Fairfax City Welcomes New Community Center, Arts Venue

Fairfax City residents and officials gathered Saturday to get a first look at the newly opened Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, a culture and arts venue years in the making.

Located next to the Fairfax City Police Station on Old Lee Highway, the Stacy center is a legacy built upon generous donations, years of planning, a commitment to the arts and the memory of Stacy Sherwood.

Geraldine Sherwood donated $5 million in January 2008 for the city to build the center.  To honor the Sherwood family, the center was named after Fairfax native and city council member Stacy, who died in 2002.  He helped bring George Mason University to the area and .

"The Sherwoods have always been instrumental in the development of Fairfax," said Warren Carmichael, instructor for Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation and Virginia FOIA Advisory Council.  "It's very fitting that the family's name be memorialized."

The original plan to build the center in Van Dyck Park was rejected after residents heard the playgrounds and picnic areas would be closed during construction. After years of patient planning and more donations, it now stands where John C. Wood Elementary School used to be.

"I just wish we hadn't had a bad economy so it could be bigger," said Fairfax resident Susan Thompson, who had also hoped it would be built in its original location.

Plaques honoring the names of donors made up the sidewalk in front of the new center. Beyond the double doors, a plethora of art lined the hallways beckoning visitors. The center offered a 5,000-square-foot performance space with a Steinway grand piano, and a separate space for performers to rehearse. Grand opening events such as music, crafts, face-painting and balloon artists entertained guests and their families all afternoon.

Arts and cultural performances and recreational activities will be regular features at the community center. But those wishing to use it for wedding receptions, meetings, or other events are welcome to rent space there, too. The city is accepting reservations.

"We're blessed to have Sherwood's donation," said Charlie Kraiger, Water Oak Drive resident and father of three.  "My young girls are up and coming, it's great to know they have this place to use for years to come."