Park Authority

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Hidden Oaks Nature Center marked the 10th anniversary of Nature Playce and the park’s limited impact development (LID) parking lot with a free, three-hour celebration.  Nature Playce is a one-third acre, unstructured, woodland play area near the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. The nature center’s LID parking lot was redeveloped a decade ago to make it environmentally effective. Instead of creating runoff, the lot guides rain water through pavers and pipes and into a bio-mesh filtered rain garden where potential pollutants are siphoned.

The celebration honored community groups, including Fairfax Master Naturalists, Kiwanis Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scouts. The boy scouts have contributed to the building and enhancement of Nature Playce for the past 10 years. The Fairfax Master Naturalists were recognized for their adoption of a native plant garden at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale Community Park as well as their many other contributions to Fairfax County Park Authority, its residents and visitors.

Pictured (left to right) are Kevin Holland, Fairfax Master Naturalist and Hidden Oaks Nature Center (HONC) volunteer; Marilyn Schroeder, Fairfax Master Naturalist, HONC volunteer and 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Award Recipient; Michael McDonnell, HONC Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; Penny Gross, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Mason District Representative; and Mimi Friedman, Fairfax Master Naturalist. 

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On Saturday, September 15, 2018, the Fairfax County Park Authority cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Valis Family Golf Learning Center at Pinecrest Golf Course in Annandale, Va. The expanded facility was named in recognition of Wayne and Angela Valis’ generous donation of a new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator. The center offers year-round practice and play opportunities.

Pictured in the photo, from left to right: Penny Gross, Mason District Rep, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Wayne and Angela Valis along with members of the Valis family; Steve Thormahlen, Board of Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation; Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Park Authority; Dave Bowden, Planning & Development Director, Fairfax County Park Authority; Bobbi Longworth, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation; Todd Johnson, Golf Enterprises Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; Sarah Oberther, Pinecrest Golf Course Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; and others golf enthusiasts.

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On Saturday, September 8, 2018, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund’s (JPMF) 20th Anniversary with a Family Fun Day Celebration at Our Special Harbor in Alexandria, VA. 

Located in Lee District Family Recreation Area, Our Special Harbor is a fully accessible sprayground inspired by Joey Pizzano’s love of the Chesapeake Bay. In 2009, JPMF donated the turnkey design and construction of Our Special Harbor. Earlier this year, JPMF donated a gift in excess of $40,000 to the Fairfax County Park Foundation to mark the 20-year anniversary. Their generosity funded four wheelchairs for Fairfax County Park Authority’s adapted aquatics programs at Audrey Moore, Lee District, Oak Marr and South Run RECenters. It also funded four new features at Our Special Harbor in honor of the organization’s 20th anniversary.

Pictured in the photo, from left to right: Supervisor Jeff McKay, Lee District Rep, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Heather Lynch, Our Special Harbor Project Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority; Paola and Bob Pizzano, the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund; and Dave Bowden, Director, FCPA Planning and Development.

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On Saturday, September 8, 2018, the Fairfax County Park Authority cut the ribbon on a newly renovated synthetic turf field at Nottoway Park in Vienna, Va. Local officials and field users gathered to celebrate the completion of Field #4.

This field was closed this past spring to allow for the reorientation and enlargement of the rectangular field. This multi-sports field is now 360’ by 220’ and can be used for field hockey, football, boys and girls lacrosse and soccer. The $1.7 million project also included the installation of a synthetic turf surface, storm drainage, storm water management facilities and LED sports lighting.

Pictured from left to right are: Members of the public and Area 1 Maintenance Crew Members along with David Pedersen; Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy; Area Manager Russell Arrington; Vivian Morgan Mendez, Friends of Nottoway Park; Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth; Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon; Nottoway field users Madeline Seminaro, Noor Chaudhury and Max Seminaro; Michael Seminaro, Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) Treasurer; Dave Bowden, Director, FCPA Park Planning and Development; Fernando Mendez, Friends of Nottoway Park; Park Volunteer John Hopkins; and Robert Lesjack, VYS President.

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Oak Marr RECenter is joining with the First Baptist Church of Vienna (FBCV) to encourage people to change their lifestyle to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. The initiative to improve overall health is part of the Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) Program, a five-state faith-based project designed to expand access and utilization of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevent T2 lifestyle change program.

On Friday, August 17, 2018, program participants, family and friends took the plunge at Oak Marr RECenter by participating in a 55-minute low-impact water aerobics class led by CDC-trained lifestyle coach and certified water instructor Robin Williams.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) and members of the McLean community gathered on July 28, 2018 for the “inaugural” ride on a new trackless train at Clemyjontri Park, as well as a ribbon cutting for a new picnic pavilion. The celebration noted the funding and support from community organizations and individuals.

This popular park in McLean, VA hosts more than 80,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy the fully accessible features which include an enormous playground, carousel, swings and now these new amenities as well. Everything is designed to enable children of all ability to play side-by-side. Friends of Clemyjontri Park funded the new trackless train and a forthcoming “train station.” The new picnic celebration pavilion was made possible thanks to contributions from McLean Community Foundation, Rotary Club of McLean, and the Friends of Clemyjontri Park. Other contributors include Amy and Jeff Sonderman, and the friends and family of Sue Rowell, a longtime contributor to the park. Partnership recognition was also extended to McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) and Wheat’s (park landscaping).

Pictured from left to right near the new train are: Jan Auerbach, Treasurer, Rotary Club of McLean; Ryan McElveen, Member, Fairfax County Public School Board and daughter; Deb Bissen, Director of Community Outreach, McLean Project for the Arts (MPA); Bobbi Longworth, Executive Director, FCPF; Nancy Sausser, Exhibitions Director, MPA; Christina Girardi, Artist/Education Programs Director, MPA; Margaret Thaxton, Director of Development, FCPF; Debbie Frank; Patrick Frank; Madison Frank; Jeff Sonderman; David Hyman; Janet Tysse, President, McLean Community Foundation; Gene Durman, President, Rotary Club of McLean; Amy Sonderman, Board Director, FCPF and daughter; John Osborn, Board Chair, FCPF; Barbara Favola, Virginia State Senator; John Foust, Dranesville District Supervisor; Aimee Burgoyne, Board Member, McLean Community Foundation; Dan Clemente, Board Member, Friends of Clemyjontri; Tim Hackman, Dranesville District Rep., Park Authority Board; Rachel Georgelas, President, Friends of Clemyjontri; Amy Brennan Swaak, MPAartfest Director; Derrick Swaak, Board Chair, MPA; Lisa Rowell and Andrew Edelman, Manager, Clemyjontri Park.

Clemyjontri Park is located at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean, VA. For more information visit online at Clemyjontri Park.

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On Monday, July 16, 2018, the Fairfax County Park Authority joined Major League Baseball, the Nationals and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, plus local players, coaches and dignitaries to dedicate the Bryce Harper All-Star Complex at Fred Crabtree Park in Herndon, Va. Washington Nationals outfielder and 2018 MLB All-Star Bryce Harper and his family were on hand to celebrate the complex, home to the Reston Herndon Little League.

The field renovation project expanded overall play after enlarging one of the fields, which will accommodate various age levels. The improvements also include laser grading of the field being expanded, an extended irrigation system as well as additions of new scoreboards, covered dugouts, bleachers with shade structures, and enhancements to a storage shed, fencing, batting cages, bullpens, a concession stand and restrooms.

Pictured left to right Timmy Jones, Reston Herndon Little League player; Bill Bouie, Chair, Fairfax County Park Authority Board; Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District Supervisor, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Sheri and Ron Harper, Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals, Kayla Harper, Congressman Gerry Connolly, 11th District; Josh Peoples, Scotts Vice President and General Manager; Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, Principal Owner, Washington Nationals, and Chair, Nationals Dream Foundation; Chris Young, Vice President, On-Field Operations, Initiatives & Strategy, Major League Baseball; and Colin Cestero, Reston Herndon Little League player.

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At the June 27, 2018 joint board meeting between the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors, representatives of the Park Foundation presented a check in the amount of $811,803.04 to Park Authority leadership.

This check represents generous support from individuals, businesses and foundations transferred in Fiscal Year 2018 to enrich Fairfax County parks and outreach programs. The 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. Visit the Park Foundation online at Fairfax County Park Foundation or call them at 703-324-8582.

Pictured front row, left to right – Rich Harpe, FCPF Board member; Dr. Abena A. Aidoo, FCPA Board member; Lane Brooks, FCPF Secretary; Maggie Godbold, FCPA Board member; Bobbi Longworth, FCPF Executive Director.

Back row, left to right – Cameron Mayer, FCPF Board member; Amy Sonderman, FCPF Board member; Margaret Thaxton, FCPF Director of Development; John Osborn, FCPF Chair; Stephen Thormahlen, immediate past Chair; Ken Quincy, FCPA Vice Chair; Kirk Kincannon, FCPA Executive Director; Linwood Gorham, FCPA Board member; Gary Kirkbride, FCPF Board member.

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The Friends of Green Spring Gardens, better known as FROGS, were honored for 25 years of service to the Fairfax County Park Authority site with a resolution from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. At an evening concert and celebration at Green Spring on June 26, 2018, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross presented the resolution, which she called an “anniversary card,” to FROGS President Sarah Munroe.

Over the past quarter-century, the FROGS organization has donated more than $1.9 million to support Green Spring operations and special projects. FROGS has used its Annual Appeal to support initiatives such as the Frances Tyler Fund, which subsidizes educational programs for children from Title I schools and has supported 10,055 children through more than 500 educational programs. The group has provided renovations to the Glasshouse, repairs to Historic Green Spring and maintenance vehicles for staff. In addition, it expanded the Garden Gate Plant Shop, funded plants and site maintenance projects, and sustained Spring Garden Day, the Fall Garden Day & Silent Auction, summer concerts, Gardeners’ Holiday, art shows in the Historic House and Horticultural Center, and the Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series.

Pictured left to right are: FROGS President Sarah Munroe and Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross.

For more information about Green Spring Gardens and the FROGS organization, visit Green Spring Gardens.

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On Saturday, June 23, 2018, park leaders, staff, volunteers and community members gathered at Hidden Pond Nature Center to celebrate the new playground and picnic shelter. The new nature-themed playground features several structures to accommodate play for ages 2 to 12, including swings for all ages. A pre-fabricated multi-use shelter was erected at the site of the old playground. This shaded area expands picnic facilities at the site. The project also includes site improvements to meet ADA standards and improve accessibility.

Pictured in the photo, from left to right (in front): Cindy Walsh, Director, Park Authority Resource Management Division; Isabel Villarroel, Project Manager, Park Authority; Aimee Vosper, Deputy Director/Chief of Business Development, Park Authority; Mike Thompson, Springfield Rep, Park Authority Board; Senator Dave Marsden, Virginia’s 37th District; Bill McCabe, Office of Supervisor Pat Herrity, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Springfield Rep; Mike McCaffrey, Manager, Hidden Pond Nature Center; Gary Schankmen, community member; Mary Olien, Site Operations Manager, Park Authority; Michelle Alexander, Visitor Services Manager, Hidden Pond Nature Center; pictured along with Hidden Pond volunteers, staff and visitors on hand to celebrate the new playground structure.

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