Mount Vernon Rec Center Renovation Closure To Be Discussed At Meeting

GROVETON, VA — As the Fairfax County Park Authority plans to close the Mount Vernon Rec Center for renovations over two years, a community briefing is planned on May 4.

The park authority will be updating and expanding the Mount Vernon Rec Center at 2017 Belle View Boulevard. On March 23, the board decided to close the Mount Vernon Rec Center for renovations for two years, beginning in early 2023. The closure is anticipated starting in January 2023 with a reopening in January 2025.

"This was a difficult decision that reflects FCPA’s continuing commitment to provide the community with promised renovations, improvements and facility expansions, including a second sheet of ice and a dedicated fitness center," the park authority said in a news release. "Significant Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements are planned facility-wide via universal design."

The rec center dates back to 1974 and is one of the park authority's oldest. The facility has a 25-meter heated indoor pool with poolside spa, indoor ice arena, fitness center, child play area, locker rooms with showers and sauna, and multipurpose rooms. A feasability study on the renovation and expansion was completed in 2016, finding a need for a fitness addition and more multipurpose rooms and benefits of another NHL ice rink and leisure pool. Bonds for the renovations and expansion project were approved by Fairfax County voters in 2016 and 2020. The design phase for the project began in 2017.

The park authority will hold the community briefing with the Mount Vernon District supervisor's office on May 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Bucknell Elementary School, 6925 University Drive, Alexandria, VA. Park authority representatives will discuss the project schedule, as well as options for rec center passholders, including refunds or extensions.

Questions may be directed to Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov through May 3 ahead of the meeting. Updates will be provided on the Mount Vernon Rec Center renovation project website.