8.28.2025

Dear Neighbor,

This Labor Day Weekend, you can help Fairfax County Animal Shelter Clear the Shelters!

Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus initiative began in 2011 in response to a critical need to help restock the shelves of local food pantries after the holidays.

This collaborative program is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Now in its 14th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Stuff the Bus has collected more than 250 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County since its inception.

The two closest sites for you to help stuff the bus on Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. are:

• Huntsman Giant (7501 Huntsman Boulevard, Springfield)
• Walmart (11181 US-29, Fairfax)

There are six additional locations across Fairfax County where you can donate.

Congratulations Braddock District Sports Champions!

At this week's Board meeting, we recognized spring sports champions from across the County, including teams and individuals from the Braddock District:

Outdoor Track & Field

• Robinson Secondary Boys' 4x400 Meter Relay Team
• Harry Economon (Robinson Secondary) 400 Meter Dash
• West Springfield Boys 4x800 Meter Relay Team
• Michael Murray (West Springfield) Pole Vault
• West Springfield Girls' 4x800 Meter Relay Team

Rifle

• Diana Leppert (Lake Braddock Secondary School)
• Samuel Nickless (Robinson)

Rowing

• Robinson Girls' 2-4+
• Robinson Girls' Junior 8+
• Woodson High School Girls' 2-8+

We are so proud of these student athletes and all they've accomplished! The Braddock District is well represented by these champions.

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:

• Fill the Boot This Weekend!
• Champions of Character
• All-Abilities Park Community Information Session
• Lake Accotink Dam Inspection Resumes
• Deer Management Season Begins in September
• Virtual Community Meeting for Route 29 Corridor Study Comprehensive Plan Amendment
• Early Voting for September 9 Special Election
• Give Feedback on the Active Transportation and Trails Plan
• Temporary Pool Closure at Audrey Moore REC Center
• Pet Adoption Spotlight: Avita!

Fill the Boot This Weekend!

Fairfax County firefighters are Filling the Boot this weekend, Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1! 

Since 1954, firefighters across the country have collected funds in their communities as part of the Fill the Boot program to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Money raised through Fill the Boot fund MDA’s mission of empowering people living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives.

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. 

All-Abilities Park Community Information Session

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw is co-hosting a virtual community information session with the Fairfax County Park Authority. You're invited to receive an update and provide feedback on the All-Abilities Park in the Braddock District. Join on Tuesday, September 2, for the 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.

Register today; the meeting will be livestreamed on the same site.

Lake Accotink Dam

Inspection Resumes

The Fairfax County Park Authority will lower water levels at Lake Accotink after Labor Day in order to resume evaluation of the dam structure and ensure its integrity. The evaluation is expected to be finished this fall.



The marina and dam area of Lake Accotink Park will remain fenced for several weeks, with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed for safety reasons. Once the inspections are complete, it may take a few weeks for the lake to return to its normal level, depending on regional precipitation.

When the Park Authority attempted to lower the lake and drain the stilling basin this past spring, maintenance staff discovered that the sluice gate was not closing properly. Divers were called back to inspect the gate and determined that it had been seriously damaged, requiring repair. The Park Authority paused lake lowering operations over the summer to allow for the repair of the gate and the launch of park summer recreational activities. 

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. Contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information about the project

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.

Virtual Community Meeting for Route 29 Corridor Study Comprehensive Plan Amendment

On September 8, Fairfax County is hosting a virtual community meeting for a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Route 29 Corridor from Jermantown Road to Buckley’s Gate Drive/Summit Drive. The amendment would update the Plan with the Board-endorsed recommendations of the Route 29 Corridor Study. This meeting will describe the County’s draft Plan changes for the community’s feedback. Whether you drive, walk, bike, or take transit in the area, the County wants to hear from you!

Monday, September 8 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Microsoft Teams: bit.ly/Rt29Meeting or phone: (571) 429-5982

ID: 195661127#

In October 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors asked the Department of Transportation (FCDOT) to revisit the Comprehensive Plan’s guidance for the Route 29 corridor and explore transportation solutions that work for all modes of transit and help to implement the County’s goals as part of the Fairfax Center Area. The Route 29 Corridor Study reviewed current and future traffic conditions and gathered input from local residents, homeowners, and community groups. The findings were shared at community meetings in March and June 2024. This collaborative process led to a set of recommendations aimed at improving transportation for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles along the corridor while preserving the area’s suburban feel. The Board endorsed these recommendations in December 2024 and directed staff to update the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the changes.

Additional information on this Plan Amendment is available on the Comprehensive Plan amendment website.

Early Voting for September 9 Special Election

Early voting for the September 9 Special Election for Virginia’s 11^th Congressional District is underway.

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.

Tomorrow, 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.

In-person early voting continues through Saturday, September 6.

All regular polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, September 9, from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you plan on voting on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place, which you can find on the Virginia Citizen Portal.

More information about voting is available on the Office of Elections' website.

Give Feedback on the Active Transportation and Trails 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.

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.

Pet Adoption Spotlight: Avita!

Meet Avita, a sweet girl with an energetic spirit!

Located at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton), Avita is energetic, obedient, and patient!



Avita is a beautiful, strong, 107 lb. girl who's been patiently waiting for her perfect match.

During her time with FCAS, Avita has shown that she's full of energy, enthusiasm, and love for life. She thrives with structure, enrichment, and clear guidance-and she's looking for someone who can keep up with her zest and help her continue to learn and grow.

Avita would do best with an experienced dog owner who understands big dogs and is committed to positive training. She can get excited on leash and decide it's time for her to lead the way, so she'll need continued support to help her channel that energy appropriately.

If you happen to have another dog in the home and are interested in Avita, a dog-to-dog will be required to ensure they'll be a comfy fit before taking her home.

Avita loves walks (especially with a toy to carry!), playing, and being part of the action. With consistency, patience, and plenty of love, she's going to make an amazing companion. If you have the time, experience, and heart to give Avita the guidance she deserves, she just might be your perfect new best friend.

Additionally, Avita's adoption is fee-waved, AND she is going home with a $500 credit at Pender Veterinary Practice for continuing care, thanks to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter!

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