It’s now official; the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Friends of Pimmit Barn are working together to preserve this community landmark and allow neighbors to enjoy activities at the site. On October 9, 2018, representatives from the Friends group and Park Authority leadership came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that clarifies responsibilities and opportunities and lays the groundwork for continued collaboration. Plans are already underway for a host of community activities.
Pimmit Barn, located at 1845 Cherri Drive in Falls Church, VA, is a reminder of the agricultural roots in Fairfax County. The structure once served as a dairy barn on the Smith family farm. The building, constructed in 1937, is more than 75 years old. Eventually the farm was sold for development and the barn was used to house a community well. In 1997, the property was transferred to the Fairfax County Park Authority from the Fairfax County Water Authority. The Park Authority leased it to McLean Youth Athletics for storage of sports equipment. However, in 2011, the Park Authority proposed divesting this property. The Park Board and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust agreed that the barn is worth preserving.
Today, Pimmit Barn continues to serve as a gathering spot, a community space, a reminder of our farming history and another green pocket of the Pimmit Hills neighborhood. The Friends of Pimmit Barn have organized outdoor movie nights, barn cleanup days, and fall festivals. Last year’s fall festival brought more than 300 neighbors and local businesses together to enjoy pumpkin painting, a costume contest, cake walk, story time and more.
An official MOU was signed on October 9, 2018 between the Park Authority and the Friends of Pimmit Barn. Pictured left to right are Russell Arrington, Area Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; Connie Cordovilla, President of the Friends of Pimmit Barn; Kirk Kincannon, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority; and Julie Tahan, Community Support Specialist, Fairfax County Park Authority.
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