Photo Gallery
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| Officials Break Ground on Two New Synthetic Turf Fields |
| 6/12/13 |
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Fairfax County officials gathered with representatives from McLean Youth Soccer and the West Lewinsville Heights Citizens Association at Lewinsville Park on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, to break ground on a project to install two new lighted synthetic turf fields there. This project is part of ongoing efforts by Fairfax County to meet the growing need for rectangular fields and address the current field shortage.
The new fields replace an aging synthetic turf field – one of the first to be built in Fairfax County – and an adjacent grass rectangular field. With the addition of the two fields, the Fairfax County Park Authority now has over 30 synthetic turf fields in its inventory.
The two fields will be installed as a single, continuous turfed surface measuring 370’ x 440’. Other site improvements include enhancements to the stormwater management system, new lights, asphalt trails, bleacher pads, and ADA parking and access.
FielfTurf USA, Inc. of Calhoun, Ga., is the contactor. The project is being funded through a partnership that includes park bonds, the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) mini-grant program, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Improvement Program and funds from McLean Youth Soccer.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are Karen Avvisato, NCS; Dave Bowden, director, Planning & Development Division Director, FCPA; Deb Garris, Synthetic Turf Branch Manager, FCPA; Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Jack Hannon, West Lewinsville Heights Citizen’s Association; Bill Gray, McLean Youth Soccer Board; Kevin Fay, Dranesville Representative, Fairfax County Park Authority Board; Peter Freire, Mclean Youth Soccer Board Chairman; and Louise Waxler, Executive Director, McLean Youth Soccer.
Lewinsville Park is located at 1659 Chain Bridge Road in McLean, Va. For more information, call the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Hidden Pond Envirothon Team Wins State Competition |
| 5/20/13 |
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The Hidden Pond Envirothon Team won the Virginia State Competition at Virginia State University, in Petersburg, Va. on May 20, 2013. The team placed first in oral presentation, wildlife, aquatic ecology, soils, and forestry. They will represent Virginia at the National Envirothon Competition this August at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. The team placed second in the 2011 and 2012 state competitions.
The team members are all volunteers at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Collectively, they contribute close to 250 hours per year toward the site as camp helpers, program leaders, animal caregivers, and mentors. Many former Envirothon team members at Hidden Pond have become staff members or have gone into the science field. Three seniors on this year’s team plan to study the sciences in college this fall.
Each year over 500,000 young people (9th-12th grade) are positively influenced by Envirothon.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are (back row) Peter MacDonald, Murjan Hammad, Owen Mulvey-McFerron, Liam Berigan, and Matt Baker. (front row) Shannon Morley, Monica Banghart, Sydney Spicer, and Mike McCaffrey, Hidden Pond Manager.
For more information, call the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Community Celebrates Creation of Rabbit Branch Park |
| 5/11/13 |
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A light rain fell as Braddock District community members gathered Saturday to celebrate the creation of Rabbit Branch Park. The park, built on the former site of the Kings West Swim Club, creates a riparian buffer that will reduce storm water runoff at the site by 10 percent. Neighbors were excited to see the new saplings and native plants growing in place of the decaying pool and dilapidated support structures.
The project was completed through the cooperation of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Fairfax County Park Authority, and the community. County and state officials and members of the project team spoke about the importance of partnerships and finding out-of-the-box solutions to problems for county residents. A ceremonial ribbon was cut to mark the occasion.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are (back row) Mary Cortina, Park Authority Member at-Large; (front row white hat) Joseph Adzovie, Senior Engineering Inspector, DPWES-UDCD; Yudhie Brownson, Project Engineer, Utilities Design and Construction Division, DPWES; Anthony Vellucci, Braddock District Representative, Fairfax County Park Authority Board; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Dave Bowden, Planning and Development Division Director, Fairfax County Park Authority; Diane DiPietro, Former President, Kings West Swim Club; and (back row) James Patteson, Director, DPWES.
Rabbit Branch Park is located at 4803 Tapestry Drive in Fairfax, Va. For more information, call the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Springfest Provides Push For Online Colvin Run Mill Campaign |
| 4/27/13 |
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Colvin Run Mill, a Fairfax County landmark located in Great Falls, is competing in the Partners in Preservation contest for $100,000 in grant funding to fully restore the 200-year-old grist mill. On Saturday, April 27, 2013, during opening ceremonies for Springfest Fairfax at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va., Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova joined Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland and three other supervisors on stage to endorse Colvin Run Mill in the campaign sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. Chairman Bulova encouraged everyone to vote for the mill at www.PartnersInPreservation.com.
Fairfax County Park Authority staff donned "Vote for Colvin Run Mill" t-shirts and solicited votes in the authority’s tent and among the large crowd. Along with a "polling station,” the Park Authority’s tent had stewardship education activities for children, such as bug box stations, watershed races, puppet shows, and live reptiles.
Springfest Fairfax was sponsored by the Clean Fairfax Council, the Workhouse Arts Center, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Water Authority, Fairfax Connector, Fort Belvoir, and Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. The event drew approximately 5,000 people.
Pictured from left to right in the back row are Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Mount Vernon District; Supervisor Penny Gross, Mason District; Supervisor Jeff McKay, Lee District; Supervisor Linda Smyth, Providence District; and Chairman Sharon Bulova. (Front row) Bobbi Longworth, executive director, Fairfax Park Foundation, and Dave Ochs, manager, Stewardship Communications, Fairfax County Park Authority. |
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| Global Youth Service Day Volunteers Pull Garlic Mustard |
| 4/27/13 |
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Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin visited volunteers at Clermont Park in Alexandria, Va. last Saturday, Global Youth Service Day. The volunteers from AmeriCorps NCCC-FEMA Corps and local families worked with the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area (IMA) program to remove garlic mustard from the park.
Garlic mustard is a biennial herb that was brought to Virginia by the colonists and has since invaded natural areas. The window in which to pull garlic mustard is very short. The plant can be pulled easily, making it an easy target for volunteers of all ages.
IMA works to remove non-native invasive plants from parkland and replace them with native species that are more beneficial to the local environment. Other IMA sites participating on Global Youth Service Day included Royal Lake, Nottoway Park, JEB Stuart Park, Falstaff Park, Brentwood Park, Borge Street Park, Idylwood Park Parklawn Park, and Rutherford Park.
Invasive Plant Removal Day (IPR) is slated for May 4 in Virginia. Garlic mustard will once again be the focus. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in workdays at Dunn Loring Park, Annandale Community Park, Nottoway Park, Pohick Stream Valley Park, Marie Butler Leven preserve, Rutherford, and Clermont Park. Because this event also takes place during Take Back the Forest, all volunteers will receive a free t-shirt.
Senator Ebbin is pictured in the center of the photo surrounded by members of the AmeriCorps NCCC-FEMA Corps volunteers. Renee Grebe, IMA site leader at Clermont, is pictured on the far right. |
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| Clerk of the Court Swears In Park Authority Board Members |
| 4/10/13 |
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Three members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board were sworn in by Fairfax County Clerk of the Court John Frey at the board’s meeting on April 10, 2013. Members of the Park Board are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to four-year terms.
Taking the oath of office was: Michael Thompson, Springfield District park representative; Mary Cortina, At-large member of the Board; and Faisal Khan, At-large member of the board. Thompson’s term expires December 2014; Cortina’s December 2014; and Khan’s December 2016.
The 12-member board is comprised of one representative from each of the nine magisterial districts, plus three at-large members. The board sets policy and establishes priorities for the park agency. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662. |
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| Historic Marker Dedicated at Frying Pan Spring Meeting House |
| 4/14/13 |
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Members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board joined local officials and Fairfax County History Commissioners for a community to celebration to dedicate an historic marker at the Frying Pan Spring Meeting House in Herndon, Va., on Sunday, April 14, 2013. The Meeting House served as a field hospital during the Civil War, and at least three Confederate soldiers are buried in the site’s cemetery.
The event included re-enactors on horseback from the "Black Horse Calvary”, 4th Virginia Regiment, Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. Re-enactor John McCaskill delivered the Emancipation Proclamation and shared the black military experience. The Clinton Hatcher Camp Sons of the Confederate Veterans Color Guard presented and retired the colors.
Pictured from left to right are Kala Quintana, at-Large member, Fairfax County Park Authority Board (PAB); Chairman Bill Bouie, PAB; Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine Hudgins; Jack Pitzer, president, Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park; and Virginia Delegate Tom Rust, 86th District. |
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| Cooperative Effort Links New Turf Field And Flood Improvements |
| 3/2/13 |
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Players, officials and members of the community gathered on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Great Falls Nike Park Field #4 to dedicate the new synthetic turf field and state-of-the-art lighting system which were recently installed. The $1.4 million project was the result of a cooperative venture between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority, Great Falls Lacrosse, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Athletic Council as well as the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Stormwater Division and Land Development Services.
This was a unique cooperative venture that allowed the County to enhance stormwater controls and measures as part of the field conversion project. These enhancements will help resolve past flooding issues in the neighborhood.
Despite frigid temperatures (from left to right) players from Great Falls Lacrosse turned out to celebrate and to practice. Others included Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, State Senator Barbara Favola, Kala Quintana, Secretary Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board; Ron Tuttle, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES); Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie; Park Authority Board Vice Chairman Kevin Fay; Delegate Barbara Comstock; James Patteson, Director, DPWES; Glen Tofil, Commissioner, Great Falls Lacrosse; Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr.; Karen Avvisato, Manager, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and Deb Garris, Manager, Synthetic Turf, FCPA. |
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| Donald F. Early Volunteer Award Presented to Beekeeper |
| 2/22/13 |
Karen Waltman, a longtime volunteer beekeeper at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly and a former naturalist with the Fairfax County Park Authority, was recently presented with the 2012 Donald F. Early Award for Volunteer Achievement. The annual award honors the late Donald Early, a fellow beekeeper who served in that capacity in the park from 1988 until 1992.
Located in western Fairfax County, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park was established to preserve large areas of open space, protect natural and cultural features and provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities for the public. The park’s 650 acres include Walney Visitor Center, Cabell’s Mill, Walney Pond, a wide array of historic ruins, picnic grounds, sports fields and hiking trails as well as forests, streams and meadows.
Waltman has volunteered her time as beekeeper for almost four years. She tends to the bees’ needs, conducts beekeeping-related educational programs, attends special events and recruits and trains additional volunteers who assist with the hives and the bees. Over time she has given more than 330 hours of volunteer service. Visitors enjoy learning about this unique feature at the site. She is a longtime Centreville resident, active in other community groups as well.
The presentation was held on February 22, 2013. Pictured above are Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr., Karen Waltman and John Shafer, manager, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. |
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| Transformation of Kings West Swim Club Adds Green Space |
| 1/30/13 |
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On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Braddock District Supervisor John Cook joined representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, and members of the community to break ground on a project at the former Kings West Swim Club that will turn an eyesore into an asset.
Fairfax County acquired the former Kings West Swim Club a year ago for the purposes of stormwater management and park use. Upon completion, the new green space will replace the club house and parking lot, but will adaptively reuse the existing swimming pool in order to remove several hundred pounds of nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment that would otherwise pollute Rabbit Run annually. The newly created pervious surface will also reduce stormwater runoff by roughly 10 percent, further improving sediment control and reducing the effects of erosion. Because of these significant environmental benefits, stormwater funds of $430,000 were provided to undertake this work.
Pictured from left to right are Craig Carinci, Director Stormwater Planning, DPWES; John Dargle Jr., Director, Park Authority; Brice Kutch, Bowman Consulting Group; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook, Fairfax County; Paul Thaler, Project Inspector, Utilities Design and Construction Division, DPWES; Tony Vellucci, Braddock District Representative to the Park Authority Board; Roy Waugh, Bowman Consulting Group; Dave Bowden, Director, Planning & Development, Park Authority; Jose Soto, Sagres Construction Corporation; Yudhie Brownson, Project Engineer, Utilities Design and Construction Division, DPWES; Elfatih Salim, Water-quality Benefits, DPWES; and Joseph Adzovie, Senior Engineering Inspector, DPWES-UDCD.
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| U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team Helps Students Plant Trees |
| 11/26/12 |
On Monday, November 26, 2012, Belvedere Elementary School students watched the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team spin, flip, and toss their 11-pound M-1 rifles in a precision drill held at the Falls Church school. After the performance, members of the Drill Team helped 45 fifth graders plant trees and shrubs in Belvedere Park, an "outdoor classroom” adjoining the school. The trees and shrubs were donated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
This collaborative project among Belvedere ES, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, and the Fairfax County Park Authority represents a strong commitment to the environment and to the community. The Drill Team will continue to work monthly with the students to clean up and maintain the park as part of their community service efforts.
Pictured in the photo is a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team helping two students from Belvedere ES plant a tree.
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| Local Officials Open New Playground at Oakton Community Park |
| 11/17/12 |
The Fairfax County Park Authority opened a new playground this past Saturday at Oakton Community Park. The 1,300 square foot playground features a play system appropriate for children ages 2 to 12. A new concrete trail from the existing parking lot at the historic Oakton Schoolhouse has been completed as well and serves as an accessible pathway to the playground. Project costs, provided through a developer proffer, were $109,000.
Pictured from left to right (back row) are Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr., Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth and Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy, Providence District rep. The officials were joined by a few neighborhood children anxious to be the first on the new playground apparatus.
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| Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center Honored |
| 10/20/12 |
The Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center (FOHONC), an organization which supports this Fairfax County Park Authority facility, was one of several Northern Virginia honorees lauded by the Virginia Conservation Network at the 2012 Virginia Environmental Assembly in October. The Friends group was nominated by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and selected, along with other volunteer leaders of their Community Wildlife Habitats initiative, as "Local Conservation Heroes” for 2012. They were recently honored at the Virginia Conservation Network convention in Arlington, VA for their work in guiding the Mason District and Fairfax County to certification as a NWF Community Wildlife Habitat.
Pictured from left to right are Elenor Hodges of Arlington; Janine Finnell of Arlington; Kevin Holland, FOHONC; Oya Simpson of Broadlands; Scott Birdwell, FOHONC; Robin Rentsch, Great Falls certification representative and Claudia Thompson-Deahl, Reston Association certification representative. Photo by Michael Simpson.
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| New Civil War Marker Unveiled at Freedom Hill Park |
| 11/4/12 |
Members of the McLean Historical Society and Historic Vienna, Inc. were joined by Fairfax County dignitaries, local residents, and representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority at a ceremony to unveil a new Civil War Trails marker at Freedom Hill Park in Vienna, Va., on Sunday, November 4, 2012. The kiosk tells the story of park’s redoubt, a small earthen battery constructed during the Civil War as part of a defensive ring of forts around Washington D.C.
Paul Kohlenberger, president of the McLean Historical Society, emceed the event, which took place among the trees in the park’s traffic circle. Reverend Stephanie Crosby delivered the invocation. Guest speakers included Virginia Delegate Mark Keam, 35th District; Dranesville Supervisor John Foust; and Fairfax County Park Authority Board member Kevin Fay, Dranesville. Don Hakenson, past-president of the Stewart-Mosby Historical Society and History Commissioner Anne Stuntz gave keynote speeches about the history of the redoubt and the important role it played in the defense of Washington D.C. Jon Vrana and Virginia Rita performed period music. Boy Scout Troop 128 presented the colors. Refreshments were provided by American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 270 of McLean, Va.
Restored by the Fairfax County Park Authority in the late 1970s, the Freedom Hill redoubt was built in January 1865. Men from the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were stationed there. These men were part of a larger contingent assigned to protect the nearby Peach Grove Stockade. The small fort offered protection to couriers and patrols on Chain Bridge Road. It served as a link in a larger line of federal defenses, which ran from Springfield Station, through Fairfax Courthouse and Vienna, to Prospect Hill, in present-day McLean.
Pictured from left to right are: Don Hakenson, past-president of the Stewart-Mosby Historical Society; Paul Kohlenberger, president of the McLean Historical Society; History Commissioner Debbie Robison; History Commissioner Elise Murray; History Commissioner Anne Stuntz; Dr. Elizabeth Crowell, Branch Manager, Cultural Resources Management and Protection, FCPA; Dranesville Supervisor John Foust; Virginia Delegate Mark Keam, 35th District; and Dranesville representative to the FCPA Board Kevin Fay.
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| New Skate Park Opens at Lake Fairfax |
| 10/27/12 |
Hundreds of skaters joined local officials and Park Authority Board members at the opening of the new skate park at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston last Saturday. This 15,235 square foot concrete skate park features well-rounded terrain and an array of unique obstacles that replicate elements skaters would find in typical public spaces such as benches, stairs, curbs and ramps along with a bowl. The project costs were approximately $1 million funded by park bonds.
The day’s festivities drew (left to right) Reston founder Robert E. Simon; Reston Community Center Executive Director Leila Gordon and Board of Governors Chair Beverley Cosham; Spohn Ranch founder Aaron Spohn; Lake Fairfax Park Manager Yvonne Johnson; Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins; and County Park Authority Board Chair Bill Bouie as they cut the ribbon.
Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. The skate park is located in the back of the park near the campgrounds and athletic fields.
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| Historic Marker Unveiled at Mason District Park |
| 10/20/12 |
History lovers gathered at Mason District Park to unveil a Civil War Trail Marker on Saturday, October 20. Dozens gathered to witness the dedication of the marker at Mason’s Hill which according to historians was used by Confederate Col. J.E. B. Stuart as an outpost for the First Virginia Calvary in 1861. Later, Capt. Edward Porter Alexander of the Signal Corps established a signal station there and observed Washington D.C.
Pictured from left to right are Frank Vajda, Park Authority Board Member, Mason District; Carole Herrick of the History Commission; Dr. Elizabeth Crowell, Manager, Cultural Resource Protection Branch, Park Authority; Richard Zambito, History Commission; Naomi Sokol Zeavin, History Commission; Jimmy Fleming reenactor as Col. Mosby; Patrick Lennon, Visit Fairfax; Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross and Mary Munson Root.
For more information about the Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration in Fairfax County visit http://www.fxva.com/
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| Newly Expanded Wakefield Skate Park is a Hit With Skaters |
| 9/8/12 |
Fairfax County officials gathered with local skateboarding enthusiasts on Saturday, September 8, 2012 to officially cut the ribbon on a new section of Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale, Va. Following remarks from invited speakers beneath a new shade structure, members of the Fairfax Surf Shop’s skateboarding team showed off their skills. The skate park was already a popular destination for local skaters, but the new street plaza’s rails, banks and ledges are drawing rave reviews.
The $388,000 project added 6,220 square feet of concrete skating area to the existing park. Funding for the expansion project was provided through the 2008 Park Bond. Admission to Wakefield Skate Park is free and open to the public.
Wakefield Skate Park is located adjacent to the Audrey Moore RECenter at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale. For more information, call the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
Pictured from left to right among families and skateboarding enthusiasts are Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook; Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova; Park Authority Board Member Marie Reinsdorf, At-large; and Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham, Mount Vernon.
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| Storm Can’t Dampen Excitement For New Synthetic Turf Fields |
| 9/8/12 |
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Representatives from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board (PAB) gathered with representatives from local sports clubs to cut the ribbon on two new synthetic turf fields at Oak Marr Park on Saturday, September 8. A fast-moving storm forced the group indoors where the celebration continued.
The two converted fields are located adjacent to the RECenter and mini-golf course. Each field measures 190’ by 370’ and is striped for multiple sports. Together, the fields can be used as a cricket pitch, offering county residents a new facility for a growing sport. The project also includes new sod, goal posts, a retaining wall with guardrail and stairs, a storm drain system, and an accessible route to the fields.
Converting the two fields to synthetic turf completes a project begun last year when a $400,000 lighting system was installed. The cost to convert the fields was approximately $1.7 million.
The development of these fields presented unique challenges due to the existence of subsurface rock that impacted grading for both fields. It was also necessary to relocate utilities in order to lengthen the fields.
Oak Marr Park is located at 3200 Jermantown Road in Oakton. For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
Pictured from left to right are Planning and Development Division Director Dave Bowden, FCPA; a youth sports representative from the Fairfax Police Youth Club (FPYC) ; Deputy Director Sara Baldwin, FCPA; Tony DeFlumeri, director of soccer, FPYC; a representative from FPYC; Michael Harris, Area 1 Management, FCPA; Ed Busenlehner, area manager, FCPA; Faisal Khan, President DC Cricket; Park Authority Board Vice Chair Ken Quincy; Janyce Hedetniemi, At-large PAB member; Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth, BOS; and Chairman Sharon Bulova, BOS.
A second photo depicts the field.
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| Oakton Schoolhouse Interpreted in Collaborative Effort |
| 7/14/12 |
Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth and Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board Vice Chairman and Providence District representative Ken Quincy gathered with residents of the Oakton area, members of the Hunter Mill Defense League, and FCPA staff to mark the installation of two new interpretive markers in front of the Oakton Schoolhouse on Saturday, July 14, 2012. The new signs tell the story of Oakton’s three schoolhouses and explore the life of teacher Mary Holland Bell.
The classic one-room schoolhouse opened circa 1873 and served in that capacity until about 1913. Later, it was converted to a general store. Eventually, it was occupied by the outdoor equipment store Appalachian Outfitters, which stood at the busy corner of Chain Bridge and Hunter Mill for many years.
The schoolhouse was moved a couple blocks away to its current site at 2841 Hunter Mill Road when the Chain Bridge Road and Hunter Mill corner was slated for redevelopment in 2007.
It has been fully restored to its earlier condition and serves as an interpretive tool and link to Oakton’s past.
Pictured from left to right are FCPA Historian Karen Lindquist; Charlie Balch, Hunter Mill Defense League (HMDL); Pat Price, great granddaughter of Mary Holland Bell; Steve Hull, HMDL; Don Price; Supervisor Linda Smyth, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Ken Quincy, Providence representative; Fairfax County Park Authority Board; and John Dargle, Jr., FCPA director.
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| Chessie’s Big Backyard Playground Opens at Lee District |
| 6/16/12 |
Hundreds of children and countless families visited the Family Recreation Center at Lee District Park in Alexandria this weekend to enjoy Our Special Harbor spray ground, to explore the accessible tree house, and to jump on the newly completed Chessies’ Big Backyard Tiki Village playground. It was time to cut the ribbon and get to playing as sunny skies greeted the children, local officials, donors and Park Authority staff members.
The opening of Chessies’ Big Backyard marks the culmination of a collaborative project that brought together government, the private sector and non-profit organizations. The structure was funded through taxpayer-approved bond dollars, donations to the Fairfax County Park Foundation, contributions from Lowes Charitable Foundation, Craig and Belinda Stevens, The Sundial Foundation, and The Kelley Syron Sunshine Fund. This is the first of two other playground phases and a fully-accessible carousel and picnic pavilion planned for the site in the future as funding becomes available.
Pictured from left to right with children and parents from the community are Park Authority Vice Chairman Ken Quincy, Park Foundation Executive Director Roberta Longworth, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie, Lee District Park Manager Leon Plenty, Park Foundation Chair Craig Stevens, Delegate Mark Sickles, Lowes, Alexandria Store Manager Jay Radcliffe, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, Lee District Park Authority Board Member Edward Batten, Dana Kauffman, capital campaign chair; Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Stephanie Copeland, Park Foundation Board Member Harry Glasgow, Park Foundation Board Member Tim Walsh, At-large Park Board Member Kala Quintana, Park Foundation Board Member Cary Greenspan, At-large Park Board Member Janyce Hedetniemi, Park Foundation Board Member Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter, and Park Foundation Board Member Kathryn Ward.
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| Skatepark Construction Gets Underway at Lake Fairfax Park |
| 6/9/12 |
Skaters, neighbors, park planners and local officials gathered this past Saturday to officially break ground for Lake Fairfax Skatepark; a 15,235 square foot concrete skate park that will be constructed next to the field complex/campgrounds at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, VA. The $1.17 million project is anticipated to be completed this fall and is designed in the plaza style with a large bowl structure. All features will be constructed of concrete with steel edges to replicate elements skaters would find in typical public spaces such as benches, stairs, curbs and ramps.
Pictured from left to right are Jim Cutts, president of the Lake Fairfax Estates Homeowner’s Association and his son, park neighbors Bruce and Ingrid Byers, Park Authority Board Member Frank Vajda, Mason District Representative; Park Authority Board Vice Chairman Ken Quincy; Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr., Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins; Lake Fairfax Park Manager Yvonne Johnson; Park Planner John Lehman, Madison and Tyler Beatley.
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| Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Pohick Stream Valley - Burke VRE Trail |
| 6/2/12 |
June 2, 2012 marked National Trails Day as well as a great opportunity to officially open the Pohick Stream Valley -Burke VRE Trail. The collaborative, $814,000 project, funded by a 2007 transportation bond created two new sections of trail and one stream crossing. The project connects the VRE station with local businesses as well as residential communities and other trails. Getting this done depended on the cooperation of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Department of Transportation (FCDOT), the Park Authority, the Burke Centre Conservancy, the Virginia Rail Express, the Facilities and Management Department and the Townes of Burke Homeowners Association.
Pictured from left to right are Park Authority Board Member Tony Vellucci, Braddock District Rep; Patrick Gloyd, Executive Director of the Burke Centre Conservancy; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook; Kevin Morse, Burke Centre resident and community activist; Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova; Joe Osborne, Burke Centre resident and community activist; Kala Quintana, At-large member, Park Authority Board; Kemp Skudin, trails enthusiast; Chris Wells, pedestrian program manager, FCDOT; Steven Pryun, foreman, Avon Corporation; Mark Avon, President, Avon Corporation; Marc Flaster, Vice President Burke Centre Board of Trustees and Project Manager Tom McFarland. Others, not identified in the photo took part in the inaugural bicycle ride along the trail.
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| Hidden Pond Envirothon Team Places Second Statewide |
| 5/20-21/12 |
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Earlier this year, the Hidden Pond Envirothon team placed first at both the local Fairfax County and Area II regional competitions, which qualified the team for the Virginia State Envirothon Competition. On May 20-21, the top 15 Envirothon teams in Virginia competed against each other at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA for the chance to attend the Canon National Competition in Selinsgrove, PA. This year’s oral presentation special topic was Low Impact Development and Nonpoint Source Pollution. Hidden Pond’s team placed second overall.
Started in 1979 by three Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts, Envirothon teaches concepts in environmental management and stewardship to young people. Participants solve real and hypothetical problems while working alongside professionals within their communities. Participation in Envirothon encourages team-building, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and communication skills. Hidden Pond team members utilize these life skills as volunteer interpreters at the nature center where they have access to 700 forested acres of parkland.
Manager Jim Pomeroy and Assistant Manager Mike McCaffrey have led the Hidden Pond Envirothon team for many years. Hidden Pond is typically the only team at state not sponsored by a high school.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are Liam Berigan, Matt Baker, Coach Neal MacDonald, Murjan Hammad, Owen Mulvey-McFerron, and Peter MacDonald.
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| Historic Huntley Opens to The Public |
| 5/19/12 |
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Historic Huntley officially opened to the public this past weekend with ceremonies and tours of the federal-period villa built in 1825, that was once home to Thomson Francis Mason, a grandson of George Mason. After more than 20 years of planning, the house, which once served as a summer retreat for the Mason family and was part of a much larger farm, received needed funding for historic restorations. The Friends of Historic Huntley were instrumental in the project completion. The Alexandria property is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority and will be open on Saturdays for tours and programs through the fall.
Pictured from left to right are Holly Doughtery, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce; Susan Escherich, Friends of Historic Huntley; Carolyn Gamble, Friends of Historic Huntley; Mason District Park Authority Board Member Frank Vajda; Braddock District Representative on the Park Authority Board Tony Vellucci; Norma Hoffman, Friends of Historic Huntley; Lee District Park Authority Board Member Edward Batten; Barbara Ballentine, President of the Friends of Historic Huntley; members of the Amlong Family (previous owners); Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Charlie Davis, Friends of Historic Huntley; Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay; Tim Aiken, Legislative Director for Rep. Jim Moran; and State Delegate Mark Sickles.
For more information on the historic site, hours of operations or how you can volunteer at Historic Huntley visit the updated web page or call Huntley Meadows Park at 703-768-2525.
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| SNAP Program Grants Announced at Frying Pan Farm Market |
| 5/17/12 |
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USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon visited Frying Pan Farmers Market to announce new grant opportunities nationwide in support of Electronic Benefits Transfer which enables participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. This market, one of 11 managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority, is the only market to offer this service. A lack of funding for needed infrastructure at other sites has prohibited expansion of this service.
Concannon noted, "The grant will provide greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables for SNAP customers, while at the same time expanding opportunities for sales supporting American farmers and local economies, Frying Pan Farmers Market is a perfect example of the benefits of EBT technology."
Pictured are Secretary Concannon, Meagan Carroll, Market Coordinator for the Fairfax County Park Authority and a representative of Kuhn Orchards selling strawberries.
The market, one of 11 farmers markets sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority, is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA. For more information about the market contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662 or visit the market online.
For more information about the USDA visit, please contact Chris Kelly with the Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services at 609-259-5026.
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| Train Track Renovations Complete, Jump Aboard! |
| 5/18/12 |
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The train at Burke Lake Park runs again – on improved tracks! Renovations have been completed on the 40-year-old miniature train track and supporting infrastructure at the popular Burke Lake Park attraction. The miniature train track runs parallel to the shoreline of Burke Lake and is approximately one mile long. Along its route the track passes through a small tunnel, crosses 11 drainage culverts, and a wooden trestle.
The renovations included replacing existing ties, rails, and switches. The stone base was reconstructed and ballast supporting ties were filled. Deficiencies in the wooden trestle were corrected, and the culvert pipes replaced. Approximately 1,500 linear feet of wooden retaining wall was also replaced. The project, funded by 2008 Park Bonds, cost $897,000 and was completed by Southern Asphalt Company, Inc. of Lorton, Va.
Pictured aboard the train are Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Park Authority Board Member Harold Pyon. Sitting on the engine are Park Authority staff members Winn Jones and James Puckett, as well as park visitors.
A ride aboard the miniature train is $2.50. Riders under the age of two may ride the train for free. Parents who ride the train with their children must also purchase a ticket. From Memorial Day through Labor Day Burke Lake Park is open daily. The first train ride is at 11:15 a.m. The last train ride is at 5:45 p.m.
Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station, VA. For more information please call 703-323-6600.
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| Friends & Family Gather to Rename Park, Honor Gil McCutcheon |
| 5/12/12 |
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It was a beautiful spring day, as friends, family and officials gathered this past Saturday to rename Lamond Community Park in honor of the late Gilbert S. McCutcheon who served as a member of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board from 1992 to 2010. McCutcheon was an icon in the Mount Vernon District, presiding over the local Farmers Market as Market Master for 26 years, serving on community and citizen associations for many years as well as a member and officer of the Founders, Benefactors, Supervisors and Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Dozens of admirers shared fond memories of the popular community volunteer, extolled his can-do attitude and celebrated his life.
McCutcheon was instrumental in the planning, protection and acquisition of numerous park facilities and locations in the Mount Vernon District including the Lamond property. Lamond Community Park, now known as Gilbert S. McCutcheon Park, is located at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria and features a preserved 1940s home, a playground, open space and trails.
Pictured from left to right are Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr., John I. Morton, Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham, Park Authority Board Chairman William Bouie, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Richard Settle of Sunset View Farms, Frances and Bonnie McCutcheon, Area Manager Joe Nilson, Lee District Park Authority Board Member Edward Batten, Mason District Park Authority Board Member Frank Vajda, Park Foundation Board Member Harry Glasgow, Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park Board of Directors Anne Pearson, Eleanor Quigley and Steve Markle and his children Erin and Sam.
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| Sully Foundation, Park Board Honor Margaret Peck For Decades of Service |
| 5/7/12 |
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The Sully Foundation, Ltd. honored Margaret Peck upon her retirement from the Board of Directors after more than 23 years of volunteer service. Peck received a resolution from the Fairfax County Park Authority Board for her volunteer service and also staff years at Sully Historic Site, totaling more than 40 years of service. She was also honored for her work as an historian, author and community advocate. The Sully Foundation helps support Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, the home of Northern Virginia’s first Congressman Richard Bland Lee.
Pictured from left to right are Sully Foundation Vice-Chair Roberta Jeffries, Sully Historic Site Manager Carol McDonnell, Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey, Fairfax County Park Authority Board Member Hal Strickland and Margaret Peck. Also pictured are Board Member Bev Horton, Treasurer Chip Paciulli, and Foundation Member Charlene Carey.
From the left in the back are Board Members Anne Stuntz, Lewis Leigh, Jr., Rick Hutchison. Foundation Member, Janice Grogin, Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr., Board Member Lee Hubbard, Resource Management Division Operations Manager Todd Brown, and Board Member Paula Elsey. Seated is Foundation Chairman Mayo Stuntz.
Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. For more information please call 703-437-1794.
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| Officials, Neighbors Gather to Celebrate Mount Eagle Park |
| 5/12/12 |
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Mount Eagle Park is one of those great neighborhood spots that provide the perfect opportunity for recreational activities within walking distance to nearby homes. The park features a picnic pavilion, sand volleyball court, historic interpretation and a kid-friendly playground just off North Kings Highway in Alexandria, behind the Huntington Metro station and nearby residential communities. The park was proffered by the site developer Huntington Metro LLC after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) sold it. The park was reconstructed by Home Properties, and was later transferred to the Fairfax County Park Authority by Huntington Metro LLC. As part of the park development the Park Authority also received $30,000 from Home Properties to construct the playground.
Pictured from left to right cutting the ribbon are Scott, Anastasia and Alexander Bechtle, Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr., Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Chad Carbone, president of the Pavilions at Huntington Metro Community Association, Neel Teague, principal, Stout and Teague, Julie Cline, manager, Land Acquisition and Management Branch, Park Authority, Cathy Ledec, Pavilions at Huntington Metro Community Association, Area Manager Joe Nilson and Mount Vernon District Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham.
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| Walney Visitor Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary |
| 5/5/12 |
More than 200 visitors stopped by Walney Visitor Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly this past weekend to mark the 30th anniversary of the center. The 650-acre park features a wide array of historic features as well as a picturesque pond, gardens and trails. Gathered around an anniversary cake are (from left to right) Hal Strickland, Park Authority Board Member, Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey, Site Manager John Shafer and former Site Manager Leon Nawojchik. Guests, volunteers, Park Authority staff members and re-enactors round out the photo.
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| Large Field of Runners Joins Healthy Strides Community Race |
| 4/28/12 |
Over 258 runners participated in the inaugural Healthy Strides Community Run at Burke Lake Park on Saturday, April 28, 2012. The 10K, 5K, and kids’ Fun Run, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, was the signature event of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Take 12 Steps for Community Health initiative.
Charles Bowles of Boyce, Va. won the 10K with a time of 36:52. Second place went to William Robert Munroe of Cross Junction, Va., and Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr. finished third. Dennis Billings of Woodbridge, Va. was the overall male winner of the 5K with a time of 19:25. Robyn Dryer of Springfield, Va. was the overall female winner with a time of 23:45. Over 40 children participated in the Kids 1K Fun Run which was led by Dr. Kwame Brown of Move Theory.
Awards were given out to the overall winners, as well as the top winner for each age group, male/female, for each race. Prizes were donated from several local businesses, including Clyde’s Restaurant Tysons Corner, Laurel Hill Golf Course, Metro Run and Walk, Fitness Resource, The Greene Turtle, The Farm at Broad Run, Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café, P.F. Chang’s, Great American Restaurants, and Giant.
Participants browsed the Healthy Strides Race Expo before the race, which featured informational booths and vendors, activities and entertainment for families, giveaways, and refreshments.
The race was made possible by donations from the Fairfax County Park Foundation, Transurban/Fluor, and many other generous sponsors and volunteers.
Take 12! Coordinator Liz Ittner said, "We saw the smiles on the faces of the runners and their families, and we applaud the participants for making the commitment to better health. We look forward to renewing that commitment at next year’s race on April 27, 2013.”
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| Athletic Field Renamed in Honor of Lt. Col. Gary F. Smith |
| 4/28/12 |
Family, friends, former players and local officials gathered together at Grist Mill Park in Alexandria, Va. on Saturday, April 28, 2012 to remember Lt. Col. Gary F. Smith (ret.), United States Army, who perished at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 and to rename Field #5 in his honor. Lt. Col. Smith, a civilian employee of the Army at the time of his death, was attending a meeting at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck.
As a soccer coach, he is remembered fondly for his calm demeanor and soothing voice. He coached Lee-Mount Vernon Soccer Association teams that played at Grist Mill Park. His family is currently working with the Fairfax County Park Foundation to convert the field to a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field with greater player capacity, a smooth, competitive surface, and fewer maintenance needs. A capital campaign would provide $1 million for the project.
His wife Ann recalled his passion for sports, "Gary was always actively involved in sports – as a child and adult, as a player and a coach. In the 1980s, our girls were interested in playing soccer. Gary bought a book about coaching soccer and coached one group of girls for over 12 seasons. When you coach youth sports, you can really make an impact on your community. We are hoping to continue his positive legacy by improving this field.”
For information on how to contribute, please contact the Park Foundation at 703-324-8582.
Pictured in the photo from right to left are Roberta Longworth, executive director, Fairfax County Park Foundation; Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Ft. Belvoir Garrison Commander Colonel John J. Strycula and wife Wendy; Linwood Gorham Mount Vernon District Representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board; Mark Smith; Ann Smith (left of sign) and members of the Smith family; David Zatt, Gunston Soccer Club; John Dargle, Jr., director, Fairfax County Park Authority; and the Hayfield Secondary High School JROTC Color Guard.
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| Wakefield Skatepark Expansion Begins |
| 4/14/12 |
The Fairfax County Park Authority broke ground on an expansion project at the Wakefield Skatepark this past Saturday. The $388,000 project will add 6,220 square feet of concrete skating area. The skatepark expansion at the popular Annandale facility is designed in the plaza style and does not include any large vertical ramps or bowls. All features will be constructed of concrete with steel edges to replicate elements skaters would find in typical public spaces such as benches, stairs, curbs and ramps. Funding for the expansion project is provided through the 2008 Park Bond. The expansion will be completed later this summer.
Pictured from right to left are Park Authority staff member Chris Goldbecker and skate park users; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook; Park staff member David Barr; Park Authority Board Member Anthony Vellucci; Skate Park Assistant Manager Alec McDowell; Greg Keim of American Inline; Kala Quintana, at large member, Park Authority Board; Jim Hickey, president, Friends of Lake Accotink Park; Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.; Chip Comstock, Park Foundation Board of Directors and Joseph Cox of Cunningham and Associates.
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| Hidden Pond Envirothon Teams Qualify for Regional Contest |
| 3/21/12 |
Two Envirothon teams sponsored by Hidden Pond Nature Center will travel to Montpelier, Va. in April to compete in a regional competition. The teams qualified after placing first and second at a district competition held last week. The high-school students presented their projects to improve stream quality to a panel of judges from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Competitors included two teams from Langley High School, Marshall High School, and Centreville High School.
Started in 1979 by three Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts, Envirothon teaches concepts in environmental management and stewardship. Participants solve real and hypothetical problems while working alongside professionals within their communities. Participation in Envirothon encourages team-building, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and communication skills. Hidden Pond team members utilize these life skills as volunteer interpreters at the nature center where they have access to 700 forested acres of parkland.
Hidden Pond’s team finished second place overall at last year’s Virginia State Envirothon Competition. The team’s success led to the formation of a second team for younger kids. Only one team can compete at the state level, even if both teams qualify to advance. Assistant Manager Mike McCaffrey is coaching the younger team and former team member Neal MacDonald is coaching the older group.
Envirothon participants often discover career possibilities in the natural sciences of which they were unaware. A few former team members now work at Hidden Pond. Manager Jim Pomeroy said, "We have seen several team members go on to successfully pursue careers that will benefit our environment. This is what is most satisfying to our staff, that we do make a difference.”
Pictured in the photo, from left to right in the back row, are team members Jackson Holtgrieve, Owen Mulvey, Matt Baker, Liam Berrigan, Peter MacDonald, Murjan Hammad, and Neal MacDonald. In the front row, from left to right, are Mike McCaffrey, Sydney Spicer, Annie Sneed, Erin Boyer, Monica Banghart, and Kristen Mundell.
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| Students Clear Invasives at Church Community Park |
| 3/16/12 |
Thirty-seven enthusiastic Potomac School ninth-graders attacked English ivy, Porcelain berry, and Periwinkle in Churchill Road Community Park in McLean, Virginia earlier this month. They worked on clearing the invasive vines and plants from trees and the ground as part of their community service hours requirement. Many of the trees in the park, areas near park boundaries and along a nearby stream, are threatened by invasive vines.
"We have lost four large trees in the last year alone and others are threatened,” said Merrily Pierce, the site leader at Churchill Road Park working with the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area Program (IMA). "The students worked hard and you can really see the difference,” she said. "This is a good first step in saving the trees and restoring an ecological balance in the park but much more needs to be done.”
Invasive plants that crowd out native species are spreading on the ground as well. A carpet of periwinkle was nearly completely removed by the students which will allow native wildflowers to return and thrive in the park.
For more information on the IMA program, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/IMA or contact Erin Stockschlaeder, IMA coordinator via phone at 703-324-8681, or by email at Erin.Stockschlaeder@fairfaxcounty.gov. If you are interested in participating in future scheduled workdays in Churchill Road Community Park, Erin would be happy to assist you.
Pictured from left to right are Connor Sweeney, Adam Corwin, Liam Catto, Alayne Lynch, and Sophie Dunkelberger.
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| Board of Supervisors Recognizes Park Foundation’s 10th Anniversary |
| 2/28/12 |
The Fairfax County Park Foundation was recently honored by the Board of Supervisors in recognition of their tenth anniversary and a decade of accomplishment. Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community's needs for park land, facilities and services. Formed in 2001, to date the Park Foundation has contributed more than $3.4 million in support of park programs and projects.
The Foundation was selected by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to receive the 2011 National Corporate Humanitarian Award. The National Corporate Award is presented annually to a corporation or foundation that has made significant and consistent contributions to the recreation, parks, and conservation field by sponsorship, creation, or implementation of a program or project.
Pictured from left to right are Lee District Park Authority Board Member and Liaison to the Park Foundation, Edward Batten, Paul Baldino, former Park Foundation Executive Director, Bob Brennan, former Park Foundation Executive Director, Chip Comstock, Park Foundation Director, Kathryn Ward, Park Foundation Vice Chair, Bobbi Longworth, Park Foundation Executive Director, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Craig Stevens, Park Foundation Chair, Park Foundation Director of Development Gerald Zavala, Supervisor Jeff McKay, Jen Sterling, former Park Foundation Director, Bruce McLeod, Park Foundation Director Emeritus, former Park Foundation intern Meghan Pierce, Foundation Administrative Assistant Cindi Steger, past Park Authority Board Member Harry Glasgow and Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.
For more information about the Fairfax County Park Foundation visit online at http://www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/ or call 703-324-8582.
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| Park Foundation Contributes $150K; Marks Anniversary |
| 2/22/12 |
At a joint meeting of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board, members of both boards celebrated the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, discussed upcoming projects and recent accomplishments. A check for more than $151,000 was presented to the Park Board which will help fund scholarships, open space, RecPAC and much more. Pictured from left to right are Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr., Park Board Chairman William G. Bouie; Park Foundation Executive Director Roberta Longworth and Park Foundation Board Chairman Craig Stevens.
Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community's needs for park land, facilities and services. Formed in 2001, to date the Park Foundation has contributed more than $3.4 million in support of park programs and projects. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit online at http://www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org/ or call 703-324-8582.
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2011
2011
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| Fairfax County Park Authority, Foundation Receive National Awards |
| 11/2/11 |
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Representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation accepted five national awards from the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) on November 2, 2011. The awards were presented at the 2011 NRPA Congress and Exposition, held in Atlanta, Ga. National awards honor individuals and agencies for their efforts in the field of parks and recreation each year.
Fairfax County Park Authority Board (PAB) Member Harold L. Strickland, Sully District representative, received a National Voluntary Service Award for serving on the board with distinction for nearly two decades. The award recognizes his contributions to improving the quality and quantity of leisure opportunities through recreation, parks, and conservation programs and projects.
Cindy Messinger, COO/Deputy Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority received selected the Southern Network Distinguished Professional Award for demonstrating visionary leadership over the course of her 30-year career with the Park Authority.
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series: Ossian Hall International Performance Series received the Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award. The award honors the most innovative and effective arts and humanities programs across the country. The annual series provides free concerts, cultural performances, and children’s shows in parks throughout the summer. In 2010, over 150 acts were hired and over 70,000 residents attended shows.
The Non-Native Invasive ID and Control Handbook received the Kudos Marketing Piece Award for the most effective piece of collateral marketing material. This publication helps fulfill the agency’s mission to assist residents in the protection and enhancement of environmental values.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation received the National Corporate Humanitarian Award for its significant and consistent contributions to improve playground facilities for park visitors of all abilities at Clemyjontri Park and Chessie’s BIG Backyard playground.
Pictured in the photo, from left to right, are Iowa Parks and Recreations Association Executive Director Steve Jordison, Fairfax County Park Authority Deputy Director Cindy Messinger, and Fairfax County Park Foundation Executive Director Bobbi Longworth.
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| Updated Hollin Hall Playground Opens in Mount Vernon |
| 11/5/11 |
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This past Saturday morning, an intrepid group of individuals huddled in the cold behind the Hollin Hall Senior Center to mark the completion of the playground replacement project. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham, Park Authority staff, and local community members shared brief remarks before cutting a ribbon on the updated playground. Hollin Hall School Site is located at 1500 Shenandoah Road in Alexandria, Va.
The new playground equipment meets current playground safety and accessibility standards. There are two separate areas in the playground; one for very young children, and the other oriented to children ages 5 to 12. Both sections include play components for sliding, climbing, balancing, and crawling. The $150,000 project was funded through park bonds.
The five-acre park site was developed in the early 1990s. The park is located behind the school building which serves as a county senior center and a private day care facility. The park includes two diamond fields, batting cages, two multipurpose courts, sand volleyball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and trails.
Pictured in the back row from left to right are Planning and Development Division Director Dave Bowden, Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA); Director John Dargle, Jr., FCPA; Area 3 Manager, Joe Nilson, FCPA; Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham, Mount Vernon District Representative; Dottie Gorham; Deputy Director Sara Baldwin, FCPA; and at far right, Special Projects Branch Manager Kirk Holley, FCPA.
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| Eco-friendly Boardwalk Opens at Huntley Meadows Park |
| 10/22/11 |
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On Saturday, October 22, 2011, members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board gathered with county and state officials, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park Board members, and the local community to celebrate the opening of the recently refurbished boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Va.
Each year, over 200,000 people visit the 1,500-acre park to enjoy forested areas, meadows filled with wildflowers, a vast wetland bursting with wildlife, and some of the best birding in the region. The boardwalk provides visitors a unique view of the surrounding wetland. The park is a treasured natural oasis in an increasingly urbanized area of Fairfax County.
The boardwalk’s wooden surface boards were replaced with environmentally friendly, non-toxic plastic lumber, 90% of which comes from recycled milk containers. The high-density polyethylene boards, commonly used nationwide in parks, marinas, and wildlife refuges, are expected to serve the park for the next 50 years. The $600,000 project, funded through the 2008 park bond, required more than one million screws and 1,000 truck trips from the parking lot to the boardwalk.
Pictured from left to right are Huntley Meadows Park Manager Kevin Munroe; Project Manager, Jim Duncan, Fairfax County Park Authority; Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay; Harry Glasgow, Fairfax County Park Authority Board, At-large member; Kala Quintana, PAB, At-large member; Ed Batten, Sr., PAB, Lee District representative; Linwood Gorham, PAB, Mount Vernon District representative; Frank Vajda, PAB, Mason District representative; Marie Reinsdorf, PAB, At-large member; Chairman Bill Bouie, PAB; and Adam Bucher, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park Board.
Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information about the park, call 703-768-2525, or visit them online.
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| Former Park Board Volunteer Recognized Statewide |
| 10/22/11 |
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Members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board (PAB) recognized former Park Board Member Winnie Shapiro on receipt of a prestigious award recognizing her volunteer service. Shapiro, who represented the Braddock District from 1997 to 2010 on the PAB, was selected by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) as the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. VRPS is a non-profit professional organization, founded in 1953. Its purpose is to unite individuals engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in Virginia.
Shapiro, who recently retired from the Park Board left behind a legacy of accomplishment as the Board’s chair for three years. During her tenure as chairman of the Park Planning Committee the Board acquired new parkland and within one five-year period, increased land holdings by 33% or 5,707 acres. She helped to persuade the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to authorize an out-of-turn $20 million bond referendum to secure more parkland including the Banks property, Corbalis site and parcels within Sully Woodlands, an assemblage of more than 2,300 acres.
Under her leadership the agency won two Gold Medal Awards, signifying national recognition for outstanding leadership and accomplishments, as well as receiving CAPRA, national accreditation in 2009. Her leadership resulted in across-the-board success for the agency.
Shapiro is pictured with Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Fort Willard Historic Site Opens in Belle Haven Neighborhood |
| 10/15/11 |
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Representatives from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Park Authority gathered with neighbors from the Belle Haven community in Alexandria, Va., on Saturday, October 5, 2011, to celebrate the completion of improvements at Fort Willard Historic Site, located at 6625 Fort Willard Circle.
The 1.6-acre park was a Civil War fort constructed in 1862 as part of the Union Army’s defense of Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, the U.S. Army constructed a series of forts and artillery batteries around Washington to protect it from Confederate attack. These fortifications constituted the extreme southern defense line of the city.
The site has been renovated to reflect the dual uses of the park as a neighborhood park and a historic resource park. The new amenities include benches, trails, landscaping, a plaza with interpretative signage and a reproduction cannon added as a result of contributions and efforts by The Olmi Family, Belle Haven Citizens Association, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are re-enactor Chuck Wallace, First Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, Battery M; Gene Olmi; Fairfax County Park Foundation Executive Director Bobbi Longworth; Area 3 Manager Joe Nilson, Fairfax County Park Authority; Park Authority Board member Linwood Gorham, Mount Vernon District representative; Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; VA Delegate Scott Surovell, 44th; Caulley Deringer, former president, Belle Haven Citizens Association;
Craig Shapero, president, Belle Haven Citizens Association; Eleni Silverman, Belle Haven Garden Club; Mary Casey Duffy and her three sons; Kelly Davis, project manager, FCPA; Aimee Wells, historical archaeologist, FCPA; Director John Dargle, Jr., FCPA.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| REI Partners with Fairfax County Parks to Take Back the Forest |
| 10/05/11 |
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On October 5, 2011 the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Invasive Management Area (IMA) held a kickoff event for "Take Back the Forest” at Nottoway Park in Vienna. "Take Back the Forest” is a partnership between FCPA and REI to combat invasive species on parkland over the next several months. Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth and Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy joined six IMA site leaders and 10 volunteers from REI’s Fairfax store to remove invasive species such as periwinkle vine and bush honeysuckle. The group also planted 28 native plants provided by Earth Sangha, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to ecological restoration.
REI awarded the IMA program a $10,000 grant to support the removal of invasive plant species on parkland earlier this year. Surrounded by IMA volunteers and REI staff, Natural Resource Specialist Kristen Sinclair presented REI Outreach Coordinator Rhonda Krafchin (center) a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division. Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth is pictured at left. IMA Coordinator Erin Stockschlader (front row) and Natural Resource Management and Protection Manager Heather Schinkel are pictured at right. Nottoway Park IMA Site Coordinator Vivian Morgan-Mendez is pictured in the first row, second from the right.
For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Park Authority Opens New Synthetic Turf Field in McLean |
| 10/01/11 |
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Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board gathered with representatives of McLean Youth Association, county staff, and other guests on Saturday, October 1, 2011, to mark the completion of major renovations at Spring Hill Park. The rainy day provided perfect conditions to show off the new synthetic turf field and to demonstrate the new LID storm water management facilities built beneath the expanded parking lot. The new facilities have increased the field capacity while ensuring adequate parking to accommodate visitors to the park and RECenter.
A 225’ x 360’ synthetic turf field was installed and striped to accommodate numerous sports such as soccer, football, and lacrosse. New bleachers and landscaping were also added. The synthetic turf field project was funded by the McLean Youth Association and the Board of Supervisors’ Mini Grant Program, which is administered by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Simultaneously, the upper parking lot was expanded by 260 lighted spaces, multiple LID storm water management facilities were added, and LED lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping were installed. On of the entrances to the park from Artnauman Court was closed. A future phase of this project includes a new park entrance on Lewinsville Road which will be funded by the Park Authority and administered by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. In addition, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contributed over $165,000 to design and construct additional LID storm water management facilities including two micro pools to enhance the newly renovated dry pond, permeable pavers, and a tree box filter.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are Harold Leff, chairman, Fairfax County Athletic Council; Mike Slavik, communications director, McLean Youth Soccer; Michael Champness, Dranesville representative, Athletic Council; Marcellous Cooper, manager, Spring Hill RECenter; Craig Carinci, director, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services; Dranesville Supervisor John Foust; Ed Busenlehner, Area 1 Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Joel Stillman, president, McLean Youth Association; Kevin Fay, Dranesville representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board; Karen Avvisato, supervisor, Athletic Services Division, Dept. of Neighborhood and Community Services; Sajan Pokharel, Stormwater Planning, DPWES; John Dargle, Jr., director, FCPA.
For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Roll Top Observatory Dedicated at Turner Farm Park |
| 9/17/11 |
Working in partnership with the Analemma Society, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Park Authority Board is helped develop a park and observatory at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Va., which was dedicated this past Saturday. This is the only observatory in the Park Authority. Guests gathered for the celebration under cloudy skies and cut a symbolic ribbon. Pictured from left to right are At-large Park Board Member Kala Quintana, astronomy enthusiasts Sidharth and Sachin Muralidhar, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie, Del. Barbara Comstock, Charles Olin, president of the Analemma Society, Jacque Olin, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Mary Blessings, Planetarium director at Herndon High School, and Jane Strauss, chairman of the School Board.
This section of the park was previously owned by the U.S. Government and used by the Army Defense Mapping Agency for an assortment of functions including NIKE missile monitoring and other radar functions. The observatory building is a converted radar tower. Programs are already in full swing at the site with the Analemma Society hosting viewings of the night sky in Observatory Park on Friday evenings. The Analemma Society has plans to promote science education through astronomy in the Northern Virginia area.
The Park Authority has currently completed roll top observatory renovations, considered to be the first phase of a multi-phase improvement and expansion program. Visit the Analemma Society online for details.
For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
Additional photos are available on Facebook.
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| Chessie’s Big Backyard Playground Breaks Ground |
| 9/10/11 |
Local officials and members of the Park Authority Board (PAB) and Park Foundation Board joined together this past weekend to break ground for Chessie's Big Backyard, a fully-accessible playground with three Chesapeake Bay themed areas that will add to the amenities at the Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park in Franconia. The playground will be completed this winter and will officially open next spring.
Pictured from left to right are Linwood Gorham, Mt. Vernon PAB member and his son, Charlie, Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr., Park Foundation Board member Chip Comstock, Roberta Longworth, Executive Director of the Park Foundation, Mason District PAB member Frank Vajda, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, At-large PAB member Kala Quintana, Delegate Mark Sickles, Dana Kauffman, former Lee District Supervisor and fundraising chairman, and Lee District PAB member Edward Batten.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is actively seeking donations to help fund this project. For more information about how you can contribute contact them at 703-324-8582 or visit them online.
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| Analemma Society and Park Authority Sign Memorandum of Understanding; Begin Planning For Expanded Celestial Programs |
| 6/10/11 |
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If you love exploring celestial bodies in the night sky, seek to understand the motions of the Earth, Moon, planets and stars, and wish to develop a renewed awareness, appreciation and interest in science through astronomy, the formalization of an existing partnership between the Analemma Society and the Fairfax County Park Authority is very good news.
After years of cooperative programming and the establishment of Observatory Park at Turner Farm, as well as a sundial garden and a roll top observatory, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two parties. This agreement will enable further development and operation of the facilities and clearly define each organization’s rights and responsibilities. Turner Farm Park is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls, VA.
The Analemma Society, formed in 1998, and the Park Authority are developing a place where students can learn about the origin and nature of science as well as experience firsthand the wonders of the universe. The park will help the Analemma Society to achieve their goal of promoting science education through astronomy in the Northern Virginia area. Observatory Park is an excellent place for students from Northern Virginia schools and members of the community to observe and learn about the day and night sky. For a schedule of regular Friday night stargazing opportunities or more information about opportunities to volunteer or contribute, visit the Analemma Society online.
Pictured at the recent document signing (from left to right) are Kirk Holley, Manager, Special Projects, Park Planning Division, Paul Reistup, Vice President of the Analemma Society, Analemma Society President Charles Olin, and Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr.
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| Seven Year Old Raises Thousands For Summer Camp Scholarships |
| 6/8/11 |
The Park Authority Board, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and Rec-PAC staff members presented seven year old Rachel Harris, founder of Let's Help Kids (LHK), with a certificate of appreciation for her generous donation to Bright Futures, a Rec-PAC scholarship fund. The $3,300 contribution from young Harris' nonprofit, Let's Help Kids, will help provide 66 weeks of summer camp to children from low income families through the Rec-PAC summer program.
"The community leadership and entrepreneurship demonstrated by Rachel was something we needed to recognize", said Michael Bonneville, program manager of the popular Rec-PAC summer camp. "These character traits are the same ones we try to instill in our young people each summer. Rachel is an amazing young girl with a heart of gold. We are very lucky to have her as a part of the Rec-PAC family".
Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children) is a six-week, structured theme-based recreation program with an emphasis on leisure skills designed for elementary school children. Participants have an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities including fun and fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, storytelling, sports festivals, talent shows and play sessions.
After reading the children's book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud, Harris was inspired to do something to give back. She brainstormed with her mother, Jen Sterling, president of Red Thinking, a local brand marketing firm and decided she wanted to start her own company. But she needed an acronym—LHK and Let's Help Kids were born. LHK‘s mission is to help kids that are experiencing financial hardship. The goal is to identify children that have a need, a wish, a hope and then help raise the funds to address the child's issue.
The volunteer organization raises funds from its kid-friendly gala and from individual and corporate donations. To learn more about LHK visit www.letshelpkids.org. For information about how you can help provide summer camp scholarships to the Rec-PAC summer program, please visit Bright Futures.
Pictured from left to right are Michael Bonneville, Rec-PAC program manager, Mascot Buddy, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie, Roberta Longworth, Executive Director of the Park Foundation, Rob Harris, Rachel Harris and Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.
For information about this camp program, please contact the Public Information Office 703-324-8662. For more information about LHK contact Jen Sterling at 703-283-4700 or jen@redthinkingllc.com.
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| Liberty Swing Officially Opens at Clemyjontri Park |
| 5/22/11 |
Clemyjontri Park in McLean, VA now features the Liberty Swing, a new park amenity which allows those in wheelchairs to enjoy the freedom and delight of getting on a swing. Ribbon cutting ceremonies took place this past weekend and drew a host of local officials, park users and guests eager to try the unique apparatus and to mark the culmination of fundraising and construction for this project. More than $117,000 was raised to purchase and install this swing.
Celebrants included (from left to right) Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy (Providence); Park Foundation Board President Craig Stevens; Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova, Miss Wheelchair Virginia Emily McGrail and her assistantKen; Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; Ed Colet, Vice President Analytics & Technology, Capital One Financial Corporation; Bella Nannini (officially first one on the swing) and her father, Park Authority Board Vice Chairman Harry Glasgow; Park Authority Board Member Kevin Fay (Draneville Rep); Julie Clemente, President of the Friends of Clemyjontri Park; Roberta Longworth, Executive Director, Park Foundation; Julie Rizzo, Miss Wheelchair America 2005; Clemyjontri Park Manager Rebecca Boone; Park Authority Board Member Frank Vajda (Mason District Rep) and Park Authority Board Member Linwood Gorham (Mt. Vernon Representative.)
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| Our Special Harbor Sprayground Opens |
| 5/21/11 |
Big crowds turned out last weekend for the opening of Our Special Harbor sprayground. The new facility, opened to the delight of hundreds of guests who joined with elected officials under sunny skies for the opening ceremonies. Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the sprayground is located in the Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park, at the intersection of Rose Hill and Telegraph Roads. The zero water depth sprayground, built by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, carries the theme of the Chesapeake Bay throughout the interactive water features and is fully accessible for people of all abilities.
The ribbon cutting drew a crowd including (from left to right) Park Authority Board Member Harold Pyon, representing the Springfield District; Emily McGrail, Miss Wheelchair Virginia with her assistant Ken, Linwood Gorham, Park Board Member and Mount Vernon District Representative; Braddock District Representative on the Park Authority Board Anthony Vellucci; Park Board Member and Mason District Representative Frank Vajda; Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay; Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova; Delegate Vivian Watts; Christy Crowther, Chair, Virginia Board for People with Disabilities; Park Authority ADA Coordinator Gary Logue; Paula Pizzzano, Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund; Park Authority Board Member Ed Batten, Lee District Representative; Robert Pizzano, President, Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund; Chairman Bill Bouie; Park Authority Board; Park Authority Vice Chair Harry Glasgow and Dranesville District Representative Kevin Fay, Park Authority Board.
Call the Lee District RECenter at 703-922-9841 for more information about hours and operations.
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| Antique Carousel Opens at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| 5/15/11 |
Dozens and dozens of youngsters rode the antique carousel at Frying Park Farm Park this weekend as the Fairfax County Park Authority completed the project which moved this depression-era amusement from Lee District Park to its new home in Herndon. Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Sunday afternoon, followed by a complimentary ice cream social. The 20-horse carousel was built by the Allan Herschell Company in 1918. The hand-painted horses are constructed of wood and cast aluminum.
Pictured from left to right, surrounded by community children, are Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr.; Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins; Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova; and Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie. For more information about carousel operations contact the park at 703-437-9101 or visit us online.
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| Former Park Authority Board Member's Service Recognized |
| 5/4/11 |
The Mount Vernon Farmers Market opened on a cold and wet Wednesday morning last week, but the dreary weather didn't keep longtime Market Master and past Park Authority Board Member Gilbert McCutcheon away. As he has on every opening day since the market began more than three decades before, McCutcheon walked the market aisles and chatted with vendors to kickoff another prosperous season. To mark McCutcheon's many years of service, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland joined with members of the Park Authority Board and friends under a tent to honor him. Resolutions were presented from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, and the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon.
McCutcheon, who represented Mount Vernon District for 18 years, retired from the Park Authority Board in 2010. During his tenure he worked tirelessly to provide recreational facilities, acquire new parkland, and protect natural, cultural, and historic resources throughout Fairfax County.
Pictured in the photo are Gilbert S. McCutcheon, former Mount Vernon District Representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, and Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.
The Mount Vernon Famers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays in the Sherwood Library parking lot located at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane in Alexandria.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Colvin Run Mill Celebrates 200 Years of History |
| 4/10/11 |
To mark Colvin Run Mill's 200th birthday, the Fairfax County Park Authority held a party at the historic site on Sunday, April 10, 2011. Visitors were treated to reenactors from the 5th Maryland Regiment in full regalia, blacksmith demonstrations, tours led by the miller, children's craft tables, and cornbread made from grains ground onsite. Chairman Sharon Bulova and Dranesville Supervisor John Foust presented a resolution recognizing the mill's 200 year presence in Fairfax County during a commemorative ceremony.
Pictured in the photo, from left to right, are Park Authority Board Treasurer and Member Frank Vajda, Mason District; Fairfax County Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie; Friends of Colvin Run Mill President Mary Allen; Colvin Run Mill Historic Site Manager Mike Henry; Virginia Delegate Barbara Comstock, 34th District; Dranesville Supervisor John Foust; and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Supervisors Present Resolution Honoring Mill's Anniversary |
| 4/10/11 |
Fairfax County officials presented a resolution recognizing Colvin Run Mill's 200th anniversary during a ceremony at the historic mill on Sunday, April 10, 2011. The mill, which was built on land once owned by George Washington, is the last working grist mill in Fairfax County.
Visitors were treated to reenactors from the 5th Maryland Regiment in full regalia, blacksmith demonstrations, tours led by the miller, children's craft tables, and cornbread made from grains ground onsite.
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Pictured in the photo, from left to right, are Dranesville Supervisor John Foust; Fairfax County Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie; Friends of Colvin Run Mill President Mary Allen; Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova; and former President of the Friends of Colvin Run Mill, Bob Lundegard.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Sully Historic Site Opens New Interpretive Exhibit in East Wing |
| 4/3/11 |
Fairfax County officials gathered with members of the Park Authority Board and guests Sunday, April 3, 2011 to cut the ribbon on Sully Historic Site's new East Wing exhibit. The exhibit focuses on Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first Congressman and his home; Sully, built in the late 18th century. Guests took in the colorful interpretive panels and tried the new interactive touch-screen. The room's former display panels had blocked the windows, and contained information which had not been updated in 35 years.
Designer Studio Up! of Fairfax, Va., prepared the exhibit and Adler Display of Baltimore, Md., completed fabrication and installation. The display was funded in part by the Park Authority's bond program, as well as a Mastenbrook Grant, and the Sully Foundation, Ltd.
Pictured from left to right are Fairfax County Park Authority Board (PAB) Member Tony Vellucci, Braddock District; PAB Member Linwood Gorham, Mount Vernon District; Sully Foundation Board member and former Sully Site Manager, Margaret Peck; PAB Chairman Bill Bouie; PAB Member Hal Strickland, Sully District; Sully Foundation Vice-Chair Roberta Jeffries; Sully Historic Site Manager Carol McDonnell; Sarah Gulick, Studio Up!; PAB Member Kala Leggett Quintana, At-large; PAB Vice Chairman Harry Glasgow, At-large; Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey; Dotty O'Rourke, Sully Historic Site volunteer docent.
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| Park Foundation Presents Donations to Park Authority Board |
| 3/23/11 |
The Fairfax County Park Foundation presented a check for $188,012.20 to the Park Authority Board on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. The contribution will fund numerous park initiatives including the Liberty Swing at Clemyjontri Park in McLean, will help support class scholarships, the Open Land Preservation Fund, the Bright Futures summer camp programs, and PACT (Parks and Community Together) initiative that helps children in homeless shelters go to camp.
Pictured from left to right are: Fairfax County Park Foundation Administrative Assistant Cindi Steger; Park Foundation Executive Director Roberta Longworth; Park Authority Board Vice Chairman Harry Glasgow, At-large representative; Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr.; and Director of Development Gerald Zavala.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community's needs for park land, facilities and services. For more information visit them online at http://www.fxparks.org/ or call 703-324-8582.
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| Archaeology Group Partners With Fairfax County Park Authority |
| 3/15/11 |
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Friends of Fairfax Archaeology (FOFA) on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. The agreement formalizes FOFA's ongoing support of archaeological and cultural resource protection and education activities within Fairfax County in cooperation with the Park Authority.
Founded in 2009, FOFA works to publicize and expand volunteer opportunities for residents to participate in and contribute to archaeology and historical conservation in Fairfax County communities. Among other projects, FOFA currently supports the archaeological dig taking place at Old Colchester in Lorton, VA.
Pictured in the photo are Fairfax County Park Authority Director John W. Dargle, Jr. and FOFA President Sallie Lyons. Behind them are Resource Management Division Director Cindy Walsh; FOFA Vice-President Paula Elsey; Cultural Resource Protection Branch Manager Dr. Elizabeth Crowell; and Jerry Lyons of Lysonshare Studios.
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| Boy Scouts See Democracy in Action at Park Board Meeting |
| 3/9/11 |
Young men from Boy Scout Troop 856 were present at the March 9, 2011 meeting of the Park Authority Board at the Herrity Building in Fairfax, VA, as Board members were sworn in. Clerk of the Court John Frey administered the oath of office.
Troop 856, sponsored by Springfield United Methodist Church, was represented by Russell Cestone, Daniel Carballo, Eric Schmidtlein, Pourash Bhandari, John Waters, Eric Weiler, Sasha Thurman, Ned Cooley, Michael Dunning, Clayton Mottley, Jonathan Cooke, and Tony Quispe. Accompanying the troop was Merit Badge Counselor Paul Helt, Scout Master Mike Cooley, Assistant Scout Masters Paul Cestone and Renee Carballo, and Treasurer Cindy Schmidtlein.
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| Clerk of the Court Swears In Park Authority Board Members |
| 3/9/11 |
Five members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board were sworn in last Wednesday night by Fairfax County Clerk of the Court John Frey. Members of the Park Board are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to four-year terms.
Taking the oath of office was: Anthony Vellucci, Braddock District park representative; Kala Quintana, At-large member of the Board; Linwood Gorham, representing Mount Vernon District; Frank Vajda, Board secretary and Mason District representative; and Harold Pyon, representing the Springfield District.
There are 12 members of the Board. These 12 appointees are comprised of one representative from each of the nine magisterial districts, plus three at-large members. The board sets policy and establishes priorities for the park agency. For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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Frank Vajda |
Harold Pyon |
Linwood Gorham |
Anthony Vellucci |
Kala Leggett Quintana |
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2010
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| Thousands Celebrate 60 Years of Fairfax County Parks |
| 12/4/10 |
Despite the chilly weather, approximately 3,500 people bundled up and enjoyed an old-fashioned country Christmas at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, December 4, 2010. The event served as the grand finale for the Fairfax County Park Authority's 60th Anniversary celebration.
Throughout the day, visitors toured the farm on tractor-drawn hay wagons and warmed themselves by two toasty fires. The blacksmith's stove was a popular draw as people huddled together to watch the smithy hammer hot steel. Throngs of anxious children posed with Santa in his sleigh. Equestrian demonstrations featuring both English and Western-style horseback riding as well as acrobatic skills kept spectators' minds off their wind-whipped cheeks and numb toes. Carolers warmed hearts with holiday memories as their songs filled the cold air. S'mores, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider kept visitors fueled and warm until the band, Company Store, delivered a hot assortment of fiddling and country humor. Before the band took the stage, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Park Authority Board arrived on a wagon pulled by Frying Pan's elder statesmen, draft horses Jesse and Michael. The dignitaries raffled off a handful of frozen holiday turkeys to happy winners and spoke to the agency's storied past.
An Old-Fashioned Country Christmas on the Farm was sponsored in part by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA.
In the first photo, accomplished flying sleigh driver Santa Claus tries his hand at piloting a horse-drawn carriage at Frying Pan Farm Park.
In the second photo, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, and Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie draw turkey-winning tickets during closing ceremonies for the Park Authority's 60th Anniversary celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park.
For more information, contact the Fairfax County Park Authority Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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| Park Authority Honors Volunteers, Philanthropists, Environmentalists |
| 11/19/10 |
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented awards to its top volunteers at the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards program held at the Waterford in Fairfax on November 19, 2010.
The Park Authority Board also presented the 2010 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award to former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jean Packard. The Fairfax County Park Foundation delivered Eakin Philanthropy Awards to Tara Mooney and Joseph Thelin, and the Claude Moore Foundation. Highlighting the festive evening's "Volunteers Rock!" theme was Jed Duvall's flawless impersonation of Elvis Presley.
The recipients of the 2010 Elly Doyle Park Service Award were Frank Crandall, who has contributed to a diverse range of solutions on topics such as deer management, field lighting standards, and sediment control; Ben and Margaret Peck, pillars in the community who have worked hand-in-hand to sustain a piece of Fairfax County's agrarian past by working to preserve Frying Pan Farm Park and the history of the Floris community; and Norma Hoffman, a longtime volunteer at Huntley Meadows, who championed the preservation of Historic Huntley and the creation of Huntley Meadows Park.
Three Special Recognition Awards for dedicated park volunteers were also announced. Recipients include Marilyn Schroeder, a volunteer at Hidden Oaks Nature Center; Coletta Hein a volunteer at Green Spring Garden; and Greg Sykes, an Invasive Management Area (IMA) volunteer. Beverly Dobrenz, a student at James Madison High School, won the Youth Recognition Award for her service as a volunteer with the Adapted Aquatics program at Audrey Moore RECenter.
The Elly Doyle Park Service Award was established in 1988 in recognition of former Park Authority Board Member Ellamae Doyle's years of outstanding service.
For more information, contact the Fairfax County Park Authority Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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