Neighborhood & Community Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 9:45 PM; Saturday, 1 to 9:45 PM
703-360-6088 TTY 711
8100 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
Chris Scales
Division Director

Gum Springs Community Center

Gum Springs Community Center Building Front Exterior

Welcome to the historic Gum Springs Community Center! Gum Springs is the oldest African American community in Fairfax County, having been officially established in 1833. Today, the neighborhood continues to thrive with over 2,500 residents – up to 500 of whom are direct descendants of the original families.

The community center offers a variety of services and resources, such as a fitness classes; recreational sports; youth, teen, and older adult programming; community spaces and facility rentals; specialty camps, a community partnership garden for programming use; camps for youth; therapeutic recreation services; and technology and computer instruction. The community center also houses the Gum Springs Museum & Cultural Center.

Whether you are looking to meet new people, learn new skills, discover community resources, engage your senses or enjoy time with your family, Gum Springs Community Center has opportunities for everyone. Stop by today to explore the center and learn how you can join the Gum Springs family!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Gum Springs Community Center includes the following features:

  • Gum Springs Museum
  • Multi-purpose Room
  • Community Garden
  • Computer Lab
  • Fitness Center
  • Music Studio
  • Game Room
  • Gymnasium

Gum Springs Community Center offers classes, activities and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage with their community, including.

Afterschool Youth & Teen Program (Grades 1-12)

  • Youth Employment Opportunities
  • Social-Emotional Learning 
  • Cooking & Etiquette Club
  • Community Garden
  • Intramural Sports
  • Homework Club
  • Fashion Club
  • Creative Arts
  • S.T.E.M.

Adult Program (18 and older)

  • Personal & Professional Development Workshops
  • Workforce Development Workshops
  • Basic Technology Trainings
  • Community Garden
  • Trips of Necessities
  • Technology Access
  • Health & Wellness 
  • Social Clubs
  • Chess Club 
Explore NCS Programs

(Requires NCS Account)

The mission of the Gum Springs Senior Center is to engage with older adults in our community and provide a supportive environment that encourages them to be active physically and mentally. The center provides physical, educational and social activities for active adults age 50 and older. A noon meal is provided weekdays to members who register. Transportation may be available. Activities include:

  • Daily age-appropriate fitness classes such as line dancing, yoga, strength training and aerobics
  • Art classes: acrylic painting, watercolor painting and craft classes
  • Billiards, table tennis and pickleball
  • Computer/smart device classes, knitting & crochet group, cards, board games, bingo and gardening
  • Referral services

Hours: Monday - Friday, 2 - 6 p.m. 

Participating at one of Fairfax County’s teen centers allows youth to grow in a supervised, structured, and enjoyable environment. The Mott Teen Center features use of a gymnasium, computer lab, craft rooms and a kitchen. Teen center participants are mentored by positive role models and may participate in a variety of activities and projects designed to keep them engaged and support their physical, mental, academic, financial and social development. Center staff provide programming and opportunities for youth to develop skills, explore creative thinking and emphasize community building. Activities include a variety of recreational classes, educational workshops and field trips, as well as many other special events. Opportunities are also available for job coaching and training to advance future economic independence.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Therapeutic Recreation Services (TR) provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to develop the skills that enable them to participate in the recreation and leisure programs of their choice.

TR works in conjunction/tandem with regional services to ensure that we are creating a culture of inclusion within our centers. We work alongside of NCS Culture, Recreation, and Community Connections staff and the inclusion specialist to provide services and programs for individuals of all abilities, allowing and promoting access to the sensory space at Gum Springs to all participants.

On occasion, inclement weather may affect the operation of Fairfax County Community, Teen and Senior Centers. Decisions regarding the delayed opening or closure of county facilities are made with the utmost regard for the safety of our participants and staff.

In the event of inclement weather, the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) posts all facility closures and delays online. You may also learn of status updates by contacting your selected Community CenterTeen Center or Senior Center directly or by calling the Neighborhood and Community Services Main Office at 703-324-4600, TTY 711.

All NCS Community, Senior and Teen Centers serve as warming and cooling centers during extreme weather. Staff are prepared to accommodate any community walk-in needs during operating hours. Visitors using the center for warming/cooling services will not have access to community center programming/classes unless they are a current registered member.

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