Friends of Colvin Run Mill

Cynthia Jacobs

Carter, Ed.D.Friends Group/ Lee District Park Authority Park Volunteer Team Award Board MemberFriends of

Colvin Run Mill

The Friends of Colvin Run Mill are the 2021 recipients for the Friends Group/Park Volunteer Team Eakin Philanthropy Award. Colvin Run Mill is the sole surviving operational 19th century water-powered mill in the metropolitan area. The Friends of Colvin Run Mill solidified their support of the park by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FCPA in 2019. A very active group of volunteers who help to maintain and enhance the Mill, and fund programs and activities, the Friends have documented impact of more than $110,000, including a $60,000 donation for capital improvements. In addition, they have donated white oak tree plantings through the Park Foundation. Contributions over the years include significant in-kind gifts of furnishings and educational training. Additionally, the Friends assisted with the Partners in Preservation Social Media Contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The contest resulted in the Fairfax County Park Foundation winning a $75,000 grant to restore Colvin Run Mill to a fully operational gristmill.

Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

The Elly Doyle Park Service Award was established by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1988, in recognition of former Park Authority Board Chairman and member Ellamae Doyle’s years of outstanding service toward the preservation of parkland and establishment of natural and recreational areas for the benefit of Fairfax County residents. There are three Elly Doyle categories, including a Student or Youth Honoree and Special Recognition, as well as the agency’s top award – the Elly Doyle Park Service Award presented to no more than three recipients annually. The purpose of the award is to publicly recognize a volunteer or group of volunteers for outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks.