Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · Nov 14, 2024

PRAB Regular Meeting

Agenda Minutes Read the transcript21 agenda items · 1 vote · 15 tracked topics

What was decided

2
Adoption of Agenda
Agenda adopted as amended. Douglas Stewart motioned, Matt Rice seconded. Approved.
Passed
not chaptered

Presented

1
Call to Order · Meeting called to order by Chair Sarah Ross at 7:03 p.m.
3
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes · Previous meeting minutes approved.
4a
Willard Sherwood Health & Community Center – Brooke Hardin, James Pattison · Brooke Hardin and James Pattison presented an update on the WSHCC project. The project is currently between the zoning and permit steps. Construction is slated to begin Q1 2026 and wrap up Q4 2028. Site plans and a 3D model were reviewed. The Performing Arts addition to the existing Sherwood Center is not currently funded and would require an additional $4 million in FY26 CIP. Cost split is 42% City and 58% County.
- Sherwood Community Centerin progressProject is between zoning and permit steps; construction slated to begin Q1 2026 and wrap up Q4 2028. Performing Arts addition is not currently funded and would require an additional $4 million in FY26 CIP. The Sherwood Community Center is the venue for the November 16th WSHCC Outreach Event and the December 12th joint PRAB/Commission on the Arts meeting.
- Blenheim BlvdAn ADA-compliant ramp was added to the 3D model on the Blenheim Boulevard side of the WSHCC building following PRAB's prior suggestion. The Stacy Sherwood Center at 3740 Blenheim Blvd is the relocated venue for the December 12th PRAB meeting.
- Engage FairfaxEngage Fairfax portal was one of several channels through which public feedback on the WSHCC project was collected.
5a
Parks Foundation – Update · PRAB will nominate the initial board for the Parks Foundation; City Council will vote on approval. Returns to City Council on December 10th for final approval.
- Parks Foundationin progressPRAB agreed to nominate the initial board for the Parks Foundation; the matter goes back to City Council on December 10th for final approval.
5b
Thaiss Park – Update · Construction will begin at the start of December. Signs are being printed to advertise the full closure of the parking lot. Employees who normally park at Thaiss Park will park at the Property Yard.
- Thaiss ParkapprovedConstruction is set to begin at the start of December; the parking lot will be fully closed and signage is being prepared. City Council fully funded Thaiss Park.
5c
Student Representative Recruitment · The new student-specific form is ready and will be posted on the website shortly.
- Student Representative Recruitmentin progressA new student-specific application form is ready and will be posted on the website shortly; the position remains unfilled. The student representative position remains unfilled.
6a
Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation · Thaiss Park was reported as fully funded by City Council.
Thaiss Parkin progress
6b
FY26 Budget · Three budget enhancements were discussed: $879,000 for staffing (converting 12 temporary positions to part-time), full funding of the City Jobs program, and $80,000 for Heritage programs. Additional staffing requests include making certain positions full-time and creating a deputy director position.
- FY 2026 Budgetin progressThree enhancements were requested: $879,000 for staffing conversions, full funding of the City Jobs program, and $80,000 for Heritage programs, with additional requests for full-time positions and a future deputy director.
7a
Project Updates – Master Plan, Pat Rodio, Van Dyck Redevelopment, Old Town Renovation, KJM Turf · Master Plan: Berry and Dunn conducting community outreach events. Pat Rodio Park: playground relocation site identified; tree planting and public outreach planned. Van Dyck Redevelopment: on hold until Thaiss Park construction starts. Old Town Hall renovation: on schedule to close and begin in February 2025. KJM Turf: on hold until Thaiss Park construction starts. St. Leo's Fence: a fence was placed between Van Dyck Park and St. Leo the Great; a trail easement from the archdiocese is unlikely at this time.
- Pat Rodio Parkin progressA location for the playground relocation has been identified; additional trees will be planted and public outreach is planned.
- Van Dyck RedevelopmentdeferredOn hold until Thaiss Park construction starts.
- Old Town Hallin progressRenovation remains on schedule to close and begin construction in February 2025. Old Town Hall is a scheduled venue for upcoming Commission on the Arts performances, including OTHPS Main Street Chamber Players on November 22nd.
- KJM TurfdeferredOn hold until Thaiss Park construction starts.
- Van Dyck Parkin progressA fence was placed between Van Dyck Park and St. Leo the Great Church and school; a trail easement from the archdiocese is unlikely at this time.
7b
Upcoming Events and Programs · Holiday Craft Show is at Fairfax High School that weekend. The Holiday Market returns the first two weekends of December, with the Festival of Lights and Carols on December 7th.
- Fairfax High Schoolin progressFairfax High School is the venue for the upcoming Holiday Craft Show. Fairfax High School was recognized as a Purple Star School, completing the application process to support military-connected students.
8a
Commission on the Arts – Yolanda Ortiz and Kelsey Sandoval · Kelsey Sandoval reported upcoming arts events including ArtScreen screenings, OTHPS performances, and a variety of holiday events at multiple venues through December.
Old Town Hallin progress
8b
Environmental Sustainability Committee – Rusty Russell · Rusty Russell reported that inappropriate recycling has improved from 11% to 7%, saving approximately $170 per truck. A community forest map is available on the website for residents to comment on the urban forest.
8c
NOVA Parks – Douglas Stewart · Douglas Stewart reported that Reservoir Park opened recently, the Bull Run Festival of Lights opens November 15th, and Dominion Power has been trimming trees on the W&OD trail.
- NOVA Parksin progressReservoir Park recently opened; Bull Run Festival of Lights opens November 15th; Dominion Power is doing tree trimming on the W&OD trail.
8d
Planning Commission – Matt Rice · Matt Rice reported that the Planning Commission has been reviewing the Urban Forest Master Plan.
8e
School Board – Rachel McQuillen · Rachel McQuillen reported passage of the school bond referendum at over 69% approval, the fourth 2024 Superintendent Advisory Team meeting, upcoming VSBA conference, Fairfax High School's Purple Star School recognition, KJMS Career Day, and upcoming KJMS security vestibule installation and potential Security Alert Badge pilot program.
Fairfax High Schoolin progress
8f
Senior Center – Chuck Paceley · Chuck Paceley reported the new Senior Council elected in September and announced upcoming Thanksgiving Banquet (November 22nd) and Holiday Party (December 13th).
- Senior CenterNew Senior Council was elected in September; Thanksgiving Banquet scheduled for November 22nd and Holiday Party for December 13th.
8g
Student Representative – Open · Position not filled.
Student Representative Recruitmentin progress
9
Matters of the Members · No matters recorded in the minutes.
10
Upcoming Meetings · WSHCC Outreach Event on Saturday, November 16th 9-11am at Sherwood Center. December PRAB meeting will be held jointly with the Commission on the Arts on December 12th at The Stacy Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd.
Sherwood Community Centerapproved Blenheim Blvd
11
Adjournment · Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Topics touched · 15

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.
Blenheim Blvd
Blenheim Boulevard is a corridor in Fairfax, Virginia that appears across multiple municipal contexts. Key addresses along the boulevard include 3740 Blenheim Blvd (Stacy Sherwood Center), 3730 Blenheim Blvd (City of Fairfax Police Headquarters), and 3315 Blenheim Blvd (site of a School Board retreat).
- The School Board's recommendation to City Council on the Blenheim Blvd Multimodal Improvement Plan has not yet been made — a recommendation options presentation by Superintendent Dr. Dustin Wright…
- The proposed amphitheater on school grounds (part of the Multimodal Improvement Plan) remains under discussion with no decision recorded.
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.
Parks Foundationin progress
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 Parkapproved
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.
Student Representative Recruitmentin progress
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) has been working to fill a vacant Student Representative position through an updated application process. As of October 2024, staff began developing a dedicated web form to streamline the application process and make it easier for prospective student applicants to apply.
- The student-specific application form was ready as of November 14, 2024, but had not yet been posted to the website — confirmation of posting is still outstanding.
- The Student Representative position remains unfilled; recruitment outcome is unresolved.
FY 2026 Budgetin progress
The FY 2026 Budget covers the City of Fairfax's general and all sub-fund appropriations, the FY 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program, and the Schedule of Rates and Levies. Budget development began in fall 2024, with Parks and Recreation enhancements (staffing conversions, City Jobs, Heritage programs) discussed in November 2024.
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 Redevelopmentdeferred
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.
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.
KJM Turfdeferred
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.
Van Dyck Parkin progress
Van Dyck Park is a city park in Fairfax undergoing a multi-phase redevelopment process. The broader redevelopment and master plan design have been subject to repeated scheduling delays: as of late 2024, redevelopment was on hold pending the start of Thaiss Park construction, and by February 2025 the construction start was pushed to FY28 to avoid overlap with the Blenheim Boulevard and Willard Sherwood Center construction projects; the master plan design deadline was subsequently confirmed as FY28 in the FY2026 CIP submission.
- Repair of the tennis court and pickleball court lights — status not confirmed resolved as of October 2025.
- Installation of the replacement preschool climbers and steppers (approved November 2025) — completion not yet confirmed.
Fairfax High Schoolin progress
Fairfax High School (FHS) is a City of Fairfax public high school at 3501 Lion Run that serves as a central hub for academic programming, community events, and ongoing capital improvements. Over the 2024–2026 period, the school has been the subject of multiple facility actions: in April 2025, the City Council unanimously approved (6-0) an 8-year Special Use Permit for temporary modular classrooms to address enrollment capacity, with a condition requiring removal of sheds from required parking spaces.
- The School Board is to make its recommendation to City Council on the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements project — specifically the amphitheater/outdoor classroom seating options on FHS…
- The roof replacement project is in the concept design phase; phasing and timing of the replacement (and associated HVAC replacements) remain to be determined.
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.
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.