Portions of the Franconia Rec Center will close later this month through mid-September so that the Fairfax County Park Authority can upgrade air-quality systems in the facility.
The work will include two full-building closures, slated for Wednesdays, Aug. 20 and Sept. 3. Backup days are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4.
In addition, the fitness center and racquetball courts will be closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 16, and the pool, family changing room and upper level will be closed Aug. 18 to Sept. 5.
“These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” FCPA Chief Operating Officer Sara Baldwin said.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these much-needed improvements,” Baldwin said.
During the work, fitness equipment will be moved into the gymnasium to allow patrons to continue their workouts during the upgrades. The main entrance and patron check-in will move to the gymnasium door by the parking lot.
Among projects being undertaken, according to the park authority:
- In the fitness center and racquetball courts, the air-handling system will be replaced and upgraded to provide better temperature control and improved energy efficiency.
- In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit will be installed to improve overall air quality, along with a new low deck exhaust system to more effectively ventilate humid air and enhance the swimmer experience.
- Ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to promote better air circulation throughout the natatorium.
This project follows earlier upgrades completed in the spring, including replacement of a rooftop pool air handling unit over the childcare area to support summer operations.
The Special Harbor, Chessie’s Big Back Yard, the amphitheater, volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts will not be impacted by the construction activity, even when the rec center is closed.
The Franconia facility is located at 6601 Telegraph Road. Patrons who normally use the facility can access any other rec center during the construction period. The closest one is the Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd).
Franconia Rec Center members who want to pause their memberships can make the request by visiting the front desk before closure begins, or by submitting a request to pause membership online, park authority officials said.
Image via Fairfax County Park Authority/YouTube
