FABB Blog

The work being performed in the area is part of the habitat restoration going on along the W&OD Trail and other areas throughout the region by Dominion. The trees removed will be replaced by suitable vegetation (to be determined) that is native to our region and also safe from future interference with Dominion's transmission lines.  NOVA Parks met and reviewed the area with Dominion as we normally do whenever work is performed on the trail.

Thanks to a partnership between the City of Fairfax and NOVA Parks, the Pickett Road Trail Underpass was formally opened on Saturday April 22. Cross-County Trail riders will know this as the area at Thaiss Park where the trail hit a wall in the form of a closed sewer pipe beneath Pickett Road. The wall is now a lovely winding path that connects to the Willcoxon Trail and Gateway Park in Fairfax City.

NOVA Parks and Fairfax City partnered in 2013 to secure a Transportation Alternative Program grant from VDOT for the project. Several speakers from NOVA Parks and the City of Fairfax spoke at the trail dedication, which was presided over by City of Fairfax resident and NOVA Parks Board member Brian Knapp. 

City of Fairfax Mayor David Meyer spoke about the role of trails for transportation as well as recreation. Mayor Meyer emphasized the role of trails and bicycle facilities in relieving traffic congestion. 

Michael Nardolilli, the Vice Chair of the NOVA Parks Board, rides the CCT regularly and spoke with animation about how much better his ride will be with the new connection.

Submitted by Douglas Stewart