New Parkland Acquired in Mount Vernon District

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently acquired several parcels of parkland with new properties located in Mount Vernon, Braddock, and Springfield districts. These new acquisitions include donations and property transfers. The seven parcels total more than 32 acres and bring Park Authority land holdings to 23,228 acres.

John McPherson donated five parcels within the Paul Springs Stream Valley in the Mount Vernon District. The parcels are unimproved Resource Protection Areas within the flood plain and are located next to Paul Spring Parkway, according to a press release issued by the Park Authority. They are located next to existing Park Authority holdings and will increase connectivity within the stream valley park. The donation will add 14 additional acres to the Paul Springs Stream Valley Park.

In Braddock District, the former Kings West Swim Club located at 4803 Tapestry Drive was donated by the Kings West community. The demolition work on the former swim club is currently underway. The 8.9-acre property is mostly located within the Resource Protection Area of Rabbit Branch. According to the press release, the land will be returned to its natural state through a cooperative effort between the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Park Authority.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will primarily fund the removal of the existing site improvements, grading of the site to restore the natural stream valley contours, construction of a new trail connection from Tapestry Drive to the existing asphalt trail across Rabbit Branch, and planting of native grasses, according to the Park Authority. Native trees will be planted through a volunteer effort within the community. A ribbon cutting of the new park is tentatively scheduled for May.

The Lincoln Lewis Vannoy facility in Springfield consists of two properties. The first, a 31-acre parcel, was transferred to the Park Authority in 2011. However, the second property required division prior to transfer as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors retained 5.2 acres adjacent to Braddock Road. After this division, 9.5 acres was transferred to the Park Authority.