Barbara Naef

Barbara

Naef

After a long career with the Park Authority in Historic Preservation, Historic Properties Rental Service, Archaeology, and Historic Collections, Barbara Naef continues to serve the Park Authority and the history community in Fairfax County as a volunteer and in supporting roles on the History Commission and Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology and Cultural Resources (FOFA). She volunteered with the Park Authority’s Historic Collections for many years after her retirement, was a vital member of the team for the most recent American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation, was a founding member of FOFA, and has served on the History Commission for nearly 20 years representing archaeology. In addition, Naef serves as the co-chair of the African American History Initiative for the History Commission, and she continues to serve and advocate for archaeology in numerous settings. Nearly every previous and existing historical program that exists in Fairfax County has benefitted from her input. Naef is the consummate professional and is described as “Park Authority through and through.” Nearly 20 years after her retirement, she still uses the pronoun “we” when advocating for the Park Authority and its programs.

Fairfax County Park Foundation 20th Anniversary

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is the fundraising arm that supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for parkland, facilities, and services. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, run by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and small, dedicated staff, is recognized by Guidestar with the highest Platinum Seal of Transparency.

The Park Foundation highlights for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2019 include:

$662,144 total donations raised by FCPF in FY2020 and $1.76 million raised by FCPF in FY2019 Nearly 2,500 donations received from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations in FY2019 Summer camp scholarships for 2,138 children during the summer of 2021 PACT camp scholarships that provided 345 weeks of camp for children in supportive housing during summer 2021 Support provided for 124 Park Authority parks, events, and projects by FCPF gifts in FY2020.

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Timeline

2000 – In April, the Park Authority Board approves the establishment of a dedicated Foundation. The first volunteer Board of Directors was formed to help raise funds, obtain grants and form partnerships. By December the Foundation received its not-forprofit designation and was incorporated by Virginia.

2001 – FCPF begins accepting gifts and opens the Open Space Land Preservation Fund.

2003 -Clemyjontri Park becomes the Foundation’s first high profile project.

2008 – Park Foundation establishes the Eakin Philanthropy Award to recognize significant contributors.

2011 – The Foundation receives NRPA’s National Corporate Humanitarian Award for development of Chessie’s Big Backyard, accessible treehouse and carousel.

2011 – FCPF funds free summer concerts and performances in nine magisterial districts.

2013 – The Foundation supports FCPA’s Laurel Hill Golf Club as it hosts the 88th Annual U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.

2013 – FCPF earns the National Trust for Historic Preservation Partners in Preservation Grant to help restore Colvin Run Mill.

2014 – With funding from Northrop Grumman via the Park Foundation, Hidden Oaks Nature Center provides the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience for youngsters.

2014 – The Park Authority Board dedicates the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, with funds from the Bill Vesey Trails Fund.

2015 – The Lt. Col. Gary F. Smith turf field is commemorated at Grist Mill Park to honor this soccer coach whose life ended at the Pentagon on 9/11. Gifts provide veterans and their families with complimentary passes to park facilities on Veteran’s Day.

2016 – Via the Park Foundation, Jean and Ric Edelman fund a high powered telescope at the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm.

2017 – The TrackMan indoor golf simulator goes live and the Valis Family Golf Learning Center is established at Pinecrest Golf Course thanks to contributions from Wayne and Angela Valis and the Valis Family.

2018 – The Washington Nationals Baseball Team and its Dream Foundation Legacy Fields program provides $1 million in a turnkey baseball field complex. The electronic scoreboards, dugouts, batting cages and other features inspire young players at Mason District and Fred Crabtree Parks.

2018 – The FCPF Board establishes the Leadership Society of Benefactors and is later honored with the 2018 Jim Potter Memorial Award for the expansion of the Legacy Circle membership.

2019 – The Park Foundation exceeds the $1 million mark in monetary giving in a single fiscal year.

2020 – FCPF embarks on a multi-year campaign to fund STEAM features at The Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center.

2021- The Park Foundation successfully completes a multi-year campaign to fund two new picnic shelter at Burke Lake Park.

Fairfax County Park Foundation 20th Anniversary Tribute Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly