Forums To Detail Plans For New Community Center In Hybla Valley

HYBLA, VALLEY, VA — As Fairfax County plans to reopen the former Mount Vernon Athletic Club as a new community center, a series of community forums will be held to discuss the vision for the facility.

Fairfax County purchased the former athletic club at 7950 Audubon Ave, Alexandria, in 2020 with the intent of turning it into a multi-service center serving the Buckman Road area on the west side of Richmond Highway. The 50,000 square-foot facility is located on 5.3 acres and is undergoing minimal renovations and upgrades. It expected to reopen in summer 2021.

Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said thousands of families will benefit from the community center, as the area has numerous developments. He said some space will also be dedicated to workforce development and training.

Lloyd Tucker, director of Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, said the facility will have multiple sports and recreational offerings.

"What I like about community centers is that you can have the kids a part of the recreational programs," said Lusk. "They can be active and playing basketball and other sports. In addition, we can have them participate in some of our tech training opportunities, so getting access to drones and getting access to community printers. At the same time, their parents can also be at the center in our workforce development and training program."

As the former athletic club has indoor tennis courts, some existing tennis courts will be converted to multi-surface sports courts. The renovation process will also ensure the facility has an accessible restroom and paths of travel to activity areas, and there will be upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, and security systems.

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services will host the community forums to detail the vision for the facility, including potential resources, activities and programs. Forums on Thursday, May 6 and 13 will be held on Zoom, and forums on Thursday, May 20, 27 and June 3 will be held in person with COVID-19 guidelines at Mount Vernon Woods Park, 4014 Fielding Street, Alexandria. Registration is required.