Featured FCPA Friends Group
Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Riverbend Park located on the Potomac River. FORB safeguards, preserves, and promotes responsible stewardship of the Park's undisturbed natural beauty as a
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inspirational outdoor 'classroom' for the enjoyment and education of all park visitors.
Since 2007 FORB has provided over $125,000 to:
- support Riverbend's highly successful summer camps and educational programs;
- helped hire local college students as summer interns (six interns for 2016);
- fund a $15,000 16' boat to be used for fishing, bird watching, water and stream quality, and environmental programs; and
- fund a snow blower, leaf blowers, tools, and a high-end telescope.
FORB also:
- obtained a donation of 10 canoes and related equipment from LL Bean;
- provided over 50 pieces of executive-grade used furniture for Riverbend Park offices and facilities, thanks to a donation from Bechtel National Corporation;
- holds an annual Virginia Native Plant Sale, to encourage use of local, non-invasive, and sustainable plants; and
- provides community feedback on proposed projects to the Park Authority.
FORB Virginia Native Plant Sale
On Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 8 am - 11 am, the FORB will hold its annual Virginia Native Plant Sale, rain or shine, at the Great Falls Grange Pavilion.
A variety of plants native to Virginia that benefit our woodlands, fauna and waters will be available for purchase. The indigenous wildflowers, such as bluebells, along with native trees, shrubs and ferns bring beauty and low maintenance to your yard, and their survival rate can be higher than that of non-natives.
Proceeds from last year's sale raised more than $2,000 to support summer staff and educational programs at Riverbend Park.
Timothy Hackman
Joins the Legacy Circle
Tim Hackman, President of FORB and a resident of Great Falls, Virginia, shares the inspiration for including Riverbend Park thorugh the Park Foundation in his estate plans. He tells a fascinating story.
Tim said it was hard to determine exactly the genesis of his bequest, but said "the thought crystallized when he was walking with two of his grandsons through the multitude of bluebell blossoms in Riverbend Park. Ian, then 5, shouted, 'Look, a white bluebell!' It was, indeed, a white-blossomed bluebell, perhaps the only one in hundreds of traditional blue blossoms in Riverbend. This rare 'whitebell' symbolized the uniqueness of a park which combines history, scenic beauty, educational opportunities, and recreational enjoyment, in a site which the Fairfax County Park Authority had the foresight to assemble and preserve along the Potomac River for our benefit and that of future generations," stated Tim.
"Helping Riverbend Park through my legacy gift is also about educating future generations about water quality, stream erosion, sustainable fishing, regenerating the forest understory, migratory birds, and many other 'hidden aspects' of our parks that contribute to our quality of life. Our children and grandchildren should have the same opportunity to enjoy and appreciate natural spaces as we do, and this bequest for Riverbend is one way to help accomplish that," continued Tim.
"Being able to specifically designate Riverbend Park in my will, and knowing that the funds will be used thoughtfully made it an easy decision to join the Park Foundation's Legacy Circle. I encourage others to include their favorite park in their estate plans. A donation of a specific amount or a percentage of the estate will allow future generations to enjoy the beauty and magic of a county park.
One only has to visit Riverbend Park once or twice to realize what a special place it is, and how blessed we are to have it as a part of the Fairfax County Parks system," concluded Tim.
A Park Foundation brochure titled Plant your Legacy contains more information about including a county park in your estate plans. Please call Bobbi Longworth, Park Foundation Executive Director, at 703-324-8581 to learn more about joining the Legacy Circle.
Celebrate Mom and Help Your Parks!
Karin's Florist created this bright spring colors arrangement
"Springtime Garden" for the Park Foundation through the Karin's Gives Back program. You will help parks by preordering your flowers by Saturday, April 30 to request delivery before Mother's Day, Sunday May 8!
Many Administrative Professionals and Volunteers also enjoy these as well during their special weeks!
A portion of the proceeds for each special Springtime Garden purchased in April will be donated to the Park Foundation.
Order online
now to help!
Donated funds will be used to send low-income children in need to camps and programs at Frying Pan Farm Park.
Back by popular demand, Children's Entertainer
Billy B is returning again to talk and sign about our environment.
He performs on stage at 11am and 3:20 pm.
One of his many songs entitled
Yo, I'm a Flower tells of the importance of bees.
Special thanks to Dominion Resources for again sponsoring the appearance of Billy B.
While at SpringFest, children should vi
sit the Park Foundation table so they can receive a free beach ball! (whiles supplies last)
Parktakes magazine is a free publication about the Park Authority's quarterly guide to classes, camps, tours, and comprehensive facility and event information. The magazine is available in the mail, at RECenters, libraries and other public facilities, as well as via the
new online E-Edition.
Rec-PAC 2016
Be on the lookout in the near future for a letter from the Park Foundation asking you to donate funds so that children in financial need can attend a
Rec-PAC summer camp. Last year donations made through the Park Foundation allowed 2,001 children to attend Rec-PAC.
Sharing your resources with others in need will help students learn and grow from the
2016 summer camp experience. Your support is greatly appreciated!
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