The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking community feedback on some potential improvements at Hybla Valley Park.
The agency is considering replacing the two existing tennis courts at the park near Hybla Valley Elementary School (3431 Lockheed Blvd) with a combination basketball and futsal court. A new playground has also been proposed.
A survey to gather public input launched yesterday (Thursday) and will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 18.
According to a press release, the park authority identified Hybla Valley Park, a 2.3-acre lot, “as an opportunity for investment” after adopting a Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access (PROSA) Strategy last year that sets goals for improving the accessibility and inclusiveness of the county’s park facilities.
Recommendations included ensuring that all residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park and planting trees in areas with minimal tree canopy.
“FCPA is committed to providing a diverse range of recreational opportunities throughout the county,” the park authority said. “Research in this area indicates the need for additional futsal and basketball opportunities for the surrounding community.”
Hybla Valley Park’s two tennis courts were constructed, along with a tennis practice wall and a “small” parking area, based on a master plan approved in 1979. However, other elements of the plan, including a playground, a multi-use court and picnic area, have yet to be developed.
The park authority says its proposed playground will be small but include features to “serve children of all ages and abilities” in accordance with the master plan’s vision.
FCPA staff found need for basketball and futsal courts while conducting a system-wide review of its athletic courts to determine where to focus their resources. A dual-purpose court similar to the one planned for Hybla Valley Park is also in the works at Stratton Woods Park in the Herndon area.
“After a review of the recreational experiences at other nearby parks, transforming the tennis courts into a multi-sport court for basketball and futsal serves a need for offering a greater diversity of sport opportunities,” the park authority said on its webpage for the Hybla Valley project. “There are several opportunities for tennis and pickleball play in the surrounding area, yet limited opportunity for unscheduled soccer play.”
Per the FCPA’s amenity locator, the closest tennis courts appear to be at Stonybrooke (3900 Stoneybrooke Drive) in Groveton, where there are two unlighted courts. Nearby North Hill Park at 7231 Nightingale Hill Lane has two unlit dedicated pickleball courts and a half-lit basketball court.
