McLean Central Park has reopened to the public following a major revitalization project nearly two years in the making.
The upgrades include modernized playgrounds, a new pavilion, improved walkways and enhanced green spaces. While the Fairfax County Parking Authority is still finalizing a new donor wall, a grand reopening ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. this Saturday (Dec. 7).
(Update: The ribbon-cutting event has been postponed until sometime in spring 2025 due to “extremely cold temperatures forecasted for Saturday,” Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman announced on Thursday, Dec. 5.)
“This project reflects the spirit of our community,” Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole told FFXnow. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local leaders and organizations, McLean Central Park has been transformed into a space where everyone can gather, celebrate, and enjoy the outdoors.”
The redevelopment was spearheaded by the Fairfax County Park Authority with support from the McLean Central Playground Team, a group of local moms who raised $400,000 in community donations.
The funds helped replace the park’s old playgrounds with accessible equipment and relocate the school-age playground closer to the tot lot, which now features fencing, rubber safety surfacing and additional seating. Without the additional funding, the park authority originally planned to just replace the school-age playground equipment.
Other improvements include a pavilion available for public use and private rentals, as well as walkway repairs to enhance accessibility. The updates, which officially began construction in March, stem from a revised park plan finalized in 2022 after extensive community feedback.
Jenny Gregory, one of the moms behind the playground fundraising effort, said the new design reflects the community’s needs.
“A lot of thought went into the playground’s design, and it was truly a collaborative approach with the entire community,” she said. “From accessibility to extra safety features like a fence, we tried to incorporate feedback we were hearing from families.”
Since reopening, the playground at 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd has drawn large crowds of families daily.
“It’s bright, fun, with so many new things to explore and climb on,” Gregory said. “With the soft opening, we didn’t anticipate just how enthusiastic everyone would be.”
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, who plans to attend the grand reopening ceremony on Saturday, said he is thrilled with the upgrades.
“The new playground, pavilion, and other enhancements are a welcome addition to a much beloved park in the community,” Bierman said.
