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Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · Dec 11, 2025

PRAB Regular Meeting

AgendaMinutesRead the transcript19 agenda items · 13 tracked topics, 2 in the wiki

Discussed

  • 1
    Call to Order · Meeting called to order by Chair Sarah Ross at 7:00 p.m.
  • 2
    Adoption of Agenda · Agenda approved.
  • 3
    Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes · Listed on agenda; no outcome recorded in minutes.
  • 4a
    Solid Waste Management Plan Update – Melissa McDonald · Melissa McDonald presented an overview of the Solid Waste Management Plan, its goals, and current questions for community input. Discussion followed on recycling at special events and parks, trash capacity in parks, and food re-serving programs.
    • Solid Waste Management Plan Updatein progresswikiMelissa McDonald presented the SWMP, explaining it is a long-term planning document updated every 5 years; a community survey on recycling and waste reduction is open through the end of the year. Discussion included recycling at special events and parks and composting barriers. Diana Gibson reported she is continuing to serve on the City of Fairfax solid waste management plan advisory committee.
  • 5a
    Stakeholder Update – Commission on the Arts (Anne McMorrow) · Anne McMorrow reported the mini art vending machine is a big success, currently at Cinema Arts Theatre, and noted an OTHPS event on December 12th at SCSCC.
  • 5b
    Stakeholder Update – Environmental Sustainability Committee (Rusty Russell) · Rusty Russell reported that the Urban Forest Master Plan was presented to the Planning Commission and will be presented to City Council for adoption on January 27th. A new ESC member was noted (entry cut off in minutes).
    • Urban Forest Master Planin progresswikiThe Urban Forest Master Plan was presented to the Planning Commission and is scheduled for adoption by City Council on January 27th.
  • 5c
    Stakeholder Update – NOVA Parks (Douglas Stewart) · Douglas Stewart reported on a December 9 presentation by NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson to Mayor and Council on Gateway Park improvements, including wetland restoration, tree planting, invasive species management, new trails, and a boardwalk. Groundbreaking is planned for 2026; project is budgeted at slightly over $1 million with the City contributing $500,000. Also reported on a new NOVA Parks grant program for field trips for public elementary and middle school students.
    • NOVA Parksin progressNOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson presented plans for Gateway Park improvements to Mayor and Council on December 9, including wetland restoration, planting 200+ trees and shrubs, invasive species management, and new trails and boardwalk; groundbreaking planned for 2026 pending permits, with the project budgeted at slightly over $1 million (City contributing $500,000). NOVA Parks also launched a grant program funding field trips for Title 1 school students, with the next round opening in winter 2026.
  • 5d
    Stakeholder Update – Planning Commission (Matt Rice) · Reported (via written update, as Matt Rice was absent) that the Planning Commission is conducting its annual capital facilities review per Virginia State Code §15.2-2204. Several CIP projects of interest to PRAB were noted, including the FHS softball field renovation, KJM Field renovation, Ratcliffe Park field renovation, FHS Stahlnecker Field turf replacement, Green Acres facility improvements, Sherwood Community Center Expansion, Old Town Hall rehabilitation, Williard Sherwood Center, and Van Dyck Master Plan Implementation. PRAB feedback was requested, possibly as a January agenda item.
    • Softball Fieldin progressThe FHS softball field renovation appears in the current draft Capital Improvement Program as a project of interest to PRAB.
    • Sherwood Community Centerin progressThe Sherwood Community Center Expansion is included in the current draft CIP as a project of interest to PRAB.
    • Old Town Hallin progressThe Old Town Hall rehabilitation is included in the current draft CIP as a project of interest to PRAB.
    • Master Planin progressThe Van Dyck Master Plan Implementation is included in the current draft CIP as a project of interest to PRAB.
  • 5e
    Stakeholder Update – School Board (Amit Hickman) · Amit Hickman reported that Dr. Dustin Wright is the new City superintendent and that listening sessions were held for the Providence ES and DRES renovations.
    • Providence ESin progressListening sessions were held for the Providence ES renovation for staff and residents.
  • 5f
    Stakeholder Update – Senior Center (Chuck Paceley) · Chuck Paceley reported the Senior Center Holiday Party is December 12th, noted 35 first-time seniors in November with 2,069 total entries (up 375 from last November), and that the Senior Center will be closed December 26th and January 2nd in addition to City holidays.
    • Senior CenterChuck Paceley reported a Holiday Party on December 12th, strong attendance figures for November (2,069 total entries, up 375 year-over-year), and upcoming closures on December 26th and January 2nd.
  • 5g
    Stakeholder Update – Student Representative (Madeline Clary) · No update provided.
  • 5h
    Community Member Updates · Diana Gibson reported on her service on the City's solid waste management plan advisory committee, citizen science contributions to Salt Watch monitoring Accotink Creek at Thaiss Park/Pickett Rd Underpass (road salt already reaching unhealthy levels), an upcoming VAEE environmental education award nomination opportunity, and a February 2026 conference presentation. Susan Kuiler reported that Friends of Accotink Creek are proposing expanding the vernal pool at Kutner Park.
    • Accotink CreekDiana Gibson reported that citizen science data from Salt Watch shows road salt is already reaching unhealthy levels at Accotink Creek at the Thaiss Park/Pickett Rd Underpass.
    • Thaiss Parkin progressThaiss Park/Pickett Rd Underpass was identified as a Salt Watch monitoring site where road salt is reaching unhealthy levels in Accotink Creek. The park is on schedule for completion; sod completion timing is uncertain but will not delay the rest of the park's opening.
    • Kutner ParkproposedFriends of Accotink Creek are proposing expanding the vernal pool at Kutner Park, as reported by Susan Kuiler.
    Solid Waste Management Plan Updateapproved
  • 6a
    Old Business – Thaiss Park Update · Staff reported the park is currently on time for completion; the sod completion date is uncertain but will not impact the rest of the park opening.
    Thaiss Parkin progress
  • 6b
    Old Business – Budget Update · Staff reported that budget requests have been submitted.
  • 7a
    New Business – Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation · No updates reported.
  • 8a
    Parks and Recreation Department Report – Upcoming Events and Programs · Staff noted the second weekend of the Holiday Market running December 12–14.
  • 9
    Matters of the Members · No specific matters recorded in minutes.
  • 10
    Upcoming Meetings · Next meeting: Thursday, January 8 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, Work Session Room.
  • 11
    Adjournment · Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.