr. Simon took his inspiration from Radburn, and because there was no crash, the whole plan could be executed.

It was very interesting to talk with Mr. Simon, and to hear his views. Reston is no doubt a wonderful city. But I think that Radburn is still better, just because it is so small. Yes, we do not have all the facilities that Reston has, but we know almost everybody who lives here, at least by sight. We meet in the parks, when we walk our dogs, when we walk with our kids, and at the pools in the summer. We are a community.