Annandale rec center — oldest in the county — moving toward upgrades

The Audrey Moore Rec Center, built in 1977, is getting input from people on what upgrades it needs.

As the oldest rec center still operating in the Park Authority’s portfolio, Fairfax County has been setting aside money in park bonds and surveying people about what improvements would be needed for the 8100 Braddock Road facility, which includes a pool, racquetball courts and more.

A survey last year drew over 3,000 responses, although several hundred were deemed unusable, leading to an initial report that was published last month.

Now, people can comment on the findings, which showed why people use and don’t use the facility. Among the findings:

• Most respondents who currently don’t visit the facility said they would if improvements were made.
• Half of the respondents said their favorite time to visit was on the weekend in the morning.
• The top four changes a respondent would want included designated areas for classes such as Zumba and spin, improving an outdoor programming and event area, adding lounge areas with views of the gym or pool, and providing designated workout equipment for older adults.

Participants also noted the need to make stairways wider, ease access to the pool, improve children’s play areas and expand spaces such as workout areas, among other changes.

The feedback is helping the county determine how to renovate and expand the 73,000-square-foot facility. According to the report:

While the facility has undergone several targeted renovations in the past, as a whole, it has aged to the point where it no longer meets the spatial or performance requirements of the Park Authority and requires significant renovation/expansion or replacement to help further their Mission, ‘To enrich quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.’

As part of the next steps, a community meeting is slated for this summer.