Contractors install signage identifying the new park with its distinctive logo recalling the area’s prior use as part of the Occoquan prison grounds. Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection
Central Green Park, part of Laurel Hill Park in Lorton, officially opened with a commemorating ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25; the area was previously opened for public use in September 2020 (see “Springfield Connection”, October 14, 2020, page 2).
Fairfax County Supervisor, Dan Storck, told those gathered, “This whole park area was a ‘figment of imagination’… a conception plan approved 20 years ago.” In referring to the large picnic pavilions, he described them as “unique among Fairfax County parks, with their ability to accommodate both families and large corporate gatherings”. The four new reservable shelters offer seating capacities of up to 213 people. On many recent weekend afternoons, park goers have found all shelters in use for a variety of party gatherings from birthdays and retirements, to baby gender reveals and school graduations. They are expected to provide an important revenue stream to support park operations.
The $3 million project, funded by voter-approved park bonds, includes addition of the four picnic pavilions, an accessible asphalt loop road, parking, trails and supporting infrastructure, including stormwater management facilities and related site work. A planned rest room facility is currently at the stage of the Architectural Review Board; children’s playground equipment, soccer fields, and a community garden area are among future amenities to be added on or in proximity to the Green.
The Barrett House Historic Property, Giles Run Meadow Disc Golf course, and volunteer-team maintained native plants and pollinators' gardens are within walking distance of the shelters. The “Central Green” is a large lawn area suitable for activities such as races, kite flying, and special events. The area offers easy access to the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, an equestrian ring, fishing pond, and with several biking and hiking trails making up the remainder of Laurel Hill Park.
Storck envisions Lorton as the future “recreational hub of Northern Virginia — with a few more things to do and a few more things to talk about,” consistent with the community involvement that brought the current elements of the park’s offerings together.
The ceremony also offered an impromptu opportunity to say a collective farewell to retiring Park Maintenance Operations Manager, Edwin Richardson, after a career of more than 32 years of park service. Richardson, a proponent and mentor of park volunteerism, in remarks, called the Park’s team members “who care so much that they give of their own time… a great example of America.”