Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center

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Fairfax City and Fairfax County are redeveloping the Joseph Willard Health Center and Stacy C. Sherwood Center sites into a single destination for health, wellness, fitness, and child care.

Located at the corner of Layton Hall Drive and Blenheim Boulevard, the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center will be built in place of the current health center and include a campus redesign that connects to the Sherwood Center.

Once complete, the city-operated community center and a county-operated health and human services center will provide integrated services to both city and county residents.

The joint redevelopment project came about following years of evaluations conducted by both the city and county. They are working together to develop a conceptual plan for this campus -- and your input is needed to make this happen.

This campus will offer many different programs and services designed to meet the needs of individuals of all ages and abilities throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. To that end, county and city staff are seeking input to ensure that the campus is designed to meet the needs and interests of the surrounding community.

While some of the programs in the facility have already been designated; there will be multiple opportunities for community involvement and engagement throughout the process to discuss a variety of topics including site concepts, facility amenities, community center programming, and construction logistics.

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Fairfax City and Fairfax County are redeveloping the Joseph Willard Health Center and Stacy C. Sherwood Center sites into a single destination for health, wellness, fitness, and child care.

Once complete, the city-operated community center and a county-operated health and human services center will provide integrated services to both city and county residents.

Ask questions about the project

Share As a neighbor and former environmental lawyer, I trust that there is no asbestos in the building or that it will be very, very carefully remediated in demolition. What is the situation? on Facebook Share As a neighbor and former environmental lawyer, I trust that there is no asbestos in the building or that it will be very, very carefully remediated in demolition. What is the situation? on Twitter Share As a neighbor and former environmental lawyer, I trust that there is no asbestos in the building or that it will be very, very carefully remediated in demolition. What is the situation? on Linkedin Email As a neighbor and former environmental lawyer, I trust that there is no asbestos in the building or that it will be very, very carefully remediated in demolition. What is the situation? link

As a neighbor and former environmental lawyer, I trust that there is no asbestos in the building or that it will be very, very carefully remediated in demolition. What is the situation?

asked 2 days ago

Thank you for sharing your concern. Asbestos remediation will be part of the construction contract. The contractor will follow all health and safety protocols for its containment and removal prior to complete demolition of the health center.
Share I share the concern of the skewed, exorbitant and ongoing tax burden this project places on Fairfax city taxpayers posted by David F. below. I too want to know if the cost of this project can be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? This is a steep price tag for something that isn't essential while taxpayers face rising cost-of-living expenses. on Facebook Share I share the concern of the skewed, exorbitant and ongoing tax burden this project places on Fairfax city taxpayers posted by David F. below. I too want to know if the cost of this project can be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? This is a steep price tag for something that isn't essential while taxpayers face rising cost-of-living expenses. on Twitter Share I share the concern of the skewed, exorbitant and ongoing tax burden this project places on Fairfax city taxpayers posted by David F. below. I too want to know if the cost of this project can be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? This is a steep price tag for something that isn't essential while taxpayers face rising cost-of-living expenses. on Linkedin Email I share the concern of the skewed, exorbitant and ongoing tax burden this project places on Fairfax city taxpayers posted by David F. below. I too want to know if the cost of this project can be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? This is a steep price tag for something that isn't essential while taxpayers face rising cost-of-living expenses. link

I share the concern of the skewed, exorbitant and ongoing tax burden this project places on Fairfax city taxpayers posted by David F. below. I too want to know if the cost of this project can be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? This is a steep price tag for something that isn't essential while taxpayers face rising cost-of-living expenses.

MJ asked 2 days ago

Thank you for your question. Costs will be discussed during the work session.
Share Can the cost of this project be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? As it currently is proposed, the WSHCC will cost $129.8 million. With the current City / Fairfax County cost allocation, it would cost City residents $2,084 per resident ($54.9 million) but only $63 per Fairfax County resident ($74.7 million) - the per city resident burden of $2084 excludes an additional proposed $4 million for a performing arts center, which the City has already agreed with the County that City taxpayers would fund without any County funding. On-going costs for the new building (e.g., insurance, maintenance, security, heating, air conditioning, water and sewage) would be an additional tax burden put on our City residents, especially if the on-going cost were allocated in the same proportion as the construction costs. Thank you. on Facebook Share Can the cost of this project be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? As it currently is proposed, the WSHCC will cost $129.8 million. With the current City / Fairfax County cost allocation, it would cost City residents $2,084 per resident ($54.9 million) but only $63 per Fairfax County resident ($74.7 million) - the per city resident burden of $2084 excludes an additional proposed $4 million for a performing arts center, which the City has already agreed with the County that City taxpayers would fund without any County funding. On-going costs for the new building (e.g., insurance, maintenance, security, heating, air conditioning, water and sewage) would be an additional tax burden put on our City residents, especially if the on-going cost were allocated in the same proportion as the construction costs. Thank you. on Twitter Share Can the cost of this project be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? As it currently is proposed, the WSHCC will cost $129.8 million. With the current City / Fairfax County cost allocation, it would cost City residents $2,084 per resident ($54.9 million) but only $63 per Fairfax County resident ($74.7 million) - the per city resident burden of $2084 excludes an additional proposed $4 million for a performing arts center, which the City has already agreed with the County that City taxpayers would fund without any County funding. On-going costs for the new building (e.g., insurance, maintenance, security, heating, air conditioning, water and sewage) would be an additional tax burden put on our City residents, especially if the on-going cost were allocated in the same proportion as the construction costs. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Can the cost of this project be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? As it currently is proposed, the WSHCC will cost $129.8 million. With the current City / Fairfax County cost allocation, it would cost City residents $2,084 per resident ($54.9 million) but only $63 per Fairfax County resident ($74.7 million) - the per city resident burden of $2084 excludes an additional proposed $4 million for a performing arts center, which the City has already agreed with the County that City taxpayers would fund without any County funding. On-going costs for the new building (e.g., insurance, maintenance, security, heating, air conditioning, water and sewage) would be an additional tax burden put on our City residents, especially if the on-going cost were allocated in the same proportion as the construction costs. Thank you. link

Can the cost of this project be undertaken without additional tax burden to City of Fairfax taxpayers? As it currently is proposed, the WSHCC will cost $129.8 million. With the current City / Fairfax County cost allocation, it would cost City residents $2,084 per resident ($54.9 million) but only $63 per Fairfax County resident ($74.7 million) - the per city resident burden of $2084 excludes an additional proposed $4 million for a performing arts center, which the City has already agreed with the County that City taxpayers would fund without any County funding. On-going costs for the new building (e.g., insurance, maintenance, security, heating, air conditioning, water and sewage) would be an additional tax burden put on our City residents, especially if the on-going cost were allocated in the same proportion as the construction costs. Thank you.

David F asked 18 days ago

Thank you for your questions. The city council is scheduled to discuss this project during the Feb. 10, 2026, work session.
Share Will the new community center gym include equipment that is suitable for seniors as well as equipment that serves the general community? For example, Greenacres has low-rise ellipticals (the movement is similar to a slow jog) that are betterfor older people, who often suffer from arthritic knees, to get all the benefits of an elliptical without hurting their knees. Ellipticals are also great for increasing heart rate. I can get my heart rate up to around 115 bpm on the elliptical at Greenacres and although I enjoy the benefits of the rowing machine and the leg push (sitting step) machine, they do not give the same cardiovascular benefits. But when I use the elliptical machines in a regular gym my knees are hurting within seconds. Those larger high-rise machines with are probably great for people under 60. Older people need to be able to work their muscles without damaging their joints. Also, will the new Center have treadmills? Anopen track is fine for the younger people, but seniors, many of whom have balance issues, need the handrails that come with treadmills. on Facebook Share Will the new community center gym include equipment that is suitable for seniors as well as equipment that serves the general community? For example, Greenacres has low-rise ellipticals (the movement is similar to a slow jog) that are betterfor older people, who often suffer from arthritic knees, to get all the benefits of an elliptical without hurting their knees. Ellipticals are also great for increasing heart rate. I can get my heart rate up to around 115 bpm on the elliptical at Greenacres and although I enjoy the benefits of the rowing machine and the leg push (sitting step) machine, they do not give the same cardiovascular benefits. But when I use the elliptical machines in a regular gym my knees are hurting within seconds. Those larger high-rise machines with are probably great for people under 60. Older people need to be able to work their muscles without damaging their joints. Also, will the new Center have treadmills? Anopen track is fine for the younger people, but seniors, many of whom have balance issues, need the handrails that come with treadmills. on Twitter Share Will the new community center gym include equipment that is suitable for seniors as well as equipment that serves the general community? For example, Greenacres has low-rise ellipticals (the movement is similar to a slow jog) that are betterfor older people, who often suffer from arthritic knees, to get all the benefits of an elliptical without hurting their knees. Ellipticals are also great for increasing heart rate. I can get my heart rate up to around 115 bpm on the elliptical at Greenacres and although I enjoy the benefits of the rowing machine and the leg push (sitting step) machine, they do not give the same cardiovascular benefits. But when I use the elliptical machines in a regular gym my knees are hurting within seconds. Those larger high-rise machines with are probably great for people under 60. Older people need to be able to work their muscles without damaging their joints. Also, will the new Center have treadmills? Anopen track is fine for the younger people, but seniors, many of whom have balance issues, need the handrails that come with treadmills. on Linkedin Email Will the new community center gym include equipment that is suitable for seniors as well as equipment that serves the general community? For example, Greenacres has low-rise ellipticals (the movement is similar to a slow jog) that are betterfor older people, who often suffer from arthritic knees, to get all the benefits of an elliptical without hurting their knees. Ellipticals are also great for increasing heart rate. I can get my heart rate up to around 115 bpm on the elliptical at Greenacres and although I enjoy the benefits of the rowing machine and the leg push (sitting step) machine, they do not give the same cardiovascular benefits. But when I use the elliptical machines in a regular gym my knees are hurting within seconds. Those larger high-rise machines with are probably great for people under 60. Older people need to be able to work their muscles without damaging their joints. Also, will the new Center have treadmills? Anopen track is fine for the younger people, but seniors, many of whom have balance issues, need the handrails that come with treadmills. link

Will the new community center gym include equipment that is suitable for seniors as well as equipment that serves the general community? For example, Greenacres has low-rise ellipticals (the movement is similar to a slow jog) that are betterfor older people, who often suffer from arthritic knees, to get all the benefits of an elliptical without hurting their knees. Ellipticals are also great for increasing heart rate. I can get my heart rate up to around 115 bpm on the elliptical at Greenacres and although I enjoy the benefits of the rowing machine and the leg push (sitting step) machine, they do not give the same cardiovascular benefits. But when I use the elliptical machines in a regular gym my knees are hurting within seconds. Those larger high-rise machines with are probably great for people under 60. Older people need to be able to work their muscles without damaging their joints. Also, will the new Center have treadmills? Anopen track is fine for the younger people, but seniors, many of whom have balance issues, need the handrails that come with treadmills.

Waters asked over 1 year ago

Thank you for your questions. Decisions on the fitness equipment have not been made yet. You brought up some important points for the project team to consider.
Share I would like to request that a leg press machine be included in the exercise room. Currently Green acres and Jim Scott have leg curl machines which are not what seniors need. These machines can harm knees. A leg press machine strengthens quadrceps in a natural motion. This is important for the most vital movement skill for seniors. That is to rise from a sitting position. on Facebook Share I would like to request that a leg press machine be included in the exercise room. Currently Green acres and Jim Scott have leg curl machines which are not what seniors need. These machines can harm knees. A leg press machine strengthens quadrceps in a natural motion. This is important for the most vital movement skill for seniors. That is to rise from a sitting position. on Twitter Share I would like to request that a leg press machine be included in the exercise room. Currently Green acres and Jim Scott have leg curl machines which are not what seniors need. These machines can harm knees. A leg press machine strengthens quadrceps in a natural motion. This is important for the most vital movement skill for seniors. That is to rise from a sitting position. on Linkedin Email I would like to request that a leg press machine be included in the exercise room. Currently Green acres and Jim Scott have leg curl machines which are not what seniors need. These machines can harm knees. A leg press machine strengthens quadrceps in a natural motion. This is important for the most vital movement skill for seniors. That is to rise from a sitting position. link

I would like to request that a leg press machine be included in the exercise room. Currently Green acres and Jim Scott have leg curl machines which are not what seniors need. These machines can harm knees. A leg press machine strengthens quadrceps in a natural motion. This is important for the most vital movement skill for seniors. That is to rise from a sitting position.

Chrs asked almost 2 years ago

Thank you for your suggestion. Fitness equipment to be included in the new community center is currently under review. Your recommendation has been shared with the project team.
Share The Old Lee Highway multimodal plan calls for a sidewalk and a 2-way separated bicycle facility on the west side of Old Lee Highway from Blenheim to Layton Hall Drive. Yet I do not see that on any of the three schemes presented. Will you be coordinating with the City Department of Transportation to rectify this omission? on Facebook Share The Old Lee Highway multimodal plan calls for a sidewalk and a 2-way separated bicycle facility on the west side of Old Lee Highway from Blenheim to Layton Hall Drive. Yet I do not see that on any of the three schemes presented. Will you be coordinating with the City Department of Transportation to rectify this omission? on Twitter Share The Old Lee Highway multimodal plan calls for a sidewalk and a 2-way separated bicycle facility on the west side of Old Lee Highway from Blenheim to Layton Hall Drive. Yet I do not see that on any of the three schemes presented. Will you be coordinating with the City Department of Transportation to rectify this omission? on Linkedin Email The Old Lee Highway multimodal plan calls for a sidewalk and a 2-way separated bicycle facility on the west side of Old Lee Highway from Blenheim to Layton Hall Drive. Yet I do not see that on any of the three schemes presented. Will you be coordinating with the City Department of Transportation to rectify this omission? link

The Old Lee Highway multimodal plan calls for a sidewalk and a 2-way separated bicycle facility on the west side of Old Lee Highway from Blenheim to Layton Hall Drive. Yet I do not see that on any of the three schemes presented. Will you be coordinating with the City Department of Transportation to rectify this omission?

M F asked about 3 years ago

We should be moving from the current conceptual sketches to schematic design during the first half of 2023. The Old Lee Highway Multimodal Improvements project and many other site details will be available at that time. The conceptual sketches simply illustrated three different layouts for the new health and community center. Transportation is intimately involved in the planning.
Share Rec center, please? We can't use Green Acres gym for my kids to play during times it's not used. So much unused space around the city, and the only indoor activities have to be paid programs?! Can we please get something for families with young kids? on Facebook Share Rec center, please? We can't use Green Acres gym for my kids to play during times it's not used. So much unused space around the city, and the only indoor activities have to be paid programs?! Can we please get something for families with young kids? on Twitter Share Rec center, please? We can't use Green Acres gym for my kids to play during times it's not used. So much unused space around the city, and the only indoor activities have to be paid programs?! Can we please get something for families with young kids? on Linkedin Email Rec center, please? We can't use Green Acres gym for my kids to play during times it's not used. So much unused space around the city, and the only indoor activities have to be paid programs?! Can we please get something for families with young kids? link

Rec center, please? We can't use Green Acres gym for my kids to play during times it's not used. So much unused space around the city, and the only indoor activities have to be paid programs?! Can we please get something for families with young kids?

jflo asked about 3 years ago

Thank you for your question. The new community center will be different from a rec-center in that a membership or day pass is not required to use the facilities. A full-sized gym, running/walking track, fitness rooms, and other gathering spaces will be open to the public to accommodate both structured and unstructured activities.
The gym at Green Acres is scheduled daily for pickleball, classes, and rentals. There isn’t a regular time where it would be open for unscheduled use.
Outdoor recreation in our parks is available every day at no cost, and a day pass to a county rec-center is an affordable option for cold, rainy days. Additionally, the city offers parks and recreation programs at a reduced rate to eligible families.
Share Will the proposed project provide a space for performing arts? on Facebook Share Will the proposed project provide a space for performing arts? on Twitter Share Will the proposed project provide a space for performing arts? on Linkedin Email Will the proposed project provide a space for performing arts? link

Will the proposed project provide a space for performing arts?

Jrglass123 asked over 3 years ago

The architect is exploring ways to create space for performing arts. You can view concept sketches here: https://fairfax.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=11&clip_id=2921&meta_id=100238.
Share Are they considering build a pool? on Facebook Share Are they considering build a pool? on Twitter Share Are they considering build a pool? on Linkedin Email Are they considering build a pool? link

Are they considering build a pool?

Blanca Baldeon asked over 3 years ago

This project does not include a pool.
Share Does the proposed project include the County public health laboratory parcel adjacent to the Joseph Willard facility? on Facebook Share Does the proposed project include the County public health laboratory parcel adjacent to the Joseph Willard facility? on Twitter Share Does the proposed project include the County public health laboratory parcel adjacent to the Joseph Willard facility? on Linkedin Email Does the proposed project include the County public health laboratory parcel adjacent to the Joseph Willard facility? link

Does the proposed project include the County public health laboratory parcel adjacent to the Joseph Willard facility?

Mark Towery asked over 3 years ago

No, the project does not include the laboratory property. Fairfax County has a feasibility study underway for the laboratory, so there may be changes in the future for that portion of the property. The joint project team is considering including additional parking in the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project in anticipation that the laboratory may expand and displace some of its current parking. Thanks for your question.