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TextHarold L. Strickland Receives Lawrence V. Fowler Award
The Fairfax County Board
of Supervisors presented the Lawrence V. Fowler Award to Harold L.
Strickland at its December 7, 2010 meeting. The award recognizes the
distinguished service of a longstanding member of a Fairfax County board,
authority, commission or committee (BAC) whose exceptional service
contributed to the overall quality of life in the community.
Selected from among distinguished members of BACs who are dedicated to public service, Strickland has been the Sully District representative on the Fairfax County Park Authority Board since 1992. He has been an instrumental leader in shaping park policy and creating a robust, full-service and nationally-acclaimed park system enjoyed by millions of visitors annually. Working closely with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, as well as numerous other agencies, organizations and stakeholders, Strickland has played in key role in the establishment of two dozen synthetic turf fields, the acquisition and preservation of Sully Woodlands, the creation of a Natural and Cultural Resources Plan, as well as passage of numerous park bonds. He oversaw completion of the Cross County Trail and conversion of the Lorton prison site into a top-ranked municipal golf course, and adjacent parks and trails.
Strickland has served with distinction on the Park Authority Board for 19 years, serving as Chairman from 1994 to 1995 and again from 2005 to 2009. He recognizes the dual mission of the agency: provision of outstanding recreational programs and facilities as well as the stewardship of natural and cultural resources. His leadership abilities, adherence to high standards and an honest work ethic have created a climate of accomplishment evidenced by the receipt of three Gold Medal Awards, as well as national accreditation.
He understands the keen value and sanctity of open space and has led the Authority to acquire thousands of acres of parkland. Today the Park Authority protects nearly 23,000 acres of parkland. Strickland has also been a powerful advocate for park bonds which fund capital projects. Voters in Fairfax County have endorsed bond programs, overwhelmingly approving more than $300 million to finance capital projects and land acquisition.
A high point in his service was the completion of the ninth RECenter at Cub Run, a state-of-the-art facility serving western Fairfax and featuring a competitive pool, a leisure pool, the largest fitness center in the park system as well as classrooms for stewardship education programs.
The Lawrence V. Fowler Award was established to honor the accomplishments of Fowler, who served for 41 years on the Consumer Protection Commission and its predecessor. Fowler set the bar for exceptional and long-term volunteer service for Fairfax County Government. To be considered for the award, individuals must have served on a County BAC for at least 10 years demonstrating exceptional service contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.
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