Local Athletic Booster Honored With Park Naming

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board recently renamed Fox Mill District Park, choosing instead to honor longtime athletic booster and former Park Authority Board Member Frederick M. Crabtree by changing the park's name to Fred Crabtree Park.

This unanimous Board action, taken on June 28th, is unique, and represents an exception to park policy which generally only allows for the naming of parks in honor of individuals posthumously. The Park Board felt that it was an appropriate time to honor 90-year-old Crabtree whose accomplishments are numerous, and who continues to actively support park programs that benefit youth and to advocate on behalf of park bonds.

In a letter to Crabtree, Park Authority Board Chairman Harold Strickland noted, "On behalf of the FCPA and the citizens of Fairfax County, I want to thank you for a lifetime of service and providing the ultimate example of what one person can accomplish through their unselfish commitment to the community and their fellow citizens."

Crabtree served with distinction on the Park Authority Board from 1969 to 1992, including service as the chairman from 1977 to 1978. During his tenure, he also served as vice chairman and secretary/treasurer.

During his time on the Board, Crabtree was instrumental in acquiring, expanding and developing numerous parks and facilities, including Fox Mill District Park, Peterson Lane Park, Nottoway Park, Frying Pan Park, Clarks Crossing Park, Floris School Site, Baron Cameron Park, Lahey Lost Valley Park, Lake Fairfax Park and many others across Fairfax County.

He worked hard to preserve and protect parkland with historical and cultural significance and continues to serve on the Founders, Benefactors, Supervisors and Friends of Frying Pan Park, Inc. as he as done for the past 40 years.

In 1988, he created the Elly Doyle Park Service Award which recognizes a citizen's or groups contributions of service to the Park Authority and in 1993, he was honored by the National Association of County Park and recreation for his work as an outstanding public official.

He is affectionately known as Mr. Baseball for his role as a founding father of boys and girls Little League in Vienna, Virginia.