The Fairfax County Park Foundation recognized the contributions of the McLean Youth Soccer Association, Leidos and the Embassy and Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates for contributions to the Fairfax County park system for which they were honored with the 2022 Eakin Philanthropy Award. This was the first in-person gathering of the partnership since the virtual award ceremony held in 2022.
The ongoing and generous contributions of this partnership have made possible the installation of a synthetic turf field at Holladay Field next to Spring Hill Elementary School. The new field includes a full-sized rectangular soccer field available for football, men’s and women’s lacrosse, field hockey and small-sided soccer. Landscape improvements, including two underground storm water management facilities, a bleacher pad, access trail and landscape improvements were also part of the project.
“This particular Eakin Philanthropy award demonstrates that community improvements are possible through public private partnerships with Fairfax County parks,” said FCPF Executive Director Bobbi Longworth. “Together, we can leverage strengths to help improve parks and programs that benefit our neighbors in need!”
FCPF’s Eakin Philanthropy Award recognizes visionary, financial and material contributions that significantly enhance Fairfax County parks. The award is named in honor of LeRoy Eakin Sr. who donated 14 acres of land in 1951, which became Fairfax County's first park. Kevin and Chris Eakin were present to honor the awardees while continuing their family’s impactful legacy with parks.
Pictured Left to Right
Back Row: Tim Hackman, FCPA Board Dranesville District Representative; Kevin Eakin, Eakin Properties President; and Chris Eakin, Eakin Properties Associate Regional Manager.
Front Row: Dima Alfaham, Chief of Staff to the United Arab Emirates Ambassador; Kareem Al-Attar, MYS Board Member; Julie Dabrowski, MYS Board Member; Natalie Bennett, Administrative Aide to Dranesville District Supervisor Bierman; Vicki Schmanske, Leidos Commercial & International Sector President; Louise Waxler, MYS Executive Director; Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States; Jai Cole, FCPA Executive Director; Ian Harper, MYS Board Chair; Bobbi Longworth, FCPF Executive Director; Robin Walker, FCPF Board Secretary; John Forte, MYS Board Member.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet community needs for park land, facilities and services. In the spirit of the One Fairfax Policy racial and social equity policy, voluntary contributions help ensure that all residents can access and enjoy Fairfax County’s 420 parks and enriching programs. For more information about the Park Foundation, please visit the foundation website.