Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · Oct 10, 2024

PRAB Regular Meeting

Agenda Minutes Read the transcript23 agenda items · 1 vote · 26 tracked topics, 2 in the wiki

What was decided

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

Presented

1
Call to Order · Meeting called to order by Chair Sarah Ross at 7:01 p.m.
3
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes · Previous meeting minutes approved.
4a
Fairfax City Green Building Policy – Presentation by Sonia Succar Ferré · Presentation given by Sonia Succar Ferré and Victoria Kiechel of Cadmus. Board received information on the proposed policy scope, incentives, and next steps. No vote taken.
- Green Building Policyin progressSonia Succar Ferré and Victoria Kiechel of Cadmus presented the proposed Green Building Policy to PRAB, covering scope, incentives (including tax abatements for LEED gold-or-higher certification), and next steps including a community meeting at Sherwood Community Center on November 7 and presentation to City Council for adoption in early 2025.
- Sherwood Community CenterapprovedA community meeting on the Green Building Policy is scheduled for November 7 at 7 p.m. at the Sherwood Community Center.
4b
Urban Forest Master Plan – Presentation by Sophia Chapin · Presentation given by Sophia Chapin on the status and engagement plan for the Urban Forest Master Plan. No vote taken.
- Urban Forest Master Planin progresswikiSophia Chapin presented the Urban Forest Master Plan's current status: two Steering Committee meetings completed, the first public meeting completed in July, public survey live, and a second public meeting planned in-person October 17 and virtually October 23. The Engage Fairfax website is being continually updated. The Environmental Sustainability Committee is actively working on the Urban Forestry Master Plan. The Planning Commission will review the Urban Forestry Master Plan at their Monday, October 14 meeting.
- Engage FairfaxThe Engage Fairfax website is being used as an ongoing engagement tool for the Urban Forest Master Plan and will be continually updated.
5a
2025 July 4th Evening Show Update · City Council decided to move the 2025 July 4th Evening Show back to the stadium, with fireworks launched from the turf fields; the city will self-insure the turf fields.
- 2025 July 4th Evening ShowCity Council decided to move the 2025 July 4th Evening Show back to the stadium with the fireworks launch location at the turf fields; the city will self-insure the turf fields.
5b
Parks Foundation – Update · PRAB discussed City Council feedback on the Parks Foundation bylaws and agreed on a 60% residency requirement for the board of directors. The appointment process is being revised so PRAB nominates directors and City Council votes to approve or deny. Gifts with contingencies also flagged for review.
- Parks Foundationin progressCity Council asked PRAB to revise the Parks Foundation bylaws; PRAB agreed on a 60% residency requirement for the board and revised the director appointment process so PRAB nominates and City Council approves. Gifts with contingencies were also identified as an area to address.
5c
Thaiss Park – Update · Thaiss Park is fully funded; funding passed unanimously (Councilmember Greenfield absent). Construction can begin as early as the first week of November. PRAB agreed the Throne currently at Thaiss Park should be moved to another park rather than returned to the company.
- Thaiss ParkapprovedThaiss Park is fully funded after the funding passed unanimously at City Council (Councilmember Greenfield absent); construction can begin as early as the first week of November. PRAB agreed the Throne currently at the park should be relocated to another park.
5d
Student Representative Recruitment · Staff is preparing a web form to be posted on the website to streamline applications for the Student Representative position.
- Student Representative Recruitmentin progressA web form is being developed to make it easier for applicants to apply for the Student Representative position on PRAB.
6a
Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation · Staff reported on recent City Council actions: July 4th Evening Show, Parks Foundation, Thaiss Park, and park security. A trial of private security is being considered at Stafford Park, Draper Drive Park, and Old Town Square. A security consultant is engaged for cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes at parks and facilities; estimated cost approximately $100,000 per park.
- Stafford ParkA trial period of private security is being considered at Stafford Park, along with security cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes; estimated cost approximately $100,000 per park.
- Old Townin progressOld Town Square is included in the proposed trial period of private security, along with security cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes.
- Park SecurityA trial of private security and a security consultant engagement for cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes at parks and facilities was reported as being explored; estimated cost approximately $100,000 per park.
6b
FY26 Budget · Staff reported that rates and levies have been updated but the FY26 budget is still being developed.
- FY 2026 Budgetin progressRates and levies have been updated but the FY26 budget is still a work in progress as of this meeting.
7a
Project Updates – Master Plan, Pat Rodio, Van Dyck Redevelopment, Old Town Renovation, KJM Turf · Staff provided updates: Berry and Dunn will attend Fall Festival to collect public feedback on the Master Plan; a new playground location is being sought for Pat Rodio Park; no update on Van Dyck Redevelopment; Old Town Hall closure planned for February 2025 with possible full parking lot closure; KJM Turf working with Timmons on preliminary plans for synthetic and natural turf. Additional updates: a large tree fell on the Dale Lestina Park playground, replacement recommended; exploring a Vienna contract to resurface Providence Park and Kutner Park tennis courts.
- Strategic Planin progressBerry and Dunn will be at Fall Festival to hold a raffle and collect public feedback on the Master Plan.
- Pat Rodio Parkin progressStaff is seeking a new location for the playground at Pat Rodio Park.
- Van Dyck Redevelopmentin progressNo update provided on the Van Dyck Redevelopment project at this meeting.
- Old Town Hallin progressOld Town Hall renovation closure is still planned for February 2025; the entire parking lot may need to close, but the Throne can remain at that location. A reception for election sticker contest winners was held at Old Town Hall on September 11.
- KJM Turfin progressStaff is working with Timmons to develop preliminary plans with a more detailed budget for both synthetic and natural turf options.
- Dale Lestina Parkin progressA large tree fell on the playground at Dale Lestina Park; replacement of the entire playground is recommended.
- Providence Parkin progressStaff is exploring use of a Vienna contract to resurface the tennis courts at Providence Park.
7b
Upcoming Events and Programs · Fall Festival is scheduled for October 12 with an anticipated attendance of 40,000–45,000. The final Rock the Block is October 25.
- Fall FestivalFall Festival is scheduled for October 12, 2024, with anticipated attendance of 40,000–45,000 people.
8a
Stakeholder Update – Commission on the Arts · Yolanda Ortiz reported: a reception was held at Old Town Hall on September 11 for the election sticker contest winners; the Commission on the Arts is currently working on the grant process.
Old Town Hallin progress
8b
Stakeholder Update – Environmental Sustainability Committee · Rusty Russell reported the ESC is working on the Urban Forestry Master Plan, Arbor Day will be October 26 at Kutner Park, and the ESC will have a table at Fall Festival on October 12.
- Arbor DayArbor Day will be held October 26 at Kutner Park.
Urban Forest Master Planapproved
8c
Stakeholder Update – NOVA Parks · Douglas Stewart reported the Beaverdam Reservoir Park in Loudoun will open with a ribbon cutting on October 21, and NOVA Parks is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the W&OD Trail with several fall events.
- Beaverdam Reservoir ParkBeaverdam Reservoir Park in Loudoun will officially open with a ribbon cutting on October 21, 2024.
- W&OD Trail 50th AnniversaryNOVA Parks is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the W&OD Trail with several events this fall.
8d
Stakeholder Update – Planning Commission · Matt Rice reported the Planning Commission made final adjustments to the Comp Plan, which City Council approved at the most recent Council meeting. A work session on the Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan was held. The Planning Commission will review the Urban Forestry Master Plan at its October 14 meeting.
- City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive PlanapprovedwikiThe Planning Commission made final adjustments to the Comp Plan and City Council approved it at the most recent Council meeting.
- Housing and Homelessness Strategic Planin progressA work session on the Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan was recently held at the Planning Commission.
Urban Forest Master Planapproved
8e
Stakeholder Update – School Board · Rachel McQuillen was absent; no update provided.
8f
Stakeholder Update – Senior Center · Chuck Paceley reported the new Senior Council was elected in September with officers elected in October; the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics bocce event at Green Acres was a success; the Senior Center will have a table at Fall Festival.
- Senior CenterThe new Senior Council was elected in September with officers elected in October; the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics bocce event at Green Acres was a success; the Senior Center will have a table at Fall Festival on October 12.
8g
Stakeholder Update – Student Representative · Position not filled; no update provided.
9
Matters of the Members · No matters raised.
10
Upcoming Meetings · Next meeting: Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, Work Session Room.
11
Adjournment · Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Topics touched · 26

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.
Sherwood Community Centerapproved
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.
Urban Forest Master Planin progress
The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is the City of Fairfax's first 20-year roadmap for stewardship of its urban forest, developed with consultant Marstel-Day. Development began in May 2024; Phase 1 (information gathering) was completed and Phase 2 (plan development) was nearing completion as of December 2025.
- Annual reporting on the UFMP's key performance indicators and one-year plan strategy metrics is planned via a State of the Urban Forest report; timing and format of first such report is not yet…
- A natural areas assessment of city-owned and potentially conserved areas is underway as a 2026 action; a canopy coverage goal is anticipated to be set in the 5–10 year phase once a baseline is…
This meeting in the wiki Overview
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.
2025 July 4th Evening Show
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.
Stafford Park
Stafford Park is a city park in Fairfax City featuring a single turf soccer field (originally budgeted as a two-turf, lighted facility but reduced in scope due to neighborhood input), restrooms, and parking. It has been identified as a priority location for security improvements and is also the site of ongoing stream restoration construction and a contested George Snyder Trail routing proposal.
- Whether and when the $200,000 CIP security improvement request (cameras and blue light buttons) will be formally approved and funded.
- Whether the $1.6 million FY22 CIP balance originally tied to Stafford Park will be reappropriated and to what purpose (school renovation, tax rate reduction, or otherwise).
Old Townin progress
Old Town is a historic district and activity center within the City of Fairfax that has been the subject of multiple overlapping municipal initiatives spanning security, parks infrastructure, parking and circulation, zoning, and small area planning. Beginning in late 2024, the area was included in a security pilot program involving private security guards, cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes at parks including Old Town Square.
- What formal action, if any, will City Council take on the potential review and update of the Old Town Small Area Plan?
- What will the final recommendations of the Old Town Circulation Study be, and when will that study be finalized (expected 2027)?
Park Security
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.
Strategic Planin progress
The "Strategic Plan" topic spans several distinct but related planning efforts across City of Fairfax government bodies. At the city-wide level, a 2023 strategic plan framework was in place, and a proposal for a new city-wide strategic plan was presented to Mayor and Council at the January 10, 2026 City Council Retreat by Assistant City Manager Melanie Zipp; Council provided feedback on direction, public role, scope, governance, equity, engagement expectations, and strategic priorities and budget, but took no formal action.
- No formal Council action was taken at the January 2026 retreat on the new city-wide strategic plan — the process, timeline, and scope for developing the new plan remain to be determined.
- The tiered performance management process described to Council is expected to begin development in late 2026 and into 2027, with no formal milestones yet recorded.
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.
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 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.
Dale Lestina Parkin progress
Providence Parkin progress
Providence Park is a City of Fairfax park that has been the subject of several overlapping improvement efforts. As of October 2024, staff began exploring a Vienna contract to resurface its tennis courts, which led to a February 2025 decision to proceed with renovation by American Tennis (PO issued pending weather), while also initiating a process to gather pricing and community feedback on adding pickleball court lining.
- Pricing and community feedback on adding pickleball court lining at Providence Park have been sought but no decision on installation has been recorded.
- Status of the tennis/pickleball court renovation work by American Tennis (issued pending weather in February 2025) has not been confirmed as complete in the record.
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is an annual outdoor community event organized by the City of Fairfax's Parks and Recreation department, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and serving as a major platform for city departments, community organizations, and partners to engage with residents. In October 2024, the event was held on October 12 with an anticipated attendance of 40,000–45,000 people.
- Whether the 2026 Fall Festival on October 10 proceeded as planned and what the actual attendance and outcomes were.
- Whether the comp time/employee scheduling policy for staff working the Saturday of Fall Festival was clarified or resolved.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is an annual tree-planting and environmental celebration organized in the City of Fairfax, coordinated largely through the Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC). In October 2024, the event was held on October 26 at Kutner Park.
Beaverdam Reservoir Park
W&OD Trail 50th Anniversary
City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Planapproved
The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan is the city's long-range land use and policy framework document. A five-year review process, initiated in summer 2023 in accordance with Code of Virginia §15.2-2230, included community outreach, input from city boards and commissions, and a compilation and refinement phase through 2024.
- Whether and how the Planning Commission and City Council will proceed with a formal review of the 2035 Comprehensive Plan pertaining to mixed-use development outside activity centers (discussed at…
- Outcome of the July 13, 2026 Planning Commission work session presenting Implementation Guide updates related to the Comprehensive Plan and approved Small Area Plans (no minutes or actions report…
This meeting in the wiki Overview
Housing and Homelessness Strategic Planin progress
The Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan is a City of Fairfax initiative to develop a comprehensive affordable housing and homelessness strategy, undertaken in partnership with national consulting firm Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA).
- The Strategic Plan is expected to be finalized by end of September 2025 — formal adoption/approval process and timeline not yet specified.
- HHCAB's September 8, 2025 meeting is designated largely for small-group strategy team discussions — outcomes not yet recorded.
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.

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