The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the project scope for the development of Ruckstuhl Park in the Providence District. The development of the 7.2-acre site will include a picnic pavilion, open play area, fitness cluster, nature-themed playground, trail loop and parking area.

The estate of the former resident-owner, Dr. Lily Ruckstuhl, donated the property to the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust in 2009. The property was then acquired by the Park Authority in 2011 with a conservation easement prescribing certain conditions for its future use. The Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan was developed with extensive community engagement and was approved by the Park Authority Board in 2015.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity that has been in the works for quite some time,” said Ken Quincy, who represents the Providence District on the Park Authority Board. “This is a valuable parcel inside the Beltway that came to us at an exceptional bargain, and the community has been very energetic and engaged throughout the process of defining the vision for the future. We’re very excited to move this project forward.”

The project team will begin the permitting process during the first part of 2023. Total project costs are estimated at $2 million and will be funded through the voter-approved 2020 Park Bond.

Ruckstuhl Park is located at 2445 Idylwood Drive in Falls Church, Virginia. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 703-246-5092 or via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.