The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved $15,763 in grant funding to help furnish and install an HVAC system in the historic Forestville Schoolhouse at Great Falls Grange Park in Dranesville District.
The applicant, Great Falls Grange Foundation, is contributing matching funds to complete the project budget of $31,526. Funds were awarded as part of the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant program.
The schoolhouse, originally constructed in 1890, is leased by the foundation under an agreement with the Park Authority. The building serves as a community center and has rentable space for meetings, classes and private events.
Lack of air conditioning has made the building hard to use in warm months between May and September.
After a review, officials decided installing a central HVAC system would have the most favorable aesthetic impact for the schoolhouse. The project will include installation of the HVAC equipment, removal of heat strips and replacement with wood baseboards to match the style already in the schoolhouse.
Officials expect the work will be completed by spring 2024.
The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private ventures that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities using matching funds and in-kind services.
Since 1999, the program has awarded about $2.1 million in grants for projects valued at more than $15.8 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail and athletic-field improvements and construction of gazebos and shelters.
For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/mastenbrook-grants.
