703-324-8533
TTY 711
Paul Shirey,
Project Management Branch Manager
Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center
The philosophy of stewardship and education has been crucial in the planning and development of Sully Woodlands. The region encompasses 4,400 acres and 43 parks with specific-use zones, such as community-serving recreation space and resource-stewardship areas, that were designated in each park. The Sully Woodlands Regional Masterplan was approved in 2006. The masterplan recommends an interpretive center to educate the public about natural and cultural stewardship.
The careful and responsible management of FCPA’s natural and cultural resources provides a unique opportunity for active and interactive educational experiences. To support this vision, the Park Authority is proposing to develop the Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center. The proposed facility is to be a state-of-the-art interpretive center to provide educational services, to serve as a gateway to the greater Sully Woodlands, and core facilities to allow the space to be rented to the public. The project will be located at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Sully Woodlands.
To align with the sustainable mission and goals of the Park Authority, the project will be designed to meet the rigorous sustainable design standards of the Living Building Challenge and be one of only a few facilities in the region that will meet these standards.
Vision Statement:
Healthy Landscapes Ensure Healthy Communities
Mission Statement:
To provide orientation to the natural and cultural resources of Sully Woodlands and engage the public in stewardship through education and action.
The Goals of SW-SEC are:
AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH NATURE
Inform the community on stewardship actions the FCPA is taking to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources in the Sully Woodlands.
EDUCATION AND STEWARDSHIP
Through the use of hands-on activities and instructor-led presentations, educate on actions community members can take to help ensure their personal health through healthy landscapes, buildings, and practices in the built environment.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Living Building Challenge defines the framework for operational, cultural, and environmental design goals for the facility. All aspects – structure, design, systems, materials, and operations of the center itself – will be used to teach the principles of stewardship for resources and healthy choices in use of water, energy, site use, and building methods.
EQUITY
FCPA is committed to providing educational outreach to all residents of the county and to promote social equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in Fairfax County.
| Project Time Line | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event | Dates | Documents |
| Kickoff Meeting | Oct 2012 | |
| Initial Feasibility Complete | Apr 2014 | |
| RFQ for Consultants | Jun 2014 | |
| Partner Outreach Phase Kickoff | Feb 2016 | |
| Partner Outreach Charrette | Sep 2016 | |
| Feasibility Study Phase Kickoff | Oct 2016 | |
| Complete Partner Outreach/Feasibility | May 2017 | |
| Revised Program to Current Scope | Jun 2017 | |
| Phase II RFP issued | Dec 2017 | |
| Concept Design Kickoff | May 2018 | |
| Schematic Design | Oct 2018 | |
| Partner Meetings | Mar 2019 | |
| PAB Scope Item | Jun 2019 | |
| Design Development | Oct 2019 | |
| 50% Construction Documents | Dec 2019 | |
| 95% Project Completion | Feb 2020 | |
| 100% Construction Documents | Nov 2020 | |
| Obtain Permits | Jul 2021 | |
| Bid Project | Oct 2021 | |
| Start Construction | Dec 2021 | |
| Final Completion | Summer 2023 | |
We will update this project web page throughout the process. For additional information, please contact Heather Lynch at heather.lynch@fairfaxcounty.gov.
