Council Orientation
Council Orientation refers to a joint session between the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) designed to introduce newly elected Councilmembers to the parks and recreation department. 3 separate matters touch this plan or program; each has its own status.
Thaiss Park
Thaiss Park is a City of Fairfax park undergoing a full redevelopment funded at $7,725,650 via a construction contract awarded to Bright Masonry, Inc. by unanimous City Council vote on October 8, 2024. Construction began in December 2024 with full park closure, utility relocation, and fencing installation.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
Van Dyck Redevelopment
The Van Dyck Redevelopment is a municipally tracked parks project that has been funded but has experienced repeated delays tied to sequencing with other major projects. As of November 2024, the project was placed on hold pending the start of Thaiss Park construction.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
Pat Rodio Park
Pat Rodio Park is a municipal park undergoing playground relocation and field improvements, funded in part by ARPA funds. The project began taking shape in October 2024 when staff identified the need to find a new playground location.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
- Feb 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 6cCouncil Orientation
Orientation with the new City Council scheduled for March 13 at 6:00 p.m.; CIP and staffing identified as key topics.
In full
At the February 13, 2025 PRAB Regular Meeting, the board scheduled the orientation for 6:00 p.m. on March 13, 2025 — immediately before the next regular PRAB meeting — and identified the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and departmental staffing as key topics. The orientation took place as planned on March 13, 2025, with all seven City Councilmembers in attendance. Staff presented on department staffing challenges, including the distinction between temporary and part-time position designations, an estimated benefits cost of approximately $26,000 per position, and the fact that 22 positions still remained to be converted.
Staff also provided project updates covering Thaiss Park, the Master Plan, Van Dyck Redevelopment, Pat Rodio Park, the Splash Pad, Old Town Hall renovation, the Katherine Johnson Middle School field, the Parks Foundation, and NOVA Parks wetlands work at Gateway Park.