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Major HVAC renovations at Franconia Rec Center will disrupt access to its fitness and aquatic facilities beginning Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, as Fairfax County works to improve air quality, temperature control and energy efficiency.
The fitness center and racquetball courts at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria will close from Aug. 18 through Sept. 16. The pool, family change room and upper level will be unavailable from Aug. 18 through Sept. 5.
The entire building and parking lot will close Wednesday, Aug. 20, with Thursday, Aug. 21, reserved as a backup date. A second full closure is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 3, with Thursday, Sept. 4, as the backup.
Fitness equipment will be relocated to the gymnasium so patrons can continue exercising during the project. Visitors will enter and check in through the gymnasium door beside the parking lot.
Crews will replace and upgrade the air-handling system serving the fitness center and racquetball courts. The work is intended to provide more reliable temperature control while reducing energy use.
Improvements in the aquatics area will include a second pool HVAC unit and a low-deck exhaust system designed to remove humid air more effectively. Ceiling-mounted destratification fans will also be installed to circulate air throughout the natatorium.
Sara Baldwin, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Fairfax County Park Authority, said the upgrades are expected to improve air quality and comfort, particularly during peak seasons. She thanked community members for their patience while the work is completed.
The project follows improvements made during spring break in 2025, when a rooftop pool air-handling unit above the childcare area was replaced to support summer operations.
Our Special Harbor, Chessie’s Big Back Yard, the amphitheater, and the volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts will remain open and unaffected—even when the recreation center itself is closed.
Members may use other Fairfax County Park Authority recreation centers, including Mount Vernon Rec Center at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria. Those who want to pause their memberships may submit a request online or visit Franconia’s front desk before the closures begin.