Updated -- Prince William County will hire a private firm to solicit proposals for a 22-acre plot of land initially eyed for an indoor sports complex.

While a regional sports facility is not out of the question, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson says she's open to other options.

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Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Motts Run Reservoir, which was established in 1974. The reservoir itself spans 160 acres, and is within a total of 860 acres of land. The reservoir was initially created to ensure a reliable water supply for the region. Over the years, it has become an important area for wildlife, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

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Stafford County welcomed a new addition to Aquia Landing Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest playground installation. The event, overseen by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary, celebrated the arrival of new play equipment designed to accommodate the park's unique environment, including space constraints and a high flood risk. The $144,000 project introduces a play set featuring a slide, swings, and climbing apparatus. Gary shared her personal connection to the park during her speech. "When we were looking for a home about ten years ago, we drove down Brook Road and ended up here at a quiet landing," said Gary. "There was no playground yet, but we really enjoyed the facilities here. It was a nice place to be for our family." The installation was completed smoothly despite delays in equipment arrival, and the park now boasts a much-needed recreation area for local families. "This is what we did it for," Gary remarked, noting the presence of families and a church service co-occurring with the event. "So what could be better than this?"

@staffordvagov @MonicaGary13 and children cut the ribbon on a new playground built at Aquia Landing Park on the Potomac River & Aquia Creek on Saturday, May 27, 2024. pic.twitter.com/W9w9qPpK41

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 28, 2024

Supervisor Deuntay Diggs also attended the ceremony, which featured free gift bags distributed by the county's parks and recreation department to children at the park. Gary emphasized the broader benefits of the new playground. "It's so special to have something where people can just go and be with their family stress-free. It's very helpful for our mental health, not just as parents, but for our children who spend more and more time indoors on devices." Concluding her speech, Gary invited several children from the audience to join her in cutting the ribbon, marking the playground officially open for enjoyment. She pledged continued improvements to the park, reinforcing its role as a valuable community resource. Aquia Landing Park, open throughout the year, offers a sprawling quarter-mile beachfront along the Potomac River, set against a picturesque backdrop of woods and marshes. This pristine natural environment is situated at the eastern boundary of Stafford County on Brooke Road, just 15 miles east of the Stafford County Courthouse. Park amenities include restrooms, picnic pavilions, horseshoe Pits, a sandy beach, and a new playground. Parking is limited, and park staff turned drivers away from entering the park about 10 a.m. after reaching capacity.

Today is a rainy Friday, one of the few rainy days we've had in over a month. The persistent rain has led to several closures and delays in the area.

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On Tuesday, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved a $16 million land purchase in Woodbridge. The discussion centered on the property at 13505 Telegraph Road, located just off Interstate 95. The county had planned to build a large indoor track and recreational facility on the land to serve the Washington, D.C., region and travel teams from the East Coast. However, the county will not proceed with that plan, at least for now. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega raised concerns about the transparency of the issue, noting that the support for a track facility was not unanimous initially but has now been described as a "possible" facility in the resolution. Vega questioned whether the land purchase was intended for this purpose. Chair At-large DeShundra Jefferson clarified that the discussion was solely about purchasing the land and that a public forum was necessary before deciding its use. Despite this, Vega continued to challenge the resolution language. In an interview, Jefferson told Potomac Local she's uncomfortable with the annual operating costs, which could top over $4 million. Jefferson cited the need for private investment, potentially creating a public-private partnership. Weir strongly opposed the proposal, describing it as ill-conceived, and criticized the expenditure as "throwing more good money after bad." Weir voiced discomfort with what he termed "land speculation" at this level and disapproved of the timing of the 150-day study completed at the end of the previous board's term. Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye defended the project, emphasizing its significance to the district. He highlighted its proximity to high-end retail, commuter parking, HOV lanes, and a potential transit hub, asserting that land acquisition is crucial to securing the county’s vision.

The proposal for the indoor track complex dates back to 2018. It aims to establish the first indoor sports facility in the region on two levels with a mezzanine, a hydraulic bank track, 20 pickleball courts, and ample seating. There would be room for 3,500 during sporting events and 6,800 seats that could be used for high school graduations.

In addition, the facility, at 13505 Telegraph Road, could host trade shows, expos, and community events, county staff told supervisors during a presentation in May 2024. Officials have emphasized that the facility would spur new retail and restaurants along the Prince William Parkway/Interstate 95 corridor in Woodbridge, more overnight hotel stays, and increased local sales tax collection by $1.5 million.

Fredericksburg's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Events invites residents to celebrate the Longest Day of Play on June 20, offering various free or discounted recreational activities. Organized by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, this event promotes the importance of play for all ages and abilities, featuring activities such as free fishing, sunrise yoga, and a cookout.

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It's becoming clearer that Prince William County taxpayers will be the owners of 22 acres next to Interstate 95 in Woodbridge.

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