WOODBRIDGE — What do you want to see more of in Prince William County parks?
That was the question posed to a room of more than 100 people who turned out for a public meeting held by the county’s parks and recreation department on January 25 at the county government center.
“We really need more access to bike paths,” said Brian Blankenship. “We need trails to trails. It’s beyond me how connected the trail system in Fairfax County is, and how it’s not in Prince William County.”
Finding more open space was top of mind for many who attended the forum. Electronic voting machines were used by audience members to weigh in on what new programs and amenities are needed at the parks — from bow hunting to food trucks.
In addition to more trails and open, “passive” spaces without particular uses, residents said they wanted to pickleball (a sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton) courses and more restrooms at parks.
There were also more calls for community gardens, camping, a shooting range on which to teach guns safety, and outdoor adventure course, and BMX programs.
And, of course, the million-dollar question: How are we going to pay for it all?
“We’re hallucinating if we think we’re going to get more parkland unless we pay for it ourselves,” said Clancy McQuigg, of Occoquan.
A prominent member of the Prince William Committee of 100, McQuigg told the crowd funds from the state level for parks are scarce. However, the county’s parks and rec department is taking its needs assessment survey ahead of discussion by the Board of Supervisors which is poised to advocate this year for a parks and roads bond that could top nearly $1 billion.
The exact projects — parks roads — that bond would go to fund still need to be hashed out.
Meanwhile, it’s possible the Park and Recreation Commission could review the fees it charges at some parks, said Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Jane Beyer. Half of the park and recreation department’s budget comes from the Board of Supervisors in the annual budget, while the other half is generated by user fees paid by those who use the parks.
“I don’t know where the money is coming from, but we need to improve our existing stuff before we get new stuff,” said one woman during the forum. “If we have to increase taxes on plastic bags at grocery stores, lets do it.”
The January 25 forum was the second in a series of forums designed to address parks needs over the next 10 years. The first was held on Oct. 6, 2018.
Prince William County operates 55 developed parks and facilities, spanning more than 4,000 acres, that provide playgrounds, trails, marinas, fitness centers, skate parks, and sports fields.
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Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), the second-largest school division in Virginia, announced the closure of all schools and offices for Monday, January 6, 2025, due to a Winter Storm Warning. The announcement, posted on the division’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated, “Due to Winter Storm Warning, all Prince William County Public Schools and Offices will be closed Code Red on Monday, January 6, 2025 (exception: Inclement Weather Employees). Weather conditions will be monitored throughout Monday and an update will be provided as needed.”
The closure affects more than 90,000 students enrolled across the division’s 100 schools, including elementary, middle, high schools, and specialty programs. PWCS serves a diverse and growing population, providing a range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities for students in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Under the Code Red designation, only designated inclement weather employees are required to report to work. The school division emphasized that it will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the day on Monday and provide further updates if necessary.
Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, citing snowy conditions as the reason for the closure. The announcement on the division’s website stated, “All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 6th, due to snowy conditions. Code RED for employees.”
The closure affected more than 3,000 students enrolled in the city’s four schools, which include Cougar Elementary, Manassas Park Elementary, Manassas Park Middle School, and Manassas Park High School. MPCS serves the small, tight-knit community of Manassas Park and provides a range of academic and extracurricular programs designed to meet the needs of its students.
A Code RED designation means that all school employees, except those specifically designated for inclement weather duties, are not required to report to work.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather. The announcement, shared on the district’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, noted, “Manassas City Public Schools will be closed Jan. 6, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather. Code BLUE for employees.”
The closure affects approximately 7,000 students across the city’s nine schools, including five elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, and one high school. MCPS serves the city of Manassas with a variety of academic programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
The Code Blue designation means that employees are not required to report to work unless specifically notified by their supervisors. Further updates regarding school operations will be provided through the district’s official communication channels, including its website and social media accounts.
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the largest community college in Virginia and one of the largest in the nation, has declared a “Code Purple” for Monday, January 6, 2025. All classes and services will be conducted online, with no in-person operations at any of the college’s six campuses or satellite centers.
The announcement, made on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated, “All #NOVA campuses are operating virtually. Classes and services are online only.” The move impacts more than 70,000 students enrolled across the college’s campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield, and Woodbridge.
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