The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is holding a public meeting this Saturday (May 2) on proposed renovations to the Audrey Moore Rec Center, the oldest recreational facility built by the agency.
The FCPA says the rec center has served as a community hub since its opening in Annandale in 1977. After undergoing some routine maintenance four years ago, the 76,000-square-foot facility complex is set for a major overhaul.
Andrew Grabel, a spokesperson for the park authority, tells FFXnow that because of the facility’s age, it faces significant operational, efficiency and maintenance issues.
“The construction of a new Audrey Moore Rec Center will address infrastructure challenges, improve accessibility, and better meet the evolving recreational, fitness, and wellness needs of the community,” Grabel said.
The project includes larger fitness and program spaces, a warm-water pool, an Olympic-size competition pool, a child care center and an expanded senior center.
According to county website, the meeting will give residents an overview of the renovation plan, including:
- Introduction to the project and Rec Center team
- Overall renovation concept, including design aesthetic options
- Construction and reopening timeline
- Overview of amenities and programmatic areas
- Pottery needs and location
Grabel says programs, including camps, will be relocated to nearby park facilities and recreation centers whenever possible. Additional details will be shared in advance to help participants plan.
“All rec center members already have access to all 9 rec centers and will be welcome to use Providence and South Run Rec Centers, the two closest, during construction, in addition to programming in nearby park facilities,” he said.
Outdoor amenities will remain open unless construction activity affects user safety, though access to parking areas may be limited or modified.
The FCPA began gathering community input on the rec center through a survey conducted in 2021 and 2022, which collected feedback on desired features for the renovated facility. Additional input will be gathered at the public meeting on May 2.
“Community input helps us to ensure that we continue that legacy and create a new rec center that is embraced by Fairfax County residents,” Grabel said.
The meeting will start at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria of Wakefield Forest Elementary School (4011 Iva Lane) in Fairfax. After the meeting, the Park Authority will begin accepting public feedback on the proposed renovations through June 5.
Construction is expected to get underway in late spring 2028, with completion anticipated in 2031. The FCPA estimates that the project will cost $60 million, which they hope will be approved by voters this November as part of an $180 million parks bond referendum.
