Saturday, May 21 2:30pm - Sprayparkand Treehouse to Open at Lee District Family Recreation Area

After years of planning and fundraising and several months of construction, the Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park in Franconia, VA will open on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Ribbon cutting ceremonies at 3 p.m. will mark the completion of Phase I construction of Our Special Harbor sprayground, a fully-accessible Treehouse and a one-of-a-kind seating area. The festivities are hosted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, the Fairfax County Park Foundation as well as The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund (JPMF) and other generous donors.

This family activity area is unlike anything else in Fairfax County. The facility strives to engage children in physical activities and spark their imaginations with creative play. Family adventures may include picnics, a sprayground visit, time in the treehouse and in the future, a playground and carousel – all fully-accessible for everyone!   

The Special Harbor, a fully-accessible sprayground, is being donated by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund. The zero-water-depth sprayground was specifically designed for individuals with disabilities by recognizing the challenges those families raising children with disabilities face and understanding the importance of feeling comfortable in public settings while enjoying new experiences together. Access and inclusion were key factors for building the sprayground. Serving as a sensory and creative family destination, Our Special Harbor's unique design breaks down barriers, encourages interaction, and provides families and children of ALL abilities a place to play and have fun together. Disabilities will vanish amid the fun and excitement of the Chesapeake Bay setting! Our Special Harbor has been built to be a special harbor for the special needs community and to serve all families in the greater DC area. The sprayground, designed and built by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, is being turned over to the Fairfax County Park Authority, where it will be operated free of charge to all individuals.  For more information on Our Special Harbor and the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, visitwww.jpmf.org .

The Family Recreation Area is located inLee District Park at 6601 Telegraph Road in Franconia. Festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a steel drum band and "pirates" roaming the area. Official ceremonies start at 3 p.m. The sprayground will open to the public at 5 p.m. Admission is free on opening day. Due to potentially large crowds, additional parking will be located offsite and shuttle bus service will be available at Virginia Hills Administration Building (formerly elementary school) located at 6520 Diana Lane in Alexandria, VA. Shuttle service will run between 2 and 6 p.m

For information regarding opening ceremonies contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662. For information about the Lee District Family Recreation Area call 703-922-9841 or visit online. For information on how to contribute to this or other Park Authority programs and projects visit the Park Foundation.