Potential Woodbridge Recreation Center Locations To Be Explored

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Locations for a potential recreation center in Woodbridge proper will be explored by Prince William County.

At the Oct. 28 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin (D-Woodbridge) presented a board initiative to explore a recreation center in the Woodbridge District. Franklin's directive called on county staff to identify a location for a potential recreation center in the Woodbridge magisterial district for board consideration. County staff will return with recommendations to include fiscal impacts and a potential timeline.

Prince William County has two county-operated recreation centers — the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center and the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center — both in the eastern part of the county. Franklin said the need for a new Woodbridge recreation center was cited in the county's 2020 parks and recreation open space master plan, and the approved planning funds in the county's capital budget.

Supervisor Yesli Vega (R-Coles) questioned the need for a recreation center in the Woodbridge District and supported a more broad initiative to pursue a new recreation center in the county. Vega also noted there have been discussions on lacking amenities in the western part of the county.

County Executive Chris Shorter confirmed there is a parks and recreation study underway to explore where amenities like recreation and community centers are needed.

Franklin said she would also support a proposal for a recreation center in western Prince William County if brought forward.

"We need a rec center in the western end of the county," said Franklin. "We need another in the eastern end of the county. What's interesting is we only have two rec centers in the entire county."

Chair Deshundra Jefferson (D-at large) noted she introduced a directive to explore recreation centers countywide, with a focus on the Brentsville District.

"We didn't have the money. It was cut from the budget," said Jefferson. "I even suggested we cut it from the budget because we are really trying to figure out how do we cut spending so we can provide residents with tax relief."

Jefferson acknowledged there is a need for a recreation center in the western part of the county and heard from residents who expressed a desire for one.

Supervisor Victor Angry (D-Neabsco) noted local tax authority helped pay for the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. He called for a discussion with the community on whether they want recreation centers in each of the districts.

"I will definitely say with seven districts, you probably should put a rec center in each district, because I can tell you this, they're all going to reach capacity real quick unless you're building a mega rec center," said Angry. "But the issue becomes it should be something we're discussing because those things are very popular. People use the rec centers."