8.21.2025

Dear Neighbor,

I am co-hosting a community info session with the Fairfax County Park Authority and invite you to receive an update and provide feedback on the All-Abilities Park in the Braddock District. Join us on Tuesday, September 2, for a virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m.

The All-Abilities Park site is located on Rec Center Road, off Braddock Road, just south of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. When the Commonwealth of Virginia transferred the Northern Virginia Training Center site to a private developer, Erickson Senior Living, former Braddock District Supervisor John Cook worked with Erickson to arrange for the donation of land for a project dedicated to recreation for people of all abilities.

You can register today; the meeting will be livestreamed on the same site.

Women's Equality Day

This Tuesday, August 26, is Women's Equality Day, a day commemorating the 105th Anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote on August 26, 1920.

The Workhouse Arts Center will host a Women's Equality Day event to celebrate the anniversary this Sunday, August 24, from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

You can learn more about the event and the galleries at the Lorton Prison Museum on the Workhouse website.

Yours in service,

Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Upcoming Reduced Fee Vaccine and Microchip Clinic
• Update on Algae Bloom at Lake Accotink
• Temporary Pool Closure at Audrey Moore REC Center
• GMU Move-In Continues
• Fairfax Connector Bus Service Changes Effective August 25
• Civics Lab at Kings Park Library
• Clear the Shelters Adoption Event
• Champions of Character
• Public Hearing on Proposed Electricity Rate Increase
• Deer Management Season Begins in September
• Early Voting for September 9 Special Election
• Give Feedback on the Active Transportation and Trail Plan
• Pet Adoption Spotlight: Billy!

Upcoming Reduced Fee Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets without the cost of a veterinary exam.

All clinics are first-come, first-served and are cash-only. The Animal Shelter has an upcoming clinic tomorrow, Friday, August 22, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the FCAS Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).



For more information on upcoming dates or details, visit the FCAS website.

Update on Algae Bloom

at Lake Accotink

The site management team and natural resource manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) have determined that the blue-green algae bloom in Lake Accotink has dissipated. Therefore, the Blue-Green Algae Bloom Advisory at Lake Accotink has been lifted.

Please remember that swimming or wading in the lake is not permitted at any time per the site’s standard rules. The Fairfax County Park Authority appreciates your patience and understanding as the bloom cleared due to rain and cooler temperatures.

Temporary Pool Closure at Audrey Moore REC Center

The Audrey Moore REC Center Pool is temporarily closed until Sunday, September 14, for a deep system cleaning and maintenance that occurs every two years.

Other pools and spas are temporarily closed at the Cub Run, Franconia, George Washington, and Spring Hill REC Centers.

Pools at Oakmont, Mt. Vernon, South Run, and Providence are open.

Read more on the Fairfax County Park Authority's website.

GMU Move-In Continues

The George Mason Fairfax Campus is expecting heavier-than-normal traffic until August 24.

Freshmen move-in wrapped up today; upperclassmen move-in begins tomorrow, August 22 - 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and the Rappahannock Parking Deck.

The first day of classes will begin on August 25.

Fairfax Connector Bus Service Changes Effective August 25

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement service changes to three Fairfax Connector routes starting Monday, August 25.

Key Changes:

• Routes 721 and 722 will make their final trips to Langley on Monday, August 25
• Route 721 will continue operating with schedule and routing adjustments starting Tuesday, August 26.
• Route 722 will be permanently discontinued on Tuesday, August 26.
• RIBS 2 will add trips to enhance service frequency and meet increased demand.

FCDOT continually evaluates Fairfax Connector routes to ensure efficient and reliable service for all riders. For full route information and updates, visit the Connector's website or call Fairfax Connector Customer Service at (703) 339-7200, TTY (703) 339-1608.

Civics Lab at Kings Park Library

The Kings Park Library is working with StoryCorps' One Small Step in an effort to bring community members together for meaningful conversations. One Small Step seeks to provide opportunities to engage constructively across differences to seek common ground.

On Monday, August 25, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Kings Park Library Meeting Room (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke), join this Civics Lab program. Participants will examine how we form assumptions based on limited information. They will explore how conversations across differences can challenge or confirm initial impressions. Put these skills into practice during future Civics Lab conversations.

Visit the Library Event page for more information and to register.

Clear the Shelters Adoption Event

Get ready for the biggest event of the summer!

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) 11th Annual Clear The Shelters adoption event begins next Friday, August 29 - Sunday, August 31.

All pets will have their adoption fee waived at both the Lorton (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton) and Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) locations.

Shelter Hours:

• Friday: Noon - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the adoption process and to view available pets, visit the FCAS website.

Champions of Character

Nominations are open until September 1 for the 2025 Champions of Character Awards.

This program honors youth, coaches, and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, the program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship, and community service.

Awards are presented to a female athlete, male athlete, coach, and parent in each Supervisory District. Those who participated in youth athletics from Fall 2024 through Summer 2025 are eligible.

Complete the nomination form today to recognize deserving athletes, coaches, and parents from the Braddock District who have demonstrated extraordinary service in the athletic community while modeling the basic traits of good character. Nominations are due September 1, and the awards ceremony will be held in October. 

Public Hearing on Proposed Electricity Rate Increase

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has scheduled a public comment hearing for September 2, to gather feedback on Dominion Energy’s plans to increase customers’ monthly base rates for electricity on January 1, 2026.

Dominion Energy is requesting a 15% increase in the base rate over the next two years to cover the costs of infrastructure upgrades, new construction, fuel costs, and the cost of doing business on the grid. Altogether, the typical residential customer (using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month) could see an increase in their average bill from $140.65 per month to $162.06 per month.

To give public comments on September 2, individuals or organizations will need to pre-register with the SCC by 5:00 pm on August 26 using this online form, including case number PUR-2025-00058. Written comments may also be submitted to the SCC now through August 26 on their public comments website.  

Deer Management Season

Begins in September

This year’s annual season for deer management in Fairfax County will run from September 6 - February 14, 2026. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) partners with the Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks, and public landholders to conduct the program in select Fairfax County Parks. FCPD provides strict program oversight to ensure public safety.

If you live adjacent to one of the deer management zones, you may have already received a postcard explaining the program. It provides contact information if you have any questions or concerns about the program.

Parks will remain open to the public during the deer management season, and safety measures will be in place to allow for continued park visitation and recreation. If you need to enter a deer management zone, please be cautious, make yourself seen, and be sure to keep your dogs on leash according to County code and park rules. The goal of the program is to reduce the negative ecological, public health and herd health impacts associated with overabundant deer populations. Visit the County’s website to learn more.

Early Voting for September 9 Special Election

Early voting for the September 9 Special Election for Virginia’s 11^th Congressional District is underway. In-person early voting will continue through Saturday, September 6.

You can register to vote or update your registration by Tuesday, September 2.

For those planning to vote by mail, remember to apply to vote by mail by Friday, August 29. Additionally, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by September 9.

Early voting in-person is currently available at two locations:

On Friday, August 29, nine additional early voting locations will open, including Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke) and West Springfield Government Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield). The Office of Elections' website has a list of early voting locations, operating hours, and detailed information on early voting.

All regular polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, September 9, from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. More information about voting is available on the Office of Elections' website.

Give Feedback on the Active Transportation and Trail Plan

FCDOT is creating a vision for a multimodal transportation and trails

network that serves residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Help build a safe and convenient transportation network for all by sharing your ideas, comments, needs, and priorities on the Active Transportation and Trails Plan!

Take the survey online and share your feedback or call (703) 890-5898, Project Code 11851. Responses must be submitted by Friday, September 19.

Pet Adoption Spotlight: Billy!

Meet Billy, the sweetest senior boy!

Located at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton), Billy is a tranquil, sweet boy.



Billy is an 8-year-old lovebug looking for his furrever home! This gentle boy greets everyone with the softest meows and the sweetest head butts. He's calm, cuddly, and always happy to be by your side. Billy will need to be the only pet in the home, as other animals can be a bit overwhelming for him.

If you're looking for a mellow, affectionate companion to share cozy days and quiet nights, Billy is your guy.

Visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's website for more information about Billy or to view any of the other adoptable pets.