Mr. Brown's Park To Be Dedicated In Falls Church Ceremony

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church officials will be on hand Monday, Sept. 30 to dedicate the newly renovated downtown park as Mr. Brown's Park. City Council voted on Sept. 9 for the name, which honors the three generations of Browns who ran Brown's Hardware. The dedication ceremony will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the park, located in the 100 block of West Broad Street.

The name recommendation followed a survey conducted by Council Member Letty Hardi, Economic Development Authority member Erik Pelton, Recreation and Parks Board member Bill Brew, and city staff. Nearly 130 responses came in with overwhelming support for a name honoring Brown's Hardware.

The store, open since 1883, is the city's oldest small business. The previous owner, Hugh Brown, died in November 2018 at the age of 92. The store stayed afloat with a trust Brown set up, the Falls Church News-Press reported.

The downtown park dates back to the 1960s but was reintroduced this year after a major renovation led by the Falls Church Economic Authority. Among the goals for the park were to activate downtown Falls Church, support local business and provide space for activities.

The park features an artificial turf, seating, small stage, and lighting. It has been used for live music, fitness classes and children's entertainment as well as by those who dine downtown. In the future, the space can be reserved for private events and parties.