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.
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.
Ask questions about the project
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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 6 months agoThank 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.
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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 7 months agoThank 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.
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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 almost 2 years agoWe 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.
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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 2 years agoThank 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.
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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 about 2 years agoThe 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(External link).
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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 about 2 years agoThis project does not include a pool.
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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 2 years agoNo, 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.
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Share How will this impact Van Dyke Park? Will we lose playing fields or woods? If so, how much? on Facebook Share How will this impact Van Dyke Park? Will we lose playing fields or woods? If so, how much? on Twitter Share How will this impact Van Dyke Park? Will we lose playing fields or woods? If so, how much? on Linkedin Email How will this impact Van Dyke Park? Will we lose playing fields or woods? If so, how much? link
How will this impact Van Dyke Park? Will we lose playing fields or woods? If so, how much?
Erin asked over 2 years agoVan Dyck Park will not lose any amenities due to construction of the new health and community center. The project will be coordinated with the park's master plan, and one of the goals is to improve the connection between the park and new facility.
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Share Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among older adults. I know that there are outdoor pickleball courts at Van Dyck park. Are there going to be any courts designated specifically for pickleball at this site? And if so, will there be in our outdoors? on Facebook Share Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among older adults. I know that there are outdoor pickleball courts at Van Dyck park. Are there going to be any courts designated specifically for pickleball at this site? And if so, will there be in our outdoors? on Twitter Share Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among older adults. I know that there are outdoor pickleball courts at Van Dyck park. Are there going to be any courts designated specifically for pickleball at this site? And if so, will there be in our outdoors? on Linkedin Email Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among older adults. I know that there are outdoor pickleball courts at Van Dyck park. Are there going to be any courts designated specifically for pickleball at this site? And if so, will there be in our outdoors? link
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among older adults. I know that there are outdoor pickleball courts at Van Dyck park. Are there going to be any courts designated specifically for pickleball at this site? And if so, will there be in our outdoors?
brusty001 asked over 2 years agoThe new center will not include courts designated specifically for pickleball, but the gym will be lined for pickleball use. Similar to Green Acres, there will be designated time for pickleball in the gym. Thanks for your question.
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Share Given that there is a new development across the street from Willard, and two schools near the park, how does the city plan to address increased traffic with this expanded facility? on Facebook Share Given that there is a new development across the street from Willard, and two schools near the park, how does the city plan to address increased traffic with this expanded facility? on Twitter Share Given that there is a new development across the street from Willard, and two schools near the park, how does the city plan to address increased traffic with this expanded facility? on Linkedin Email Given that there is a new development across the street from Willard, and two schools near the park, how does the city plan to address increased traffic with this expanded facility? link
Given that there is a new development across the street from Willard, and two schools near the park, how does the city plan to address increased traffic with this expanded facility?
rc asked over 2 years agoThe Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project will be coordinated with the Old Lee Highway Multimodal Improvements(External link) project and the updated CUE Bus routes.
The Old Lee Highway project will be designed to manage traffic along that corridor, as well as make improvements such as a new left turn lane into the Sherwood Center from Old Lee Highway.
The CUE Bus re-routing will provide enhanced access along Layton Hall Drive, with a stop at the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, as well as a stop at the student housing under construction further west on Layton Hall Drive. The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project will also examine a vehicular connection between the current Sherwood property and the Willard property, which would spread out vehicle trips between the two adjoining streets.
Vehicle trips are currently forced to one street or the other, as there is no connection between the two properties. Vehicle access on Layton Hall Drive will align with Democracy Lane to the south, providing another option for drivers traveling to and from south of the site.
A traffic study will be conducted as part of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project that would project future traffic flows to and from the new facility, taking into consideration nearby uses that are existing and under construction, and making recommendations for improvements where needed to manage any additional traffic.
Both the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project and the Old Lee Highway project will also place an emphasis on providing excellent pedestrian and bicycle facilities to encourage visitors who are able to access the facility without needing a motor vehicle.
Fall 2024 Open House
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November 16 2024
Feedback Received on Two Proposed Design Schemes
Jan. 9, 2024, Presentation
January 2024 Community Meetings
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January 13 2024
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January 18 2024
Spring 2023 Update: A design concept has been selected
Fall 2022 Open House Dates
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November 16 2022
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November 19 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary of Public Feedback from Community Events
Virtual and In-Person Meetings
Virtual: Two virtual Zoom sessions were held
- 7-8:30 p.m. January 26
- 9-10:30 a.m. January 29
In-Person: A “drop-in” event was held Feb. 23 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center. Watch a short video(External link) from the event.
Virtual Open House Presentation
Project Timeline
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December 2021 - Spring 2022
Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center has finished this stagePublic input on concept design
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Spring 2022 - Fall 2023
Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center is currently at this stageDesign and permitting
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Fall 2023 - End of 2026
this is an upcoming stage for Willard-Sherwood Health and Community CenterBidding and construction
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Project Scope and Site
The project includes demolition of the current Joseph Willard Health Center and construction of a new, approximately 95,000 square foot facility in its place at 3750 Old Lee Highway, connecting to and expanding the existing Sherwood Center at 3740 Old Lee Highway.
The project is intended to co-locate and integrate programming of health and human services and a community center to serve both city and county residents.
The current funding for this project is included within both jurisdictions' Capital Improvement Plans. More information about funding can be found at 2020 Community Health and Human Services Facilities Bonds Explanation(External link).
Project Background
Joseph Willard Health Center (JWHC)
- Located at 3750 Old Lee Highway on property owned by Fairfax County
- Facility and programs operated by Fairfax County
- Licensed medical, nursing, dental, pharmacy, speech and hearing, and X-ray service facility, including Fairfax County Health Department vital records and administrative spaces
- Offers programs and services aimed at promoting the health and well-being of infants, children, and adults of all ages
- Designated as the FCHD Continuity of Operations (COOP) site
2017-2018 JWHC Feasibility Study:
- Evaluated future space needs and potential renovation or redevelopment of the site to accommodate future Fairfax County health and human service needs.
- Existing facility built in 1954 as an elementary school, later converted to a health center in the 1970s
- Current physical layout and clinic room configurations impede efficient and functional work processes
- Study identified limitations of the current layout and existing structure, cannot appropriately accommodate future programmatic and operational needs
- Building systems and infrastructure have reached the end of their useful life
- Need for redevelopment to enhance operations in the event of emergencies
Green Acres Community Center
- A former school building (constructed in 1961) that has been used as a community center since 2002
- The 40,000 sq. ft. building and 10-acre site are owned by the City of Fairfax
- The center features the City’s senior center, exercise facility and a small gymnasium, as well as multipurpose rooms used for classes and rentals
- Part of the building is leased to a child care facility focused on serving the needs of lower-income families
- The property contains athletic fields, a playground, playing courts, and a bocce court
- The building needs significant renovations for accessibility, efficient operation and to provide features and amenities that are desired by City residents
Green Acres Feasibility Study:
- A feasibility study(External link) for the future of the Green Acres Center was conducted in 2015-16.
- Examined numerous issues pertaining to the Green Acres site and its various uses
- Recommendation to build a new community center at a different location to include a senior center, full-size gymnasium, fitness center, kitchen, multipurpose spaces, a lobby/social areas, and storage/ support/administrative space.
Stacy C. Sherwood Center
- Located at 3740 Old Lee Highway on property owned by Fairfax City
- Identified for relocation of some of the programs from City’s Green Acres Center
The joint development will accommodate the needs identified by both feasibility studies and allow the Health Department to provide essential services during emergencies or operational interruptions. The redevelopment will also meet the community center needs identified in the Green Acres study.
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