2009 Annual Report

Northern Virginia Regional

Park Authority
Table of Contents
3 Remembering James I. Mayer
4 Message from the Chairman
6 Message from the Executive Director
8 NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
9 Golf: A Perfect Approach
10 Camping: Into the Woods
11 Catering: Soaring to New Heights
12 Waterparks: Summer Heat No Match
13 Boating: Cruising for Fun
14 NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
15 History: Re-creating the Past
16 Investments and Acquisitions
17 Trails: Footprints Across the Region
18 NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
19 NVRPA Recognition
20 Facts & Figures
21 Program Highlights
22 NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
23 Hemlock Overlook Returns
24 Financial Report
25 Welcome to the Energerium
29 Regional Park Foundation Update
30 Board Members
31 Facilities Map

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority 2009 Annual Report was written, edited and prepared by
Brian F. Bauer, Paul McCray, Chris Pauley, Paul Gilbert, Steve Bergstrom,Todd Hafner, Heidi Bates, Jim Bart-
linski, Jenny Hofler and Blythe Russian. Layout and design by Brian F. Bauer.
Photographs by Paul Gilbert, Bill Dickinson, Jenny Hofler, Brian F. Bauer and Paul McCray.
Northern Virginia Regional
Park Authority To obtain additional copies of the NVRPA 2009 Annual Report, call 703-352-5900, or visit www.nvrpa.org

2 Pirate’s Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park

Remembering former
Chairman James I. Mayer

F
ormer Chairman James I. Mayer passed away
on July 31, 2009. Jim served on the Northern
Virginia Regional Park Authority Board from
2001 to 2009 and was the Chairman from Decem-
ber 2007 to February 2009.

Jim was a person of high intelligence and integrity,

but he is perhaps best known for being good-na-
tured. His friendly demeanor and ever present hu-
mor had a positive effect on everyone around him.

Jim loved the parks. He was proud of having played

all the mini-golf courses in the regional park system.
He was particularly attached to Potomac Overlook
and the W&OD Trail. As Chairman, he helped plan
the extensive renovation made at the Potomac
Overlook Nature Center that has transformed it
into a center for energy education.

During his tenure as Chairman, NVRPA saw ex-

panded use of our parks, and bold steps to acquire
new lands, as well as good financial management.
NVRPA won the highest awards for both the
budget and audit from the Government Financial
Officers Association during this period.

Jim had a career in the Air Force and federal civil

service, was Chairman of Arlington’s Industrial
Development Authority, Secretary of the Arlington
United Way Board, Chair of the Arlington Com-
mittee of 100, and a Board member of the Old
Dominion Brewing Company. Jim lived a life of con-
tribution to his community, and we are all enriched James I. Mayer
by those gifts.
1937 - 2009
In January of 2010, the nature center at Potomac
Overlook was officially renamed the James I. Mayer
Center for Environmental Education, in honor of
the man who so enjoyed the park and all it had to
offer.

3
Message from NVRPA Board Chairman Su Webb
T
his last year has proven to be a great
honor for me. Only a handful of very
qualified individuals have ever served
as the Chairman of this fine organization
- Dr. Ira Gabrielson,Walter Mess,William
Dickinson, and the late James Mayer. I’ve
had the opportunity to know three of these
men, and to be on hand for some of their
finest achievements in this position.That
said, I submit there’s never been a finer time
to serve as the Northern Virginia Regional
Park Authority chairman than right now.
My first moments as Chairman literally
coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the
first moments of this organization.
NVRPA began in 1959, when a group of
concerned citizens sought to acquire and
protect land along our major rivers. This
was done to both protect the drinking
water sources of the area as well as
provide passive recreation. Five decades
later, this organization stands as a beacon
of conservation and innovation. A group
not only interested in protecting land, but
in creating places where residents of this
4
region and beyond can play, relax, learn
and enjoy. To that end, NVRPA felt that
any celebration conducted should focus
far less on how we got here, but instead
stand as a testament to our continued
pledge to acquire, develop and produce
recreational areas for the citizens of this
region.
We settled on a series of dedications
and ribbon cuttings, all of which would
enhance or create something new for the
people of Northern Virginia, with at least
one for each of our six jurisdictions.
Beginning inside a tent at the Bull
Run Festival of Lights, along with local
politicians, friends and invited guests,
NVRPA held a total of 8 ribbon cuttings
and dedications over the calendar year.
We began in March, installing new
interpretive panels and dedicating a
new trail marker on the W&OD in Falls
Church. By April, we turned our attention
to Loudoun County and an old friend,
officially opening the Ira Gabrielson Trail
at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling.
The Gabrielson Trail, named after the
conservationist and former NVRPA
Chairman, is a portion of the Potomac
Heritage National Scenic Trail.
As the year went on, some of the
projects became truly grand.
Renovations to the Nature Center at
Potomac Overlook Regional Park in
Arlington culminated in the opening
of the newly-dubbed Energerium. This
facility focuses on energy use, past,
present and future, complete with
interactive exhibits. The renovation
updated an aging facility, and brought
forth a new and unique learning
experience.
At Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville,
NVRPA took one of the region’s first
waterparks and transformed it into
the new Atlantis Waterpark. The $1.5M
facelift included park-wide ancient Greek
theming elements, a brand new zero
depth splash pad and 500 gallon dumping
bucket, and a huge sand play area. Our
efforts culminated in a ribbon cutting
in June, appearances on NBC News 4
as well as Fox 5’s morning show, and
extremely happy groups of visitors all
summer long.
We made a similar commitment at Great
Waves at Cameron Run, where a huge
covered picnic shelter was erected and
dedicated in August, with a cookout for
everyone in attendance. The event turned
out to be a great kickoff for the new
shelter, and a great way to meet so many
of our waterpark guests.
In October, NVRPA celebrated the
200th Anniversary of Aldie Mill, hosting
the public for a free afternoon of
refreshments, tours and living history
displays. The event offered visitors the
chance to glimpse life during a time when
the Mill served as a vital center of the
community.
During the year, NVRPA also constructed
a parade float that offered a unique
rolling park scene, complete with tent,
picnic table, trees and a campfire. The
float participated in holiday parades all
over the region, and three times won
awards - in Alexandria, Falls Church
and Fairfax City. It really proved to be a
fun way to interact with all the region’s
citizens.
But our year-long experience of giving
to our jurisdictions wouldn’t have been
complete without taking a moment to
give back to those who help NVRPA
succeed the most: our volunteers.
We have many, many members of
communities all over our six jurisdictions
who devote countless hours to their
favorite park. As such, we held our very
first Volunteer Service Awards to cap
our 50th Anniversary. The function was
held at the Barn Pavilion at Bull Run
Regional Park, with awards coming from
representatives of the board, along with
Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax
County Board of Supervisors. It was a
wonderful experience, and the perfect
way to cap a great year.
As we look ahead to the coming year,
we plan to continue our commitment to
expanding our offerings across the region,
improving our current facilities and
constantly striving to provide our region’s
residents with recreation and fun.
Sandy Run Regional Park 5
 Message from NVRPA Executive Director Paul Gilbert
T
he Northern Virginia Regional
Park Authority (NVRPA) is a
unique organization: a regional
partnership of six local governments,
a national leader in environmental
stewardship, and a frontrunner in the area
of entrepreneurship within public parks.
For NVRPA, 2009 demonstrated the
power of a focused, mission driven
organization. While we have a wonderful
50-year history of providing conservation,
recreation and education in Northern
Virginia, our focus over the last year was
on the mission and strategic plan of the
agency, a policy that resulted in new levels
of excellence.
Increasing Parkland
The first priority of our strategic plan
was to expand our base of parkland. As
a result of this focus, we acquired new
property in both Fairfax and Loudoun
Counties. In Fairfax, we expanded Pohick
Bay Regional Park with new land donated
by the Knipling family. In Loudoun County,
6
we acquired a Civil War battlefield site
near Gilbert’s Corner, as well as the
Mt. Zion Historic Church property in
the same area. The church was built in
1851 and served as a hospital during the
Civil War. This year, we have also been
pursuing the permits and grants necessary
to acquire nearly 300 acres along the
Potomac River in Loudoun. The focus on
expanding parkland grew directly out of
polling data showing that acquiring more
open space and natural areas was the top
priority of the public.
Blazing New Trails
Among recreational activities, the single
most publicly valued recreation facility
are trails. With over 100 miles of trails,
including the W&OD and Bull Run
Occoquan Trails, this has long been a
high priority for NVRPA. In 2009, we
unveiled a new 12-mile section of the
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
and dedicated it to the memory of Ira
Gabrielson, NVRPA’s first Chairman.
Improving Existing Facilities
Another major focus was the improvement
and expansion of recreational facilities.
Improvements to our two family
campgrounds in 2009 resulted in visits
from more campers than in any previous
year over the last few decades. Meanwhile,
following the success of our renovation of
Upton Hill Pool in 2007 and the creation
of Pirate’s Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay
in 2008, we renovated the pool at Bull Run
Regional Park in 2009 and created Atlantis
Waterpark. Together, the increased use of
the waterparks and campgrounds mark a
trend of growing participation in family-
oriented activities. We have seen the same
dynamic at the festivities at the Temple Hall
Farm Corn MAiZE and Fall Festival.
A Focus on Education
As part of our strategic plan, we wanted
every one of our parks to be a place of
learning about the nature or history of our
area. We have done this in a number of
ways including:
• Fostering educational and stewardship
partnerships with local community
organizations at all our parks.
• Creating a new partnership with
Adventure Links to offer environmental
and experiential learning opportunities
for youth groups and others at Hemlock
Overlook Regional Park.
• Instituting educational programs that
meet the schools’ Standards of Learning
(SOLs) at five of our parks.
• Renovating the Nature Center at
Potomac Overlook to create a unique
center for learning about energy and the
natural world.
• Making numerous presentations on
environmental issues at various community
organizations.
Diversifying our Resources
With nearly 82% of its operating revenues
coming from enterprise operations,
NVRPA is very exposed to economic
trends and very dependent on good
weather to make its budget. We continued
our focus to become more balanced in
revenue generation, so a downturn in
any one area could be better offset by
others. We saw the merits of this in 2009,
when golf usage and revenue dropped
by 9%. When this happened in the
early part of the decade, there was no
counterbalance. This time, we were able to
offset the reduction in golf revenue with
increased performance from waterparks,
campgrounds and catering services.
This diversification, coupled with cost
controls, has enabled NVRPA to survive
during an economic recession of historic
proportions.
In the News
Our efforts to increase public awareness
and appreciation for the role NVRPA plays
in our region continued to improve. During
2009, the local news media reported nearly
50 stories, covering almost every area of
our park agency.
Recognizing Our Assets
And, our focus on leadership can be
seen perhaps best in the system-wide
recognition of volunteers who helped us
in 2009. Thirteen community organizations
and enough volunteer hours during 2009
to equal one full-time employee for each of
our parks.
We are honored by all the people who
volunteer their time and talents to support
our parks, and we are proud of the team
of motivated professionals who keep
the Regional Park Authority focused on
achieving its goals of serving the citizens of
Northern Virginia.
Car Show at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton 7
NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
Members of the Operations and Maintenance Staff erect the 50th Anniversary Light Display at the annual Bull Run Festival of Lights. It took 8 work-
ers approximately 21 days to complete the full setup. When complete, the Light Show boasts over 80,000 LED lights.

8 Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville

 A Perfect Approach

W
hile weather and the economy certainly took their
toll on the number of golfers visiting NVRPA courses
in 2009, the Park Authority was no less proac-
tive in improving what they had to offer. Rounds at Algonkian,
Brambleton and Pohick Bay totalled over 100,000 in 2009.While
a decided drop from the previous year, it was again a fruitful year
nonetheless. Meanwhile, the Park Authority went to work to
make the experience that much better.

At Algonkian, equipment upgrades led to a cleaner, more aestheti-

cally pleasing experience through better leaf and debris removal.
New curbing was installed at various locations, keeping carts on
paths and preventing them from damaging fairways.The overall
playing experience was also improved, largely through extensive
landscaping, especially at the tee grasses on Nos. 7 and 18, with
shrubs, various grasses and access stairs. A new forward tee on
the 15th hole improved the overall playing experience, as did the
continued maturation of the Bermuda grass fairways.

At Brambleton, a stone stairway was added to the 7th tee, which

replaced an eroded, worn out path originally formed by golfers
entering and exiting the tee. In addition, a second row of 6
sprinklers was installed on the 6th fairway, as was additional curb-
ing in several locations. Sand was also replaced in several bunkers.
Meanwhile, the course’s Family Fun Nights continued their suc-
cess during the summer months.

Pohick Bay Golf Course saw significant improvements to the out

of bounds mounding on Nos. 8 and 18, which were completed
and grassed.The new border creates out of bounds areas and a
buffer to the maintenance portion. Sod was added around the
13th tee box to improve a golfer’s approach to the area and
reduce erosion, while the green-side sand traps on No. 5 were re-
built and filled with new sand for enhanced playability.The fairway
on No. 18 was split and widened, creating two significant landing
areas for golfers’ tee shots, and fairways were also lengthened and
widened on Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8 and 12.

In keeping with Audubon International Certification requirements

- which are ongoing - all three courses increased green areas, add-
ing various environmentally-friendly grasses, shrubs and assorted
foliage.

Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling 9

Into the Woods:
Camping in Our
Regional Parks

C
ampers all across the area were
drawn to NVRPA parks in 2009, due
largely to the appeal of “staycations”
and the luxury of having abundant amenities all
at one facility. Camping at NVRPA parks gave
visitors the convenience of parks that offer
waterparks, golf, trails, boating, fishing and easy
access to nearby local attractions.

Bull Run and Pohick Bay Regional Parks saw an

increase in camping revenue throughout the
year with the parks’ many different camping
options. Both parks offer full RV hookups,
large pull-through spaces, large wooded areas
for tent camping, as well as two-bedroom
rustic cabins. Algonkian Regional Park offers
two to five bedroom cottages overlooking the
Potomac River for a more comfortable over-
night experience. Blue Ridge Regional Park,
located in Loudoun County and Camp Wilson
in Fairfax County provide a unique escape for
youth camping. In addition to offering all levels
of camping, NVRPA offers naturalist programs
in each park with hundreds of participants
throughout 2009.

Cabin rentals increased by 12% in 2009, while

group camping at Pohick Bay doubled. Camp-
site rental days increased at both Bull Run
and Pohick Bay Regional Parks. The draw of
camping and vacationing at the same place
increased camper swim admissions at Atlantis
Waterpark at Bull Run by 32% and at Pirate’s
Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay by 70%.

In addition to the improvements and upgrades

enjoyed by campers this year, two new deluxe
cabins will be installed at Pohick Bay in 2010.

10 Camping at Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville

 Great Blue Heron
Catering Soars to
New Heights

C
onceived as Great Blue Heron
Catering just over a year ago,
the Northern Virginia Regional
Park Authority has watched as its new
food and beverage arm has grown into
a first class, high end catering service.

In 2009 alone, Great Blue Heron

provided services for over 130 events,
many of which saw more than 1,000
participants. Because of the variety of
different venues the Park Authority has
to offer, those events represented an
extremely diverse and ranging array of
clientele.

GBH designed, created and catered

picnics for groups that included all
branches of the United States armed
forces, schools, corporate businesses,
restaurants, motorcycle clubs, antique
car shows and, of course, family re-
unions. GBH also provided support for
the Park Authority’s two largest events
- the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and
the Temple Hall Farm MAiZE and Fall
Festival.

Meanwhile, operating in its most formal

capacity at the Atrium at Meadowlark
Gardens, GBH provided services for
over 50 events, most of them weddings.

Looking forward, GBH has already

worked with over 90 couples on 2010
events, a positive sign that indicates the
coming years will likely lead to even
more growth for the group.

A wedding at the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Photo by Charlie Shinn Photography 11
Summer Heat no Match
for NVRPA Waterparks

N
VRPA’s five aquatic centers, including Bull Run’s newly
themed Atlantis Waterpark, continued to make a splash in
2009 with an increase in total aquatics revenues through-
out the summer season. New in 2009, the Bounce Pass, an annual
waterpark pass, allowed visitors to enjoy all of the waterparks for
one price throughout the summer.

In June 2009, NVRPA hosted the grand opening of Atlantis Wa-

terpark at Bull Run Regional Park. Atlantis is an ancient Greek
themed waterpark designed to evoke the Lost Continent with
mermaids, dolphins and Greek architecture. Complete with a 25-
foot high play structure with a 1,100-gallon dumping bucket, water
slides, waterfalls and a new sand play area, Atlantis saw a 21% in-
crease in admissions revenue and a 9% increase in admission visits,
totaling 30,000 admissions throughout the summer.

Great Waves at Cameron Run Regional Park hosted the 50th An-
niversary of Hawaii becoming a state, a HOT 99.5 radio station
event with on-air personality and ticket giveaways, as well as the
ribbon cutting of a brand new pavilion and the addition of a new
sand play area. Sunny’s Shark Shack at Great Waves Waterpark had
a very successful season, selling souvenirs including goggles, towels,
bathing suits, Great Waves logo items, beach toys, sunglasses and
jewelry.

In its second year as a themed waterpark, Pirate’s Cove Waterpark

saw admissions double as it hosted its second Pirate Day at Pohick
Bay, including buried treasures at the Waterpark and pirates in
the pool! A new logo for Upton Hill was established this summer,
as well as the expansion of the pool’s Outer Banks, NC theme
displaying dune fencing, Adirondack chairs and boats. Once again,
all NVRPA pools hosted “Dog Days,” a swim for dogs at the end of
the summer.

An exciting new addition to look forward to in the summer of

2010 is the transformation of Downpour at Algonkian into Volcano
Island Waterpark at Algonkian Regional Park. Look for new them-
ing and features throughout the waterpark. Algonkian is now
home to waterslides, a massive dumping bucket play structure and
a pool perfect for cooling off in the summer sun.

12 Atlantis Waterpark, Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville

 Cruising for Fun:
Boating at NVRPA

W
hen residents think of great places
to boat, they think of their Re-
gional Parks. In response, NVRPA
has continued its commitment to improve and
develop water access. At Sandy Run Regional
Park, for example, a new course was installed
for regattas and practice, which was paid for
by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.
Long considered the home of scholastic crew
in the region, Sandy Run hosted six high school
regattas in 2009, four collegiate regattas and
three adult club regattas. The site also held
four different camps for juniors and adults. To
aid this effort, pedestrian trails were improved
at the facility, and a design concept for a new
judge’s stand was completed.

Thanks to a donation by park users, Sandy

Run was also able to install a new surveillance
system (90% of which was paid for using said
donations). The park also began selling race
posters for the first time.

Occoquan Regional Park added a new launch

area in 2009, designed to service canoes and
kayaks. The park continues to be a popular
place for fishing and boating, thanks to its
home on the banks of the Occoquan River.

Plans are currently being considered at Pohick

Bay Regional Park in Lorton for improving its
boat ramp. Pohick Bay is one of the premier
areas for canoeing and kayaking in Northern
Virginia.

Adventure Links, the organization that began

operations at Hemlock Overlook Regional
Park in 2009, also began conducting a portion
of their outdoor programming at Fountainhead
Regional Park in Fairfax Station.

Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station 13

 NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
W&OD Trail Manager Karl Mohle organizes the many trail signs at the Trail’s headquarters in Ashburn. The building houses several hundred signs,
multiple tractors, lawn mowers, construction equipment and countless tools, all used to maintain the 45-mile long trail.

14 W&OD Trail offices, Ashburn

 Re-creating the Past

N
VRPA runs and operates four parks with great historical significance,
including a grand 18th century mansion, a Civil War battlefield, a 19th
century grist mill and a 200-year old working farm.These historical
landmarks saw an incredible 17% increase in visitorship, over 3,300 more visi-
tors between 2008 and 2009.

Carlyle House Historic Park is home to a mansion completed in 1753 that was
home to John Carlyle and served as British General Braddock’s headquarters
during the French and Indian War. Carlyle House Historic Park hosts histori-
cal interpretive events and reenactments throughout the year. New programs
presented during 2009 included a reenactment of the Surrender of Alexandria
during the War of 1812 and an event displaying and interpreting wedding tradi-
tions of the 18th century. Nine years of articles related to the history of the
Carlyle House and Colonial Alexandria are now available on the Carlyle House
page of www.nvrpa.org.

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park preserves the site of the largest Civil War
engagement in Loudoun County.The park continued to provide weekend
guided tours, volunteer guided programs and a living history event throughout
the warmer months. A new podcast and walking tour brochure were devel-
oped for self guided tours of the park. Interpretive signage of the battle at Ball’s
Bluff was enhanced with a new map showing troop movements keyed to dates
and times, as well as the addition of a previously unknown portrait of a Confed-
erate officer.

Aldie Mill Historic Park, a grist mill completed in 1809, celebrated its Bicenten-
nial in 2009. A celebration of its anniversary was held in conjunction with the
Aldie Harvest Festival and featured new displays, vendors and entertainment,
along with the regular grinding demonstrations and interpretation for the public.
The country mill saw new renovations this year, including a new roof, re-point-
ing of the brickwork and window and door replacements. Aldie Mill hosted the
Aldie Triangle program along with Mt. Zion and Oak Hill, with hundreds of local
school children attending.

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park is a 200-year old working farm that offers
visitors an opportunity to learn about our agricultural past while also exploring
farming in Loudoun County today. The renovations to the foundation of the
main house were completed this year with improvements to the kitchen, while
planning for a LEED certified Visitor Center continued.

A guided tour at Carlyle House, Alexandria 15

 Adding and Improving: Investments & Acquisitions
Land Acquisition:
Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park consists of 155
acres of new parkland made up of two adjacent
parcels along Route 50 near its intersection with
Route 15 in Loudoun County. This new area of
parkland is rich with Civil War significance and
is part of the study area for the Battle of Aldie,
which took place on June 17, 1863, and saw an-
other battle between Col. John Mosby and Major
William Forbes on July 6, 1864.
Major Projects:
Aldie Mill Historic Park’s Country Mill was
renovated this year. The foundation and walls
were stabilized and a new standing seam, roof,
window and door louvers were installed. New in-
terpretive display panels were unveiled at the mill’s
200th anniversary event, including the history of
the mill’s original owner, Charles Fenton Mercer,
the mill’s role in the community, its evolution over
200 years as well as the role the mill played in the
Civil War.
Algonkian’s four and five bedroom cottages
received renovations to the kitchens and bath-
rooms. At Blue Ridge Regional Park, a shelter
for camping groups was built using an existing
slate chimney and slate floor from a previous
home site.
Bull Run Regional Park hosted the grand opening
of Atlantis Waterpark in the summer. The new
features include a 25-foot high play structure with
a 1,100-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, wa-
terfalls, squirters and a large sand play area where
kids can dig for prizes. Atlantis is also home to a
spacious wading pool and large main pool with a
230-foot open slide and a 170-foot closed slide.
The waterpark includes a water cannon, play
island with three slides, a shipwreck slide and a
16 The Aldie Country Mill, following its recent renovation
large snack bar.
The Coral Reef Pavilion was added to Great
Waves at Cameron Run Regional Park in August.
The pavilion was unveiled at the Great Waves
Aloha Day celebrating the 50th anniversary of
Hawaii becoming a state and provides a unique
private event setting.
The Gazebo at Lake Caroline at Meadowlark
Botanical Gardens was aesthetically improved to
provide for an even more iconic view of the beau-
tiful lake and gardens.
A new irrigation system installed at Pohick Bay
Golf Course has improved course conditions and
better overall playability. The flow managed system
runs more efficiently, and costs associated with
energy use have declined. The computerized sys-
tem, along with a properly designed sprinkler head
layout, resulted in efficiency of system and led to
conservation of water.
The Eagle’s Nest Veranda at Pohick Bay Re-
gional Park provides the perfect backdrop for an
event overlooking the water. Upgraded ameni-
ties, including access to a prep kitchen, grill and
refrigeration, provide everything for a wedding or
special event.
The Energerium at Potomac Overlook Regional
Park opened in May of 2009. The Energerium is an
exhibit at the James I. Mayer Center for Environ-
mental Education. It offers visitors a fun and ac-
cessible way to learn energy basics as well as ways
they can help create sustainable energy solutions
at the individual, community and national levels.
Several additions and improvements were also
made to NVRPA’s trail offerings. A full description
can be found in the Trail section of this publication
on the next page.
Footprints Across the Region: NVRPA Trails Continue to Evolve
N
VRPA’s hundreds of miles of trails wind through
Leesburg, Fairfax, from Purcellville to Shirlington,
and all along the Potomac River connecting miles
of walking, hiking, biking, equestrian trails and beautiful
parkland.
The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
reaches for 45 miles from Loudoun County to Arlington,
providing the perfect trail for cyclists, walkers, joggers, skat-
ers and horseback riders.The W&OD Trail was widened
and paved the last four and a half miles in early 2009, while
the end was relocated to the original rail bed allowing trail
users to arrive at the end of the trail next to the original
train station in Purcellville. In November of 2009, NVRPA
W&OD Trail, Historic Markers at Hunter Mill
joined with the Hunter Mill Defense League to erect 5
Historic Markers that commemorate Hunter Mill Road and
W&OD Trail as a key crossroad during the Civil War.
Dedicated in the summer of 2009, the 12 mile Gabrielson
Trail along the Upper Potomac links over 1500 acres of
NVRPA property. Starting just west of River Bend and
extending over Sugarland Run into Algonkian Regional
Park, this tract offers exclusive looks at all the wonders the
Potomac has to offer.
Improvements throughout NVRPA’s trails include the addi-
tion of pedestrian bridges added by Eagle Scouts and trail
groups at the Seneca Property as well as the establishment
of small loop trails as part of Eagle projects at Blue Ridge
Regional Park.
NVRPA trails provide the perfect space for walks, races
and events. This year, the North Face Endurance Chal-
lenge was hosted by Algonkian Regional Park and included
a variety of trail races measuring up to 50 miles in length
using the Seneca and Gabrielson Trails. The Virginia Happy
Trails Running Club held their Women’s Half Marathon
Trail Run on the Bull Run Occoquan trail in September.
Bull Run Regional Park hosted its annual Blue Bell Walk
in the Spring, and the Festival of Lights 5k in the winter.
Algonkian’s White Trail became haunted in October with
its Halloween Woods.
17
NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
Carlyle House curator Sarah Coster sorts vintage fabric, part of the John Carlyle collection, which Coster and the staff at the historic property
oversee. NVRPA purchased Carlyle House in 1970.

18 Carlyle House Offices, Alexandria

 NVRPA Recognition

N
VRPA was recognized for its con-
servation efforts and excellence
in financial reporting. In early
2009, NVRPA was awarded a $150,000
grant from the Virginia Land Conservation
Foundation to support the purchase and
development of 295 acres of land on the
Potomac.

The Park Authority was recognized for

its excellence in financial reporting by the
Government Finance Officers Association
for the United States and Canada (GFOA).
The Association awarded a Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting to the Northern Virginia Re-
gional Park Authority for its comprehensive
annual financial report for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2008.

This is the second and consecutive time

the Authority has achieved this prestigious
award.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, an

NVRPA float was constructed to appear
in area parades and events. Depicting a
perfect day at an NVRPA campsite, the
float included a tent, two trees, a picnic
table, a pair of lawn chairs, a fishing pole
with the catch of the day, and a roaring
campfire. In February of 2009, the NVRPA
float “a Great Day at an NVRPA Park”
was awarded best float at the Alexandria
City Presidents’ Day parade. The float also
received the 1st place prize at the City of
Fairfax 4th of July Parade.

The 2007 NVRPA Annual Report received

the Best Promotion Award: Basic Promo-
tional Piece from the Virginia Recreation &
Park Society.

NVRPA’s 50th Anniversary Float, July 4, Fairfax City 19

NVRPA Facts & Figures: Overall Resources
3 18-hole golf courses
3 driving ranges
1 indoor archery range
3 parks with batting cages
5 parks with multi use trails
2 parks with mountain bike trails
5 boat launches
4 parks with boat/RV storage
3 parks with camping
2 canoe/kayak rentals
1 interpretive farm
NVRPA Facts & Figures: Sales & Attendance
Total park acreage:
10,327
Waterpark/pool admissions:
156,736
Batting cage uses:
153,294
Picnic shelter rentals:
1,691
20 Great Waves at Cameron Run, Temple Hall Farm, Pohick Bay Golf, Aldie Mill Historic Park, Bull Run Public Shooting Center
3 crew practice/racing parks
2 disk golf courses
1 electric boat rental facility
1 park with family cottages
1 fishing supply center
8 food/drink concessions
5 gazebos for weddings
2 historic battlefields
1 national cemetery
1 historic museum
1 historic gristmill
Miniature & disc golf rounds:
51,655
Nightly campsite rentals:
21,984
Cabin rentals:
1,526
18-hole golf rounds:
100,827
7 parks with horse trails
2 jon boat rental facilities
2 landscaped gardens
5 parks with meeting rooms
5 mini-golf courses
1 nature center
1 outdoor learning center
5 outdoor swimming pools/
waterparks
8 parks with picnic shelters
2 parks with rustic cabins
Driving range participants:
20,178
W&OD trail users:
2,000,000+
Targets thrown at Shooting Center:
1,967,500
Boats launched:
15,004
1 sailboat/pedalboat rental
1 park with skeet and trap shooting
4 parks/facilities with diamond fields
1 park with ballfields
1 special events center
1 sporting clays course
2 golf tournament shelter
2 parks with volleyball courts
15 parks with hiking trails
2 water playgrounds
1 wave pool
Watercraft rentals:
8,897
Historic daily tours:
14,088
Cultural and Natural Resource Park
program participants:
19,440
Festival of Lights vehicle entries:
28,924
NVRPA Program Highlights
I
n its ever-evolving quest to suit the needs of residents throughout the region, NVRPA continues to make sure that events are offered year-round at almost every one of its parks. 2009 was
no exception, as several exciting new events added to what was an already impressive schedule. From dog swims, pirates coming ashore at Pohick Bay Regional Park and the holiday lights at
Bull Run Regional Park, 2009 had it all. Here are a few highlights:
• She Sings Prettily: A Musical Celebration at Carlyle House
(Carlyle House Historic Park, January)
• Grant donation to NVRPA for White’s Ford (White’s Ford, January)
• Birds of Prey at Potomac Overlook (Potomac Overlook, January)
• Winter Tree Identification (Potomac Overlook, January)
• John Carlyle’s Birthday Celebration (Carlyle House Historic Park, February)
• Passport to Adventure Program (All NVRPA parks, February-November)
• Surprise Birthday Bash for Charles Darwin
(Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, February)
• Bull Run Bluebell Walk (Bull Run Regional Park, April)
• Battlefield Cleanup (Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, March)
• American Revolution Military Encampment (Carlyle House Historic Park, May)
• Living History Weekend (Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, April)
• Spring Migratory Bird Walk (Potomac Overlook Regional Park, March)
• Historic Carlyle Wedding Re-enactment (Carlyle House Historic Park, March)
• Grand Opening of Energerium at Potomac Overlook
(Potomac Overlook Regional Park, March)
• Grand Opening of Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run (Bull Run Regional Park, May)
• Hands on History tent event (Carlyle House Historic Park, June)
• Youth Park Enhancement Program (all NVRPA waterparks, June-August)
• Friends of the W&OD 10k race (W&OD Trail, July)
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling
• Midwifery in the 1700s (Carlyle House Historic Park, July)
• Senior Swim Week (All NVRPA waterparks, July)
• Great Waves Aloha Day (Cameron Run Regional Park, August)
• War of 1812 Historic Weekend (Carlyle House Historic Park, August)
• Dog Days 2009 (All NVRPA waterparks, September 12)
• Eighteenth Century Fashion Show (Carlyle House Historic Park, August)
• Meet Me on a Sunday (Potomac Overlook Regional Park, weekly)
• Historic Re-enactment of the Funeral of John Carlyle
(Carlyle House Historic Park, September)
• Bicentennial Celebration at Aldie Mill (Aldie Mill Historic Park, October)
• FotoWeek DC 2009 (Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, November)
• Summer Concert Series (Potomac Overlook Regional Park, May-September)
• Morning, Sunset and Moonlight Paddling Tours (Pohick Bay, June-October)
• Bull Run Festival of Lights (Bull Run Regional Park, November-January)
• Corn MAiZE and Fall Festival
(Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, September-November)
• Haunted Forest at Algonkian (Algonkian Regional Park, October)
• Northern Virginia Brewfest (Bull Run Regional Park, October)
• Pirate Day at Pohick Bay (Pohick Bay Regional Park, June 15)
• Vintage Virginia Wine Festival (Bull Run Regional Park, June)
21
NVRPA: Behind the Scenes
Above, before and after photos chronicling some of the work done to turn Bull Run Pool into Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run. The concrete pads to
the left eventually became the zero depth dumping bucket and slide on the right, while a brand new sand play area was forged and filled in.

22 Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville

 Hemlock Overlook returns
with Adventure Links

P
ublic/private partnerships are often praised as a
model for better government. On September 3,
2009, elected officials, teachers, parents, children
and neighbors gathered at Hemlock Overlook Region-
al Park in Clifton, Virginia to celebrate a new public/
private partnership with great promise. The Northern
Virginia Regional Park Authority and Adventure Links
kicked off a new operating agreement for Hemlock
Overlook Regional Park with a celebration that
included Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova
and Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, flying through
the canopy of the forest on the parallel zip lines.

“Hemlock is just beautiful and offers a great backdrop

for environmental learning. We are very excited to be
operating Hemlock in cooperation with NVRPA and
we look forward to a great partnership,” said Anna
Birch, Adventure Links’ President.

Birch, members of the Adventure Links staff, as well

as Bulova and Herrity offered their words in the
shade of the forest, each noting the importance of
the facility to the area. Bulova talked about the role
of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in
conserving natural resources, and how conserva-
tion needs to be done from a regional perspective.
Then, in the most memorable moment of the event,
Sharon Bulova and Pat Herrity went down the zip
line together.

Hemlock Overlook has been a mainstay for students

in area schools for years and a right of passage for
5th and 6th graders for decades. Adventure Links
is also offering teambuilding events for adult groups
(companies and organizations) as well as summer
camps and other programs for children.

For more information or to schedule a program at

Hemlock Overlook, visit www.hemlockoverlook.org
or www.adventurelinks.net

Adventure Links at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park 23

2009 Financial Report
T
he Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s to-
tal net assets increased by $1,450,806 during fiscal
year 2009, with assets exceeding its liabilities by
$127,174,221 (net assets). Of this amount, $21,370,861
(unrestricted net assets) are available to meet our ongo-
ing obligations to citizens. Net assets may serve over
time as a useful indicator of financial position.
Business-type activities had total revenues of $13,506,457,
an increase of $451,888 over the prior year.With ap-
proximately $1,308,000 invested; the renovation of the
Bull Run Pool created the newly-themed Atlantis Water
Park. The work was completed in time for the begin-
ning of the pool season on Memorial Day weekend. For
the month of June 2009, Atlantis Water Park at Bull Run
Regional Park posted a 24% increase in user fees over
June of 2008. Building on the success of the renova-
tion completed last fiscal year, Pirate’s Cove Water Park
posted operating revenues that exceeded budget by 74%,
just over $128,000 more than projected. Upton Hill Pool
continued to exceed expectations by surpassing its oper-
ating revenue target by 18%, with the amount that came
in better than budgeted in excess of $77,500.
Operating revenue from camping at Blue Ridge, Bull Run
and Pohick Bay Regional Parks exceeded the budget of
$623,500 by just over $133,000, or 21%. The in-house ca-
tering services department produced operating revenue
over $454,000, which exceeded budget by more than
$194,000, or 75% more than projected.
As a result of the sluggish economy, operating revenues
from our three golf courses fell short of the $4,278,900
budgeted by $390,791 or 9.13%, which is reflective of the
national trend for golf. The value of diversification into
family friendly activities such as our holiday light show,
paid off. Revenue from the light show was $508,872
versus $467,632 the previous year, an increase of $41,240,
or 8.82%.
More than 18% of our operating budget came in the form
of operating appropriation contributions from the six
24
member jurisdictions. These contributions represent
an essential component of our funding. The balance
of our operating revenue came in the form of pro-
gram revenues from user fees and other charges for
services. By far, the largest portion of our net assets
(77.6%) reflects investment in capital assets (e.g.,
land, buildings, machinery, equipment, etc., net of ac-
cumulated depreciation). We use these capital assets
to provide services to our patrons. Consequently,
these assets are not available for future spending.
The total investment in capital assets as of June 30,
2009 amounted to $98,650,342 (net of accumulated
depreciation).
There were 35 projects included in the $1,383,534
of construction in progress. The planning and design
phase of the Visitor Center at Temple Hall Farm had
the largest portion invested at $326,969, and this new
facility will be LEED certified. With LEED Certifica-
tion, even though the initial investment will be greater,
the higher initial cost can be effectively mitigated by
the savings incurred over time due to lower-than-
industry standard operating cost, which is typical of
LEED certified buildings. Another significant invest-
ment is the earnest money and due diligence work on
the purchase of the White’s Ford property, nearly 300
acres on the shore of the Potomac River.
Our capital efforts are intended to preserve, improve,
expand, renovate and enhance our parks. In fiscal
year 2009, over $5,901,000 in capital development
projects were completed and placed into service.
These include the completion of the previously
mentioned renovations of Bull Run Pool located in
Fairfax County, valued at approximately $1,308,000.
A major renovation of the irrigation system at Pohick
Bay Regional Golf Course was completed at a cost of
nearly $954,000. There was an asphalt paving project
at Pohick Bay Regional Park that was part of con-
struction in progress at the end of fiscal year 2008
and was completed very early in fiscal year 2009, with
a value of approximately $126,000.
Corn MAiZE at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, Leesburg
 FY 2009 User Fees and Other Charges by Category

Revenue from Park Operations

Capital projects over $125,000 completed in fiscal year 2009

Renovation of Bull Run Pool, to be themed as Atlantis Water Park

Trail widening from Dry Mill to Purcellville on the W&OD Trail
Irrigation System Upgrades at Pohick Bay Golf Course
Renovation of Sporting Clays Course at Bull Run Shooting Center
Asphalt Improvements at Bull Run Regional Park
Energy Program Related Facility Renovation at Potomac Overlook
New Large Shelter at Great Waves Water Park at Cameron Run
Mill Renovations at Aldie Mill Historic Park
Asphalt Improvements at Pohick Bay Regional Park
Automated Timekeeping System for entire Park Authority

Bull Run Festival of Lights, Centreville 25

 Comparative Statement of Activities

26 Hikers on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, Fairfax Station

Welcome to the Potomac
Overlook Energerium

I
n May of 2009, NVRPA hosted the grand opening of the Energerium at
Potomac Overlook Regional Park and the re-opening of the Nature Cen-
ter. The renovated nature center features the Energerium - a new exhibit
on energy in living systems, including human systems. The exhibit examines
nature through the lens of energy, drawing attention to the central role that
energy plays in our lives.

The Energerium offers visitors a fun and accessible way to learn energy basics,
as well as ways they can help create sustainable energy solutions at the indi-
vidual, community and national levels. The displays blend lessons from ecology,
Earth Science, history, physics, art and chemistry in clear, understandable ways.

Potomac Overlook will serve as an energy park focused on creative energy

conservation, energy efficiency and the use of clean and renewable
energy. Working models and lessons, engaging, hands-on
displays and activities along with real, renewable energy
and energy conservation measures, will encourage
visitors of all ages to become part of energy
solutions.

The Nature Center, home of the

Energerium, has been dedicated to James
I. Mayer, former Chair of the NVRPA
Board and renamed the James I. Mayer
Center for Environmental Education.

The next phase of the energy project

to be housed in the James I. Mayer
Center for Environmental Education
along with the Energerium is the “Kids’
Cave,” a new play and learning space that
thematically highlights caves and mines
found in Virginia. Features will include edu-
cational toys and books as well as interactive
exhibits.

The development of the energy exhibits at Potomac

Overlook have been greatly assisted with financial support
from the Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation, including
donations from Exxon-Mobil and Dominion Virginia Power.

Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville 27

28 Vintage Virginia Wine Festival, Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
 Increased Success for Regional Park Foundation in 2009
T
he Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation was created to
generate new sources of revenue for the Northern Virginia
Regional Park Authority, to promote environmental education
and to facilitate the expansion, improvement and conservation of
Northern Virginia’s special natural and historic places and parklands.
This year, the Foundation was awarded a grants from Dominion Vir-
Northern Virginia ginia Power, Exxon-Mobil and many individual donations to help fund
Regional Park Energy: The Human/Environment Connection project at Potomac
Foundation Overlook Regional Park, an energy education project.
W&OD Trail crossing, Herndon
The Foundation also took on the role of non-profit support for the
Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Project at Occoquan Regional
Park.
In September of 2009, the Foundation hosted its second “Wheel 2
Work Day” on the W&OD Trail. Funded by a donation from Falls
Church native and film producer, Tom Shadyac, the event helped pro-
mote bicycle safety and education along the trail and its surrounding
roadways. The Foundation also began its efforts to support the de-
velopment of a Children’s Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
29
 Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Board

T
he Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is governed by a 12-member policy-making board. The city council or county board of each jurisdiction appoints two
members to the NVRPA board. A full-time, professional staff of approximately 110 members, led by the Executive Director, manages NVRPA’s daily operations.
The administrative offices are located at the Walter L. Mess Headquarters Building, 5400 Ox Road, Fairfax Station,Virginia 22039.

Arthur F. Little Jean R. Packard Barry D. Buschow David M. Pritzker Michael Nardolilli Joan G. Rokus
City of Fairfax Fairfax County City of Falls Church City of Alexandria Arlington County Loudoun County

Brian Knapp Judy Braus Jeff Tarbert Justin Wilson Paul Ferguson Su Webb
City of Fairfax Fairfax County City of Falls Church City of Alexandria Arlington County Loudoun County

Recent Board Members

William C. Dickinson James I. Mayer

City of Alexandria Arlington County
Board Chair: Board Chair:
2005-2007 2008-2009
Board Member: Board Member:
1997-2009 2001-2009

30
 Parkland of the
Parkland of the Northern
Northern Virginia Regional
Virginia RegionalPark Authority
Park Authority
Symington Cabin (52 Acres)
Temple Hall Farm (286 Acres)

W&OD Trail
(292 Acres Loudoun, Ball's Bluff Battlefield (223 Acres)
172 Acres Fairfax,
23 Acres Falls Church, Red Rock Wilderness Overlook (67 Acres)
44 Acres Arlington)
Algonkian (838 Acres)
Brambleton (368 Acres)
Seneca Property (104 Acres Loudoun, 363 Acres Fairfax)

Blue Ridge (168 Acres) Upper Potomac Properties (294 Acres)

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (96 Acres)

LOUDOUN COUNTY

Potomac Overlook (67 Acres)

Aldie Mill (1 Acre) Upton Hill

CITY OF FALLS (24 Acres Arlington,
*City of Fairfax / W&OD Connector Trail (4 Acres) CHURCH 3 Acres Fairfax)

*Gateway (1 Acre) ARLINGTON COUNTY

CITY OF FAIRFAX
NVRPA Headquarters (3 Acres)
CITY OF ALEXANDRIA Carlyle House (1 Acre)
Bull Run (1,568 Acres)
FAIRFAX COUNTY
*Cameron Run (26 Acres)
Hemlock Overlook (426 Acres)

Bull Run Marina Pohick Bay (1,002 Acres)

Fountainhead
Sandy Run
Mason Neck Properties (789 Acres)
(3,045 Acres)

*Occoquan (350 Acres)

* Leased Properties

31
5400 Ox Road | Fairfax Station,VA 22039
www.NVRPA.org | 703-352-5900