Support Your Must-Have Fairfax Project at Tonight's Public Hearing

Would you like to see new playground equipment at Draper Drive Park? How about ? Fairfax residents will have a chance tonight to chime in on what major projects they'd like to see funded in next year's budget. 

Every year the commission sifts through millions of dollars in project requests to sort the must-haves from the what-ifs and make recommendations to the City Council. Their recommendations are critical, as council members already have their work cut out for them in .

Fairfax residents will have a chance to chime in on what projects they'd like to see funded at the commission's Jan. 9 meeting. It starts at 7 p.m. in City Hall Annex.

Here's a look at what projects the want funded in the next year or so:

• Strategic Master Plan for Parks and Rec

Parks and Recreation want to get together a long-term plan for the city's open space needs. It would address future opportunities for securing more open space, as well as how to maintain the city's existing parks and facilities. This cost would be split over two years.

Price to study: $40,000 in 2013. Another $40,000 in 2014.

• Skate Park Renovation

The almost 11-year-old skate park at is showing its age. This funding would expand the skate area slightly, maintain the existing equipment, and make it so bikers, roller-bladers and scooters can get in on the fun.

Price to renovate: $150,000 to study and plan the project in 2013. $200,000 to make the renovations in 2014.

• Providence Field Fixes

If approved, field No. 4 at Providence would get a touch up. The money would provide new sod, a mound and batters box, and fix erosion issues, among other items. This one is backed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, School Board and Fairfax Little League. 

Price to fix: $40,000 in 2013.

• New Lawn Mower

The department's 16-year-old large area mower isn't cutting it. The nine-person crew charged with keeping the city's 290 acres of parks trimmed needs more than one ancient mower to get the job done. The mower would be leased, not purchased.

Price to mow: $20,000 to lease a mower in 2013. Another $20K in 2014. And so on.

• Green Acres Parking Lot Improvements

This proposal would provide pave over the gravel area at the Green Acres parking lot. It would also provide lighting throughout the lot for employees and visitors.

Price to improve: $50,000 to light and $125,000 to pave in 2013.

Other 2013 proposals:

• Replace Ranger Road Basketball Court Equipment: $30,000
• Resurface Kutner Park Tennis Court: $45,000
• New Draper Drive Park Playground Equipment: $150,000

Looking forward...

These are some of the proposals the department wants for 2014 and on:

• New Van Dyck Park sprayground, air park and restrooms
• Lanier Middle School synthetic turf
• Fairfax High School synthetic turf replacement
• Drainage project at Pat Rodio Park
• Thaiss Park trail crossing and trail extension
• Bike trail from Wilcoxson to Chain Bridge Road

Check Patch later for more big-budget project requests.