GRANT FUNDS WILL HELP WITH McLEAN PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS: Every little bit helps, and the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund grant program will contribute $20,000 toward renovation of a playground at McLean Central Park.
The award augments $246,670 raised by from a private effort to support the renovationand an additional $175,939 in Park Authority funding.
The park’s school-aged playground was installed in 1998 and is due for replacement.
Currently, the school-aged playground and tot lot are located in separate areas of the park. The McLean Central Playground Team has been partnering with the Park Authority on plans to combine the two playgrounds into one centrally located area within the park.
The new playground equipment will feature elements that support sensory play, adaptive tandem swings and other design features that promote connections and accessibility for all ages and abilities.
Work is projected to be completed by winter of 2024 to 2025.
Since 1999, the Mastenbrook grant program has awarded approximately $2.1 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.3 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters, and athletic-field improvements.
McLEAN ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE ON HORIZON: The McLean Community Center will play host to the McLean Antiques Show & Sale on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Discover fine antiques, art and collectibles from scores of reputable dealers at this highly celebrated show of almost 50 years,” officials said.
Booths will feature antiques, decorative accessories, furniture, folk art, porcelain, silver, jewelry, paintings/prints, glass, carpets, vintage clothing and more. Proceeds will benefit the center’s James C. Macdonald Scholarship Fund for high-school students.
The cost is $10, good for both days, with youth 17 and under admitted free.
For information, see the Website at www.mcleancenter.org.
FAMILY BINGO COMING TO OLD FIREHOUSE: The Old Firehouse Center of the McLean Community Center will present Family Fun Bingo on Friday, Nov. 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
“Join us for an evening of family fun – enjoy free popcorn on us,” organizers said. “Winners will take their pick of prizes.”
Admission is $10 for McLean residents, $15 for others. Pre-registration is recommended.
