Joint Board Matter With Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross

Background:

Mr. Chairman, Frying Pan Farm Park is one of the jewels of the Fairfax County Park Authority. A lot of credit for the park being a popular destination for families throughout the area is due to park manager Yvonne Johnson who retired on March 2.

Yvonne began as volunteer at the park when she was a mother of preschoolers and in 1991 became an employee. Her professional goal was to someday manage this unique park, a goal that she attained in 2012. Except for brief stints at Colvin Run and Lake Fairfax, Johnson has spent her entire county career at Frying Pan.

During her tenure, Yvonne enjoyed coming up with new activities for visitors, offering the Park Authority’s only winter concert series with the Bluegrass Barn, and overseeing innovations, such as the installation of solar power lights in the parking lot. Yvonne took much satisfaction watching the park grow and offer more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the working farm, its animals, trails and many activities. She was also a key member of the team that worked on the acquisition of the Ellmore Farm Property and getting the 4.5-acre purchase on the bond referendum, as well as having the unique opportunity to work on the re-master plan of the park.

I know many of our county families have fond memories of trips to Frying Pan for class trips, scout activities, camps, holiday lights and more – and we recognize that was in many respects due to Yvonne’s stewardship of the park.
 

Motion:

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Supervisor Gross and I ask that a certificate of recognition be prepared for Yvonne Johnson and be presented to her this spring as conditions warrant.