Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

Aug. 5, 2026

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about the Community Health Improvement Plan, South Run Rec Center renovations, the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program, and August is Family Golf Month. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County is one of the wealthiest places in the country, but depending on your ZIP code, your lifespan can be 15 years shorter than your neighbor’s. That gap is what the Community Health Improvement Plan, or CHIP, is working to close. The CHIP, which addresses environment, mental health, food and healthcare access, is a five-year plan that aligns community groups, schools, businesses and government agencies around shared health goals. Earlier this year, the county released its third update to the plan, which was first launched in 2010. The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a strategic, community-driven roadmap to improve health and well-being across Fairfax*, addressing issues that matter most to the community. In 2010, the Fairfax County Health Department brought together community stakeholders to create the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax (the Partnership) to lead the development of Fairfax County’s first CHIP. CHIPs not only identify priorities but also outline actionable strategies led by community members, fostering collective ownership and collaboration. The County is now in its third iteration of the CHIP (CHIP 3.0), which sets a bold vision for improving community health from 2026 through 2030. Learn more. Search for Community Health Improvement Plan at fairfaxcounty.gov.

Renovations at the South Run Rec Center facility, located at 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield, require the following temporary closures:

• Pool and Spa Closed: Saturday, Aug. 15 to Friday, Sept. 11.
• Full Building Closure: Saturday, Aug. 22 to Friday, Sept. 11.

Renovations will enhance various areas throughout the building, including the Fitness Center, restrooms, locker rooms, racquetball courts, club rooms, offices, lobby and hallways. In addition to cleaning, painting and general maintenance, the project will include upgrades to flooring, lighting and accessibility. Projects in the pool area will include bleacher railing replacement and a complete replacement of the UV filtration system.

The Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program is an initiative designed to protect older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers from scams and fraud. Through presentations and resources, the program raises awareness about common scams—such as imposter schemes and financial fraud—and teaches strategies to avoid becoming a victim. A new Fairfax Alerts channel "Silver Shield Scam and Fraud Information" is now available for text updates on scam and fraud prevention. Its goal is to provide subscribers with scam resource information and send alerts when scams rise to a heightened level of concern in the community. Signing up is quick and free:

• Visit Fairfax Alerts at fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.
• If you are not an existing user, register for Fairfax Alerts.
• If you are an existing user, follow instructions as the platform has upgraded to the Everbridge Community Profile.
• To receive Silver Shield scam and fraud updates, select Area Agency on Aging and then choose Silver Shield – Scam and Fraud Information.

Report scams and unlicensed solicitors by contacting the county’s non-emergency number: 703-691-2131.

Come out to our golf courses for a tee-rific Family Golf Month this August. Make special memories with young golfers in your family and join them to dream and swing big. Our deals make it easier than ever to get out on the green together. Junior golfers enjoy free play at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens ages 5-17 play free at participating courses when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Valid Monday through Friday all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Limit one child per paying adult.

Valid at participating courses: Burke Lake Golf Center, Jefferson Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center and Pinecrest Golf Course. 

More ways to play and save:

• Junior golfers ages 5-17 buy any-sized bucket and get one small bucket free at Burke Lake and Oakmont golf centers; limit one per day.
• Build friendships and embrace your competitive side at a Club Championship Aug. 15 at Jefferson or for juniors on Aug. 15 at Burke Lake.
• Par-sue happiness at one of our four marvelous mini golf courses at Burke Lake Park, Jefferson Falls, Lake Accotink and Oakmont.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates eight golf courses in seven locations throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/junior

Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.

That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, Government.