Renovations to Ossian Hall Park to start in 2010

The second phase of the renovations to Ossian Hall Park in Annandale will begin next month. The new park is expected to officially reopen in early November 2010, says Eric C. Brunner of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Planning and Development Division.

The park, located on the corner of Heritage Drive and Four Year Run next to Annandale High School, was once the site of the 18th-century Ossian Hall plantation owned by the Fitzhugh family as part of the Ravensworth Land Grant. It was burned in 1959 by the Annandale Fire Department as a training exercise.

According to Brunner, Phase II of the park renovation will include a community plaza; clearing, earthwork, and retaining walls; walkways and trails; an open play area; two lighted multi-use courts; a lighted parking lot with about 120 spaces; an underground storm water management system; landscaping; benches; and a new park sign. The existing playground is expected to be removed in mid-January and the parking lot will be closed in late January. The contractor will start work in mid-February and should be expected to substantially complete its work in early October.