New Playset, Top-Ranked Spray Park, IKEA Store Coming: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include a high school teacher in Woodbridge receiving support after getting run over by her own car, a 7-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia coming home to a new playset, and local leaders rappelling down a 14-story hotel in Arlington to raise money for homeless services.

Plus, a new small-format IKEA will be opening soon in Fairfax, a spray park in Franconia was ranked as the No. 2 splash pad in the nation by readers of USA Today, and the schedule is released for the upcoming fun-filled McLean Day festival.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

Local Leaders, Volunteers to Rappel Down Hilton Hotel In Arlington

Local officials and members of the public will be participating in a two-day fundraising event at the Hilton Arlington National Landing, where they will be rappelling down the exterior façade of the 14-story building. The “14 Stories of New Hope” fundraiser will raise money for New Hope Housing, an Alexandria-based nonprofit that addresses homelessness in Northern Virginia by providing shelter, housing and an array of support services.

Teacher Run Over By Own Car Finds Community Support After Accident

On Saturday morning, Freedom High School teacher Amanda Kicker stopped to put air in her tires as she drove to babysit for a friend. Minutes later, she would be run over by her own car, dragged for 100 feet, and left screaming for help with several broken bones. Kicker is still in the hospital receiving treatment for broken ribs, a broken scapula, a broken pelvis, and damage to both knees.

Woodlawn Child Battling Cancer Gets New Playset Built By Volunteers

As 7-year-old Leonel returned home from school, his mom led him to the backyard with his eyes covered. He was nothing but smiles when he discovered a new playset in his backyard. It's been a tough two years for Leo and his family after he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, the most common type of cancer affecting children. But throughout the difficult journey, a ray of hope for his parents has been that Leo has gotten to simply be a kid.

Spray Park In Fairfax County Makes A Splash In USA Today Readers Poll

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s spray ground at the Franconia Family Recreation Area was named the No. 2 splash pad in the nation, according to USA Today’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The spray ground, Our Special Harbor, is set to open the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27.

Most Popular Brunch Spots In U.S. Include 5 NoVA Restaurants

Five Northern Virginia restaurants have been included in a new list of 100 Most Popular Brunch Spots for 2023. The list, compiled by online reservation website OpenTable just ahead of Mother's Day, is based on the analysis of more than 13 million diner reviews.

New Retail, Restaurant, Grocery Options

• IKEA To Open Small-Format Store In Fairfax Dedicated To Design Advice
• Giant Same-Day Delivery Arrives Thanks To New Fulfillment Center
• New Lebanese Restaurant To Arrive At Vienna Shopping Center

Star Students

• Star Fredericksburg Student's Light Shines Through Community
• Star Student With 'Great Heart' Shines Bright In Fredericksburg
• Kindness Is At The Core Of Middle Schooler: Arlington Star Student
• Star Student Helps Community By Volunteering At Food Bank
• Alexandria Star Student Thrives In Leadership Positions

Arts & Entertainment

• Cappies Review: Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' At Lake Braddock Secondary
• Cappies Review: 'Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical' At Wakefield High
• Cappies Review: 'Disney's Descendants' At Robinson Secondary School
• Cappies Review: Fairfax High's 'Sister Act' A 'Truly Fabulous' Show
• Cappies Review: 'Pippin' at Thomas Jefferson High School

Community Celebrations

• McLean Day To Feature Rides, Performances, Food At Lewinsville Park
• Taste Of Del Ray Returns To One Location In 2023
• Next First Thursday Street Festival Theme Is Dog Days In Del Ray
• Vienna Fourth Of July Fireworks To Be Held Ahead Of July 4
• Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber Celebrates Small Business Week

More Good News Stories:

• Ghost Hunting Tour Returns To Leesburg's Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
• Baseball In Fredericksburg: A Town Tradition For Everyone
• Remembering Herndon's History: The Town’s First Hotel
• Vienna Businesses Take Sustainability To Heart With Challenge
• Vienna Native Plant Sale Coincides With Farmers Market Opening