County Recognizes $5.5 Million RCC Pool Renovation Project For Environmental Innovation

RESTON, VA — Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently named the Reston Community Center as one of its six Environmental Excellence Awardees for 2021.

Each year, the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council chooses individuals or organizations that have shown "extraordinary dedication to the improvement of our natural environment, raising awareness of key environmental issues in our area and inspiring others to take action," according to a county release.

RCC was recognized for its efforts in incorporating environmentally friendly features in its renovation of the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center. The $5.5 million project, which was completed in early 2020, replaced the original pool's aging infrastructure with two new pools and other improvements. In addition, RCC garnered praise for its ongoing LED lighting replacement initiative and the upcoming installation of solar panels on the RCC Hunters Woods roof. RCC also conducted its first Green Reston event last spring.

“The 2021 Environmental Excellence Award winners are outstanding leaders and advocates who share their talents and care for the environment through both their words and their actions,” said Stella Koch, chair of the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council, in a release. “This year’s awardees have done far more than just demonstrate their passion for environmental issues. They have changed the face of our community by giving their time, energy, and expertise during an exceptionally challenging year.”

This isn't the first time RCC has been recognized for its aquatics renovation. In February, the project earned top honors for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental in the structures $5 million to $25 million category of the 2021 American Public Works Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region awards. The previous October, the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society presented RCC with its Outstanding New Renovation Award (bricks and mortar) for populations of 50,001 to 100,000.

“The Board and staff of RCC are passionate about lightening our carbon footprint in any way we can,” RCC Board Chair Bev Cosham said, in a release. “We take responsibility for doing our part to be gentle on our planet very seriously. It’s heartening to see those efforts recognized.”