DUMFRIES, Va. – A proposal to name a new public park after former Delegate Luke Torian (D-24, Prince William County) and his wife, Clarice, was removed from the July 1, 2025, Dumfries Town Council agenda — delaying what many community members hoped would be a celebratory vote.
The park, which sits atop the town’s former landfill site, is part of a major transformation that’s turning more than 80 acres of reclaimed land into a public green space overlooking Quantico Creek. The site is adjacent to the Rose Gaming Resort and represents one of the most visible symbols of the town’s revitalization.
The resolution that was scheduled for council consideration would have named the property “Luke & Clarice Torian Overlook Park.” The draft resolution outlines Luke Torian’s pivotal role in securing over $400 million in public-private investment projects for Dumfries during his time in the House of Delegates from 2008 to 2024. It also credits him with pushing for state tax reforms expected to double gaming revenue by 2026 and securing funding for Quantico Creek flood mitigation, which directly impacted the park’s viability.
Clarice Torian is recognized in the resolution as a long-time educator and administrator who served as Director of Student Services for Prince William County Public Schools, leading efforts in student wellness, school safety, and counseling initiatives aligned with the values the park is intended to represent.
But despite the accolades, the item was formally removed from the agenda by a split council vote. Councilmembers Caetrina Peterson, Shaun Peete, Brian Fields, and Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson voted in favor of removing the resolution entirely. Mayor Derrick Wood, Chair Pro Tem Selonia Miles, and Councilman Russell Young voted against removing it.
During citizens’ time, multiple residents passionately urged the council to honor the Torian family by approving the name. Resident Carolyn Woodson called the couple “steadfast pillars in this community,” while Margie Oden and Tyrone Brown cited Delegate Torian’s role in helping bring the Rose project to fruition and transforming the former landfill into usable community space.
“Dumfries has its own pioneers who deserve to be noted in the history books,” Oden told the council.
Joanne Bagner Rise, speaking in support, said the naming was an appropriate tribute to “decades and decades and decades” of service.
Though the measure did not move forward on July 1, council members indicated they may revisit the resolution at a future meeting, potentially giving supporters another opportunity to advocate for the name.
Mayor Wood acknowledged the significance of the naming during his comments.
“It’s more than a designation,” said Wood. “I believe it would have been a tribute to their legacy of leadership, compassion, and tireless service.”
No timeline has been set for when the naming proposal may return to the council agenda.
The Town of Dumfries is considering relocating its Farmers Market to a more high-traffic area in an effort to boost accessibility and attract more vendors. This discussion comes as part of the town’s broader push for economic growth, which includes new housing developments, business expansions, and infrastructure improvements.
Farmers Market Relocation Considered to Improve Access and Participation
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The Dumfries Town Council designated a Waterfront District off Possum Point Road, marking a significant step in the town’s broader economic development strategy.
During the February 4th, 2025, meeting, Councilman Shaun Peet emphasized the vision for the district on Quantico Creek, stating:
“Having this vision of a mini National Harbor down here with the boardwalk and some waterfront amenities that we can enjoy right here in the town, which we actually just named as a council of the town of Dumfries Waterfront District.”
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The Rose Gaming Resort celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in its newly built multi-story parking garage. Local and state leaders, including Mayor Derrick Wood, Virginia Delegate Luke Torian, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, joined senior officials from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind The Rose.
The $460 million facility promises to be Northern Virginia’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, offering a wide array of amenities, including 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over 100 hotel rooms, and a vibrant event space.
Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO William C. Carstanjen praised the dedication of the 500-member team and the intense efforts that went into transforming the site, a former landfill, into what is now a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex. “This project has faced its share of challenges,” Carstanjen said, referencing the technical and construction obstacles posed by building on a reclaimed landfill. “But for us, the opportunity to convert this site into a new facility has been a labor of love.”
Mayor Derrick Wood echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the landfill’s past and the significant transformation it symbolizes for Dumfries. “Today’s ribbon cutting is more than just an event; it’s the beginning of a new era for our town,” he stated. He highlighted the evolution of the property from an eyesore to a “landmark” that will redefine Dumfries, not only visually but economically. The Rose Gaming Resort, he noted, is projected to inject millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, further enhancing the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
The event emphasized community engagement and CDI’s commitment to the Dumfries area. Mayor Wood praised CDI’s "Rosie's Gives Back" program, which has pledged $100,000 in donations to local initiatives, reinforcing The Rose’s role as an engaged community partner. Local residents now look forward to the economic and cultural impact of this new landmark, which is expected to attract visitors from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, solidifying Dumfries as a go-to destination for entertainment and hospitality.
Hundreds lined up to enter the game room while the ribbon cutting took place.
The grand opening signifies a major milestone in Dumfries' ongoing development and a promising future fueled by public-private partnerships and community-focused growth, according to its mayor.
The Rose held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to mark the completion of the $460 million gaming resort in Dumfries, Virignia. pic.twitter.com/4278fn4PqI
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 8, 2024
Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood announced the soft opening of The Rose, a highly anticipated resort and gaming venue, on Facebook today, ahead of any official statement from the operator, Churchill Downs.
"The soft opening of The Rose is in full effect!" Mayor Wood shared in his post. "On Monday, I had the pleasure of joining the Town Council, staff, family, and friends for a private tour of this exciting new addition to Dumfries. I even had the honor of taking the first spin on the machines!"
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Dumfries Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson is leading a renewed effort to attract more small businesses to the town as it prepares for the opening of The Rose, a 300-room gaming resort and hotel set to become the largest gaming destination in Northern Virginia. Town leaders are focused on creating a diverse mix of retail and service businesses to complement the expected influx of visitors with the resort's opening.
Nickerson outlined the town’s strategy, which includes a year-long contract extension with Retail Strategies, a firm hired to identify and attract potential businesses to Dumfries. "We are hopeful that the Rose will serve as a beacon, an anchor, that will attract more businesses to Dumfries as a destination," Nickerson said. The Rose, which will offer video slot machines but not table games, is expected to draw visitors from across the region.
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Dumfries Town Council approved the amended proffer agreement and memorandum of understanding between the town and Churchill Downs, owner and operator of The Rose Gaming Resort, which is under construction, six to one.
Under the new agreement, Churchhill Downs Group (CDG) would give the town $3.6 million, a one-time contribution in unrealized taxes due in 10 days, following the Special Town Council meeting on February 13, 2024, when the council agreed to the changes. Additionally, there is an additional $400,000 per month in lost tax revenue if the site does not open before August 1, 2024, as anticipated. The loss in tax income significantly impacted the town's finances and led to the implementing of an amended budget for the town, officials said.
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“A few moments ago, the Town of Dumfries Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the proffer related to The Rose. The vote was 4-0. The amendments and other commitments, as outlined below, will go before the Town Council for its consideration on Tuesday evening,” said Michael Kelly, spokesman for The Rose, on Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024.
Tonight, the Dumfries Town Council convenes to deliberate on pivotal proffer amendments concerning The Rose Gaming Resort. These amendments were recently greenlit by the Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the proposed expansion.
Outlined in the proposed amendments are various commitments and changes that could shape the future of The Rose Gaming Resort. Among these adjustments are provisions related to traffic mitigation, environmental impact, and community benefits.
According to the details provided, the proffer amendments encompass a range of key aspects. These include alterations to traffic management strategies, environmental safeguards, and community investment initiatives. Provision concerning public infrastructure enhancements and economic development opportunities is also up for discussion. If approved, the development will go forward despite the delay of a promised public park next to the resort, atop of old landfill on which The Rose is built.
For further details on the proposed proffer amendments and ongoing developments regarding The Rose Gaming Resort, you can read Potomac Local Dumfries Reporter Sarah Romero’s coverage: The Rose Seeks Gaming Expansion Amid Delay in Dumfries Park Project Approval.
The project’s original opening date was late 2023, but it has been delayed at least six months. Churchill Downs, the operators of The Rose, have not said why the project is behind schedule.
The soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort operators are about to ask the Dumfries Town Council for permission to install more gaming machines than planned, even if the greenspace they promised residents as part of the development won’t be built yet.
Churchill Downs, Inc., owners of the Rose, a 310-room hotel, video slot gaming parlor, restaurant, and entertainment destination, have submitted their original development package adjustments to Dumfries Town Council. The town council will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 17739 Main Street, to rule on the matter.
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Prince William Times: 'Manassas Park voters handily rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed a new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium to open in their independent city, a result officials said was likely the result of a distaste for gambling as well as possible confusion over ballot wording using the phrase “pari-mutuel” wagering."
"Churchill Downs Incorporated, which owns Rosie’s, had hoped to open a gaming parlor in the Manassas Park Shopping Center similar to the one in Dumfries. Rosie’s offers slot-like betting machines that are based on historical horse races. Pari-mutuel betting creates a pool of winnings based on the money wagered."
