Draper Drive Park
Summary
Draper Drive Park is a City of Fairfax park situated north of Fairfax Boulevard, adjacent to residential neighborhoods and trail networks. Several distinct matters have been addressed or are under consideration involving the park. In September 2024, the City Council unanimously approved local artist Jessica Pidcock to paint a public art mural on the north-facing facade of the park's restroom structure, funded by plastic bag tax revenue and depicting woodland creatures in an environmental cleanup scene. The restrooms themselves were a recent addition celebrated at a soccer tournament held at the park (referenced in March 2025 comments). As of October 2024, Draper Drive Park was identified as one of several high-priority locations for a pilot unarmed security program administered through Parks and Recreation's existing security contractor, Alpha Security. By May 2026, the park had become a central node in a proposed modification to the Wilcoxon Trail Extension, with a revised alignment that would route the trail along Draper Drive and Beach Drive through the park, connecting neighborhoods north of Fairfax Boulevard to destinations south of it, including the Cross County Trail and Bleinheim Boulevard, and activating multiple city neighborways. The City Council gave consensus in May 2026 to proceed with a feasibility study of this alignment using already-appropriated funds and to begin public outreach.
Open questions & options on the table
- Outcome of the unarmed/uniform security pilot program at Draper Drive Park (initiated after October 2024 discussion) — no resolution recorded.
- Results of the Wilcoxon Trail Extension feasibility study for the alignment through Draper Drive Park, including any easement or floodplain findings — study not yet completed as of May 2026.
- Public outreach process and outcomes for the Wilcoxon Trail Extension alignment modification — initiated but not concluded.
- Whether Cardinal Road through Draper Drive Park will be designated as a bikeway connection to Fairfax Boulevard, including safety improvements at the Draper/Fairfax Boulevard intersection — referenced in April 2025 public comment but no council decision recorded.
- Stream restoration project along the Draper Drive Park segment (referenced July 2025) — requires private property easements and floodplain lowering; no approval or funding decision recorded.
Recent updates
[11a] Draper Drive Park was identified as a potential route component in the alternative alignment concept for the Wilcoxon Trail Extension.
[8d] The park's restroom structure was approved as the site for the new public art mural.
What members have said
At the September 24, 2024 meeting, Mayor Reed expressed enthusiastic support for the mural project, stating she was 'all in' for more art on bathrooms and more bathrooms generally, before calling for a motion.
Council Member Staley made the motion to approve Jessica Pidcock to paint the mural at Draper Drive Park at the September 24, 2024 meeting, having initially included it in the consent agenda motion before it was pulled for discussion.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Full history
- Sep 24, 2024City Council · item 8d
[8d] The park's restroom structure was approved as the site for the new public art mural.
- May 26, 2026City Council · item 11a
[11a] Draper Drive Park was identified as a potential route component in the alternative alignment concept for the Wilcoxon Trail Extension.