The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin facility renovations at Franconia Rec Center, located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria, aimed at enhancing air quality and comfort for patrons. The renovations, scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, will focus on upgrading key heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems serving the fitness center, racquetball courts and pool.
To safely complete the work, the facility will undergo temporary closures:
- Pool, Spa, Family Change Room and upper level: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6
- Racquetball Courts: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 16
- Fitness Center: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 18 (date subject to change)
- Full Building and Parking Lot Closures:
- Wednesday, Aug. 20, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Aug. 21)
- Wednesday, Sept. 3, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Sept. 4)
The fitness equipment will be moved into the gymnasium to allow patrons to continue their workouts during the upgrades. The main entrance and patron check-in will move to the gymnasium door by the parking lot.
The upcoming improvements at Franconia Rec Center will enhance both the fitness and aquatics areas. In the fitness center and racquetball courts, the air handling system will be replaced and upgraded to provide better temperature control and improved energy efficiency. In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit will be installed to improve overall air quality, along with a new low deck exhaust system to more effectively ventilate humid air and enhance the swimmer experience. Additionally, ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to promote better air circulation throughout the natatorium.
"These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” said Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these much-needed improvements."
This project follows earlier upgrades completed during the spring break 2025 window, including replacement of a rooftop pool air handling unit over the childcare area to support summer operations.
Our Special Harbor, Chessie’s Big Back Yard, the Amphitheater, volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts will not be impacted by the construction activity, even when the Rec Center is closed.
Rec Center members are invited to use any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s other Rec Centers including the nearby Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria). Franconia Rec Center members who want to pause their memberships can make this request by visiting the front desk before closure begins or by submitting a request to pause membership online.
For questions or more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.