The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board voted to approve two Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program grants totaling $7,517 to support improvements at the Turner Farm Observatory and Lewinsville Park. The total estimated cost for these improvements is estimated at $15,034. The approved projects include:
Turner Farm Park Observatory ($5,135)
The Analemma Society has been conducting astronomy and science educational programs for more than a decade at Turner Farm Park Observatory. This project aims to reduce light pollution and provide more authentic views of the night sky for participants in astronomy programs at the observatory. The project will include the retrofitting of 26 trail light bollards to replace current fixtures with LED lights that meet standards of kelvins, warmth and color to align with dark sky lighting standards. The retrofit project will position Turner Farm Park to apply for designation as one of seven Urban Night Sky places by the International Dark Sky Association. The Analemma Society will be contributing $5,135 toward the retrofit.
Turner Farm Park is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information, visit the Turner Farm Park website or call 703-324-8750.
Lewinsville Park ($2,382)
The increasing popularity of pickleball has been driving high demand for the athletic courts at Lewinsville Park; however, wind often interferes with play and hinders player performance and safety. This project will include the installation of 230 linear feet of black privacy slats on the existing pickleball court fencing to provide a wind screen for players. These funds will match those contributed by Baroody Camps to support the installation.
Lewinsville Park is located at 1659 Chain Bridge Road.
The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private ventures that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. It is designed to fill a gap between limited bond funding and the community’s desire for new or improved park facilities by assisting volunteer, community and user groups in improving county facilities by matching funds and in-kind services.
Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.08 million in grants for projects valued at more than $15.5 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters and athletic field improvements.
For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website or call 703-324-8470. Applications can be found at the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants Program webpage.