Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · Dec 12, 2024

PRAB Regular Meeting

Agenda Minutes Read the transcript20 agenda items · 2 votes · 14 tracked topics

What was decided

2
Adoption of Agenda
Agenda adopted as amended. Douglas Stewart motioned, Rachel McQuillen seconded. Approved.
Passed
not chaptered
6b
Student Representative Application Review
An application was received from a 9th grader at Flint Hill Upper School. Douglas Stewart motioned to approve, Matt Rice seconded. Approved. Madeline Clary will be the new Student Representative for PRAB.
Passed
not chaptered

Presented

1
Call to Order · Meeting called to order by Chair Sarah Ross at 7:02 p.m.
3
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes · Previous meeting minutes approved.
4a
Welcome and Introductions of Commission on the Arts Members · Commission on the Arts members were welcomed and introduced at the joint meeting.
4b
Discussion of the New Willard Sherwood Community Center & Possible Performing Arts Renovation · Discussion held following a prior presentation by Grimm and Parker. Members agreed the proposed performing arts renovation is a benefit to the building and community, that changes to the front desk area are needed, and that a dedicated visual and performing arts space is needed in the City. A possible delay in Old Town Hall construction start was raised as a concern for COA programs.
- Sherwood Community Centerin progressPRAB and COA discussed the proposed performing arts renovation to the existing Sherwood Community Center; unanimous agreement that the renovation and front desk changes are beneficial and that a dedicated arts space is needed. The City received a grant to install 20 new EV charging stations at City Hall and Sherwood Community Center.
- Old Town Hallin progressA possible delay in the start of Old Town Hall construction was raised as a concern, particularly regarding the COA's ability to continue offering free programs like ArtScreen and concerts; COA has not yet seen the renovation plans. The Old Town Hall renovation start has been pushed to mid-to-late March.
5a
Parks Foundation – Update · The Parks Foundation was approved by Council. The board plans to return to Council to request $50,000 in supplemental funding. Janet Jaworski has expressed interest in joining. Only three members are needed to obtain 501(c)3 status.
- Parks FoundationapprovedThe Parks Foundation was approved by Council; next steps include requesting $50,000 in supplemental funding and obtaining 501(c)3 status with at least three members.
5b
Thaiss Park – Update · Fencing will go up in the next few days around Thaiss Park as construction begins. The community is being notified that the cross county trail will remain open but will not be accessible from Thaiss Park during construction. The Engage Fairfax website has been updated.
- Thaiss Parkin progressConstruction fencing is being installed at Thaiss Park imminently; community outreach is underway informing residents that the cross county trail remains open but will not be accessible from Thaiss Park during construction.
- Engage FairfaxThe Engage Fairfax website was updated with information about the Thaiss Park construction.
6a
Summary of Recent Council Meetings Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation · The Kids Bill of Rights in Sports was voted through by Council. All current and new groups operating kids sports programs in the City of Fairfax must now meet these standards.
- Kids Bill of Rights in SportsapprovedCouncil voted to approve the Kids Bill of Rights in Sports; all current and new groups looking to operate kids sports programs in the City of Fairfax must now meet these standards.
7a
Project Updates – Master Plan, Pat Rodio, Van Dyck Redevelopment, Old Town Renovation, KJM Turf · Updates provided on all five projects. Master Plan: Berry and Dunn will attend the Chocolate Lover's Festival and conduct community outreach. Pat Rodio Park: playground designs are being assembled. Van Dyck Redevelopment: funded, awaiting Thaiss Park progress before starting. Old Town Hall renovation: start moved to mid-to-late March. KJM Turf: 30% design proposal for pricing being reviewed by the City's engineer.
- Pat Rodio Parkin progressPlayground designs are being assembled for Pat Rodio Park.
- Van Dyck Redevelopmentin progressVan Dyck Redevelopment is funded; the project is on hold pending progress on the Thaiss Park construction before a new project is started.
- KJM Turfin progressA proposal for 30% design to better determine pricing for KJM Turf is currently being reviewed by the City's engineer.
Old Town Hallin progress
7b
Upcoming Events and Programs · Staff noted that the second weekend of the Holiday Market is the current weekend.
8a
Commission on the Arts – Yolanda Ortiz and Kelsey Sandoval · The concert scheduled for December 13th is postponed until June. The OTHPS (Old Town Hall Performance Series) will move to Sherwood starting in January.
8b
Environmental Sustainability Committee – Rusty Russell · New ESC members are joining as some have moved away or been elected to Council; Chair and Vice Chair positions will be vacant. Progress is being made on the Green Building Policy and Urban Forestry Master Plan. The fall free tree giveaway has ended but will resume in spring. The City received a grant to install 20 new EV charging stations at City Hall and Sherwood.
- Green Building Policyin progressThe ESC is making progress on the Green Building Policy as reported at the December 2024 PRAB meeting.
- City HallThe City received a grant to install 20 new EV charging stations at City Hall and Sherwood Community Center.
Sherwood Community Centerapproved
8c
NOVA Parks – Douglas Stewart · A talk about the history of the W&OD trail will be held at the Fairfax City library that Sunday. NOVA Parks has started a grant program for Title I schools for field trips to NOVA Parks facilities.
- NOVA Parksin progressNOVA Parks announced an upcoming talk on the history of the W&OD trail at the Fairfax City library and a new grant program for Title I schools for field trips to NOVA Parks.
8d
Planning Commission – Matt Rice · The Planning Commission has been working on the CIP; major items include school renovations and Fire Station 3 improvements. Recommendations and review are expected to be completed in January.
- Fire Stationin progressFire Station 3 improvements are among the major items being reviewed by the Planning Commission as part of the CIP; recommendations expected in January.
8e
School Board – Rachel McQuillen · FHS baseball Christmas tree sales are underway at FHS stadium. Working with City Procurement on the stadium scoreboard path forward. Security camera cabling is done at DRES and nearly done at Providence; installation will take 8–10 weeks. Security alert badge manufacturer has recalled badges; working with Procurement on next steps. Outdoor classroom at KJMS will be completed in early 2025.
8f
Senior Center – Chuck Paceley · 49 new first-time seniors signed up in November with 1,694 visits scanned. The Holiday Party is December 13th. Kathy Carter retired November 30th; her replacement Daniel Novoa De Jesus starts December 16th.
- Senior Center49 new first-time seniors signed up in November with 1,694 visits; staff transition underway as Kathy Carter retired and Daniel Novoa De Jesus starts December 16th.
8g
Student Representative – Open · Student Representative position was not filled at the time of this agenda item (Madeline Clary approved under 6b to fill the position going forward).
9
Matters of the Members · No matters recorded in the minutes.
10
Upcoming Meetings · Next meeting noted as Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 7pm. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Topics touched · 14

Sherwood Community Centerin progress
The Sherwood Community Center (formally the Willard Sherwood Health & Community Center / WSHCC) is a joint City of Fairfax and Fairfax County redevelopment project, with costs split 42% City and 58% County. As of the November 2024 PRAB update, the project was between the zoning and permit steps, with construction slated to begin Q1 2026 and wrap up Q4 2028.
- Whether the Performing Arts addition to the existing Sherwood Center will receive the additional $4 million needed in the CIP to be funded.
- Whether the HVAC replacement at the existing Sherwood Center will be funded, including the potential use of Parks Foundation Legacy for Fairfax funds earmarked for Sherwood maintenance.
Old Town Hallin progress
Old Town Hall is a historic City of Fairfax building undergoing a major renovation that includes window restoration, a full HVAC overhaul, wiring upgrades, conversion to LED lighting, and new bathrooms. The project was originally planned to close and begin construction in February 2025, but experienced a series of delays: the start was pushed first to mid-to-late March 2025, then to April 2025 due to permitting issues, and the City Council presentation on construction approval (originally set for April 1, 2025) was further delayed to April 22, 2025 due to budget issues.
- Substantial completion is targeted for mid-October 2026, but no confirmed opening date has been established — the opening timeline remains pending.
- The specialty window restoration work by an Ohio craftsman is ongoing and has been identified as a schedule risk; its completion date is uncertain.
Parks Foundationapproved
The Fairfax City Parks Foundation is a nonprofit entity created to raise private funds and accept donations (including bequests) to support parks projects in the City of Fairfax. Its formation involved an extended bylaw revision process: in October 2024, PRAB agreed to a 60% board residency requirement and revised the director appointment process so that PRAB nominates directors and City Council approves.
- Whether the approximately $470,000 Legacy for Fairfax fund transfer to the Parks Foundation bank account was completed as planned on July 1, 2026 (no confirmation recorded after June 2026).
- Status of the naming rights policy: no recorded outcome confirming City Council adoption after PRAB's edits were incorporated in July 2026.
Thaiss Parkin progress
Thaiss Park is a City park undergoing full redevelopment, including new ballfields, a playground, adult exercise equipment, a clubhouse building, and related infrastructure. The City Council approved a $7,725,650 construction contract with Bright Masonry, Inc. on October 8, 2024, and the project was fully funded.
- The main contractor (Bright Construction) has fired all staff and deleted its website as of July 2026 — the project is on hold pending clarification on how construction will proceed.
- An ARPA funds deadline is looming; it is unresolved whether the project will meet it given the contractor situation.
Engage Fairfax
Engage Fairfax is the City of Fairfax's online public engagement platform used to collect resident, business owner, and stakeholder input on a wide range of city projects, plans, and budget processes. It functions as a persistent, continually updated hub rather than a one-time tool, hosting project documents, surveys, comment periods, and event information.
- The concept-plan public comment period open on Engage Fairfax (through October 30, 2026) is pending closure and subsequent staff/council review of feedback received.
- The safety hotspot engagement posted on Engage Fairfax (as of October 6, 2026) remains open, with consultant procurement by COG underway and a roughly six-month process expected to follow.
Kids Bill of Rights in Sportsapproved
The Kids Bill of Rights in Sports is a City of Fairfax policy establishing standards that all groups operating kids' sports programs within the city must meet. City Council voted to approve the measure, as reported at the December 12, 2024 PRAB Regular Meeting.
Pat Rodio Parkin progress
Pat Rodio Park is a municipal park that has been undergoing a playground relocation and broader redevelopment effort. As of October 2024, staff identified that the playground needed to be moved to a new location; by November 2024, a relocation site had been identified and public outreach was planned.
- Completion of the playground redevelopment (expected spring 2026) — status not yet confirmed as complete.
- Construction of dugouts at the new baseball field — described as forthcoming as of April 2025, no subsequent confirmation recorded.
Van Dyck Redevelopmentin progress
The Van Dyck Redevelopment is a funded parks project in the Town of Vienna that has been tracked by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) since at least October 2024. The project was initially placed on hold pending the start of Thaiss Park construction, and by February 2025 its construction start was pushed to FY28 to avoid concurrent work with the Blenheim Boulevard and Willard Sherwood Center projects.
- Selection of an engineering firm from the five solicited proposals (as of April 2025).
- Resolution of the five new engineering items identified in January 2025.
KJM Turfin progress
The KJM Turf project involves the renovation and turfing of fields associated with KJM Middle School, a effort that has been in development for at least 10 years. As of the May 2025 joint PRAB/School Board meeting, the current plan — developed with consultant Timmons — estimates a total cost of approximately $10 million and encompasses two turf fields, a track, and a paved area, with a projected construction timeline of 16–18 months (potentially shorter if synthetic turf is selected). $6 million in funding has been identified ($4 million already allocated plus $2 million in ARPA funds), leaving a gap of $6–8 million.
- A decision between synthetic turf and natural turf options has not yet been made; selecting one is needed to avoid additional planning costs.
- The School Board has not yet agreed to join the project as a co-partner; their response/commitment is pending.
Green Building Policyin progress
The Fairfax City Green Building Policy establishes green building standards for both public and private sector construction and major renovations. Development of the policy was directed by City Council in 2020, and staff spent several years researching best practices, working with consultants (including Cadmus and George Mason University), participating in the U.S.
- A new Energy Programs Manager is anticipated to be hired in fall 2026 — hiring has not yet been confirmed as complete.
- Staff are to conduct further analysis and research on green building incentives in FY31, with a revised policy including potential incentive measures to be presented to Council in FY32 if directed.
City Hall
Fairfax City Hall (10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA) is the primary civic building serving as the routine venue for a wide range of municipal meetings, closed sessions, receptions, and public functions across multiple boards, commissions, and the City Council. Its named spaces include Council Chambers, Work Session Room 111, the Atrium, Judge's Chambers, City Manager Conference Room, Sisson House, and Council Executive Room 100 (in the City Hall Annex).
- Installation of 20 EV charging stations at City Hall and Sherwood Community Center: current completion status is not recorded in the material.
- Revised EV charging station fee structure: Council reached consensus in February 2026 to adopt it as part of the city budget rates and levies, but no formal vote or final budget adoption confirming…
NOVA Parksin progress
NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) is a regional parks authority that manages facilities and trails serving the City of Fairfax and surrounding jurisdictions, including the 44-mile W&OD Trail, Meadowlark Gardens, Bull Run Regional Park, Gateway Park, and other sites. The NOVA Parks liaison to the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is Douglas Stewart, who provides regular stakeholder updates.
- Gateway Park restoration contract award and groundbreaking: contract was nearly ready to be awarded as of March 2026; construction was targeted for summer 2026 — current status of contract award and…
- W&OD Trail Visitors' Center in Vienna (125 Church St): plans announced but dependent on state budget funding — funding status remains unresolved.
Fire Stationin progress
The Fire Station project in the City of Fairfax involves improvements to Fire Station 3 and the planned construction of a new fire station on University Drive. On November 12, 2024, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution R-24-32 (6-0) authorizing the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority to issue revenue bonds up to $54,500,000 for general government capital projects, with the fire station listed as an anticipated capital expenditure.
- Completion of Planning Commission CIP recommendations regarding Fire Station 3 improvements (expected January 2025 per the December 2024 PRAB meeting — outcome not confirmed in the record).
- Final design, timeline, and construction schedule for the new fire station to be built on University Drive.
Senior Center
The Fairfax City Young at Heart Senior Center, currently located at Green Acres Center (a repurposed 1961 school building), is a membership-based senior activity hub offering programs including pickleball, bocce, bus trips, craft markets, holiday events, and fitness activities. Chuck Paceley has served as the regular PRAB stakeholder liaison for the Senior Center throughout this period.
- Outcome and full implications of the April 28, 2026 City Council vote on the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center for the Senior Center's future at Green Acres.
- A proposed $60/year membership fee (benchmarked against Fairfax County pricing, raised at the April 2025 PRAB meeting) — whether it was adopted or rejected.

Documents · 2

Filed in agenda order; the agenda names the item each belongs to.