We are writing to commend the work of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in responding to the requests of the Great Falls Citizens Association regarding the Dranesville Tavern historical property. During the past year the GFCA Environment, Parks and Trails (EPT) has worked closely with the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and VDOT to help renew the Dranesville Tavern site, the Route 7 gateway landmark to Fairfax County. At GFCA request, the FCPA removed all the overgrowth consuming the fence around the site. FCPA subsequently power-washed, repaired and repainted the entire fence. This spring the FCPA did further clearing and cutting of the extreme under growth and the vines that were killing the mature trees and shrubs on the property.
This action followed a GFCA EPT requested visit to the property with the Dranesville Representative to the FCPA Board, Tim Hackman and FCPA staff. In addition, VDOT responded to GFCA's request to clear the large amount of debris and unsightly weed growth (and small trees) that had taken root at the base of the wall in front of the Tavern. The FCPA has also agreed to clear the debris and building materials this summer that have accumulated over many years in the woodlands of the site. In addition, FCPA has agreed to accelerate the process that will allow the Dranesville Tavern to be offered through the FCPA Resident Curatorship Program (RCP), similar to what is currently underway at Turner Farm. The Tavern is fully controlled and contains a caterer kitchen. It is available for rental for special events by the public. We hope that the renewed site will help foster greater rental use of the facility as the RCP offering is developed.
Bill Denk
Karen Keegan
Co-Chairs Environment, Parks and Trails (EPT) Committee
Great Falls Citizens Association