Fairfax County recently announced they have completed a draft concept for the McLean Central Park, an existing wooded space with some play equipment, surrounding the McLean Library and Community Center. The park property sits between Old Dominion Drive and Elm Street on the North side of Chain Bridge Road.
One might think the sleepy neighborhood of McLean would be a suburban sprawl mess, but the benefit of being one of the original towns of Northern Virginia, predating true sprawl era subdivision development, is the retention of many strong town elements. In other words, not all suburbs are the same, and unlike places like Chantilly, Centreville, and Sterling there is an actual Main Street feel to McLean and much of that centers on this corridor. And unlike master planned town centers, the town of McLean actually feels organic and authentic, built on 100 years of infill construction. That’s why it is so important for the community to be better connected socially via walking paths, bike lanes, and parks like this one to extend that real town vibe.
This park takes the existing community investments and public spaces and renovates them to be much more. The Community Center hosts plenty of events from the very popular Chocolate Festival to art shows and stage plays. The library is heavily used for both public sessions and events as well as for traditional uses and study.
Currently the property is largely wooded outside of these buildings, a small playground, and the parking around them. The future concept looks to build on that, with additional picnic spaces and trails which will respect Dead Run Stream, as well as creating a better lightly scheme that will help bring the community in along trails and walks for night time events. The outdoor amphitheater will allow the Community Center to expand its theater performances with options for theater in the park; which in the winter will be converted to an ice rink similar in size to the popular rink in Reston Town Center.
The park is still in the preliminary stages; in fact no funding has been allocated or determined for the future design plans and construction. However, McLean is well known for community involvement when it comes to its public spaces. Expect the MCA (McLean Civic Association), Rotary Club, and general public of the town to push this project forward without county general funds. To find out more, stay up to date on the project via the Fairfax County Park Authority information page.