The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) has purchased the closed Mount Vernon Athletic Club – a more than 50,000 square-foot indoor tennis facility located on 5.3 acres – as a first step toward enhancing needed programs and services for the communities in the Buckman Road area on the west side of Richmond Highway in Mount Vernon.
“Growing the number of recreational and programmatic opportunities along Route One has been a priority of mine first as Lee District Supervisor and now as Chairman. When we first became aware that this purchase was an option, I was glad to help ensure the County was able to acquire the property. I’m excited for this tremendous opportunity and know it will make a big difference in our community.”
Chairman Jeffrey McKay
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The acquisition of this facility will provide a valuable resource for recreation, youth programming and additional services to meet existing needs and to promote the well-being of individuals and families throughout the community. A vision for the specific services, programs and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities will be developed with extensive community input during the coming months.
“When we were made aware that the property was placed for sale, we recognized this as a critical opportunity to enhance the county’s capacity to serve individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhoods. Working in coordination with Chairman McKay, Supervisors Lusk and Storck, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, we are excited to present a tremendous asset to the community with a spacious building footprint to support a number of various amenities, and the potential for expanding the use of the outdoor green space on the site.”
Chairman Robert Schwaninger
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority
The FCRHA is currently coordinating with the county’s Facilities Management Department to proceed with a number of renovations and upgrades to the nearly 50-year-old facility. The project is expected to include accessibility improvements and capital renewal. It is anticipated that the facility will be available for use by early 2021 and will be operated by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS).
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
While work on the property is underway, and as soon as the current conditions will allow, NCS will be hosting a number of community engagement forums to discuss the overall vision for the facility and to obtain community input related to potential resources, activities and programs to be provided.
“We are very excited at the prospective benefits this facility will bring to the community, and I look forward to having the area residents actively involved in outlining what those benefits will be. This facility has the potential to become a community asset that provides recreational, cultural and service-based programs to the deserving residents in this area. My vision is that this site will become a significant focal point from which all will be able to draw strength and pursue an upward trajectory toward sustainability and success for decades to come.”
Supervisor Rodney Lusk
Lee District
“The Mount Vernon Athletic Club has been a beloved recreation center for many in our area, and its acquisition creates new opportunities for the surrounding neighborhoods. I look forward to engaging with the community to envision and create the new and much desired recreation and human development opportunities long needed in this area.”
Supervisor Daniel Storck
Mount Vernon District
For more information related to the upcoming community engagement and the ongoing development of the new facility, visit the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services' Lee District Community Center webpage.