Thanks to a public-private partnership, a new fixture for kids will be unveiled at Merrifield’s Mosaic District later this month.
The Strawberry Park Playground will offer “an array of play features” for the shopping center’s youngest patrons when it officially opens at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26, the Fairfax County Park Authority and property owner and operator EDENS announced today (Thursday).
“Over more than 15 years, Mosaic has grown into a vibrant canvas for shopping, dining and genuine human connection,” EDENS Chief Development Officer Bill Caldwell said. “A new playground adds yet another dimension — a space where families and neighbors gather.”
The playground will be located next to Jinya Ramen Bar, near the intersection of Strawberry Lane and Yates Way. It will also be next to the Mosaic District’s green space, adding to a new amenity to the plaza known as Strawberry Park.
A climbing cube, spinner and springer rides, and outdoor drums are among the playground’s forthcoming attractions. It is unclear what else will be available in the space, as renderings were not yet available.
As part of the project, a new mural has been installed on the side of the building at 2911 District Avenue. Featuring longtime Mosaic District resident, Thy Pham, the mural was painted by deaf artist Nico Cathcart.
According to the park authority, Cathart specializes in creating “realistic, socially informed works on walls and canvas.” Based in Richmond, she has paintings in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s permanent collection, and her work has “been featured in prominent galleries across the county.”
“Recreational spaces belong in both suburban and micro-urban areas,” Fairfax County Park Authority executive director Jai Cole said. “We appreciate EDENS’ partnership in bringing this fun play space to life in an area that has so many families, so much energy, and such a range of activity for people to enjoy.”
Following its unveiling, the playground will be open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
A new playground isn’t the only addition in the works for the shopping center. Two eateries — The Salty and Hawkers Asian Street Food — are still advertising that they’re “coming soon.”
Hat tip to Dan Lam
