Tag: parks
Park board update: Green Spring renovation to start in May
The greenhouse at Green Spring Gardens By Marie Reinsdorf The Fairfax County Park Authority Board’s votes at our final meeting of 2011 included these items of interest to the residents of the Annandale area and the county in general: The board approved a renovation project at Green Spring Gardens, funded by the Friends of Green … Continued
Annandale ‘Village Center’ kiosk needs updating
As of Jan. 7, 2012, the kiosk at Toll House Park on Little River Turnpike in the heart of Annandale was displaying a flyer for the Annandale Fall Festival and Parade, which took place last October. Not many people walk around central Annandale, but still . . . What does this say about our community? … Continued
Animal advocates urged FXCO Board of Supervisors to end bowhunting program
Opponents of Fairfax County’s use of bowhunting to control the deer population told the Board of Supervisors (BOS) Dec. 6 that archery is ineffective and inhumane. Murry J. Cohen, president of a national organization called In Defense of Animals, said, “Bow hunting is an unacceptable and extremely cruel way to kill deer.” Studies show deer … Continued
Church members raise produce for the poor at Annandale’s Pine Ridge Park
Volunteers working at the Bo White Gardens Lots of people take advantage of Fairfax County’s community gardens program to grow vegetables for their families. A group of dedicated volunteers from Columbia Baptist Church has taken the concept to another level. They are using a garden plot at Pine Ridge Park in Annandale—along with other gardens—to … Continued
Park bond will be on 2012 ballot
A $50 million parks bond will be on the 2012 ballot, said Fairfax County Parks Authority Director John Dargle Jr. at a “listening forum” at Green Spring Gardens Nov. 17. Annandale-area projects to be funded by the bond include improvements to the athletic fields and parking lot at Pine Ridge Park and improvements at Pinecrest … Continued
Skaters’ input sought on new section of Wakefield Skatepark
Skaters are encouraged to come to a meeting at the Audrey Moore Rec Center in Annandale Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m., to comment on the proposed design for an expansion of the Wakefield Skatepark. Representatives from the design company, Spohn Ranch, will be there to listen to skaters’ recommendations, although at this point, user … Continued
Archers killed 31 deer so far along Accotink Stream Valley
Since Fairfax County’s bowhunting program started Sept. 24, 31 deer have been killed by archers in parks along the Accotink Stream Valley, says Kristen Sinclair of the Resource Management Division of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Bowhunting in county parks while people are walking on the trails with their children and dogs is “incredibly safe,” … Continued
Bowhunting to control deer population called ‘inefficient and inhumane’
People concerned about animal welfare are taking a dim view of Fairfax County’s “deer management” program, which includes bowhunting in 19 parks including the Accotink Stream Valley in Annandale. Camelot resident Christina Perez Bass, who does animal rescue, says, “My children and I walk everyday on the Cross County Trail, and I am terrified about … Continued
Park users unaware FXCO is using bowhunters to reduce deer population
Deer on the Cross County Trail in Annandale, Oct. 4 It’s deer hunting season in Fairfax County parks, but most park users don’t seem to know much about it. All but one person the Annandale blogger encountered while on a walk along the Accotink Stream Valley were unaware that the county has authorized a group … Continued
Friends of Accotink Creek seeks new leadership
Sediment from the beltway HOT lanes project is clogging the Accotink watershed The Friends of Accotink Creek (FACC) has been keeping watch on Annandale’s major watershed since 2004, organizing clean-up and monitoring actitivies. The group also educates the public on watershed protection and takes part in environmental advocacy. But now that the founders of the group, … Continued
Mason District Fall Festival this Saturday
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Mason District Fall Festival is happening Saturday, Sept. 24, in Mason District Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food and craft vendors, police and fire department demonstrations, and children’s activities, including moon bounces, hay rides, and pony rides. The festival is free, but … Continued
New volunteer group formed to oversee Mason District Dog Park
The Mason District Dog Park has a new sponsor: A group of dog owners who use the park frequently formed a volunteer organization, the Annandale K9 Community, to take responsibility for working with county officials to maintain the park. The Mason District Dog Park, accessible from Little River Turnpike and Roberts Avenue, is one of seven fenced-in … Continued
Venomous wildlife can be annoying but won’t kill you
Copperhead We’ve got some dangerous wildlife around Annandale, but not as much as you might think, says Suzanne Holland, director of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Holland always has local children enthralled when she teaches them about the natural world, and her presentation on venomous snakes and poisonous plants Saturday afternoon was no exception. The … Continued
Bowhunting in FXCO parks starts in September
If you’re planning an early morning or evening walk in county parks during the next few months, you might want to see if there’s a sign posted warning that bowhunting or another deer management operation is in progress. Bowhunters will be permitted in county parks from the first Saturday in September to the last Saturday in … Continued
Park Board honors Annandale volunteers
Hidden Oaks Nature Center Two of the three recipients of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board’s 2011 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards are based in Annandale—the Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center and dog park activist Chris Robichaux. The other award recipients are Charles and Jacque Olin, founders of the Analemma Society, who were instrumental … Continued