City leaders, residents, and local contractors gathered at Jennie Dean Park on March 14 to celebrate the grand opening of a host of new amenities at the city’s largest park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, community engagement, and construction.
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger addressed the crowd, reflecting on the long journey to the day’s celebration.
“This project has been nearly a decade in the making,” she said. “Back in 2016, we began a series of Community Conversations, asking you what you wanted to see in this Park. In 2021, the planning and design work started with more input from all of you. Then, in September 2023, construction officially began. Now, here we are, standing in a transformed Dean Park, ready for everyone to enjoy.”
The newly dedicated amenities include eight state-of-the-art pickleball courts, three rectangular multipurpose fields, a brand-new basketball court, and a lighted futsal court. In addition to these recreation upgrades, a modern restroom facility has also been added.
The event also included a ceremonial burial of a time capsule, set to be opened in 2073.
Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe and Council Members Theresa Coates Ellis, Ashley Hutson, Ralph Smith, and Sonia Vasquez-Luna joined the mayor in celebrating the momentous occasion. The event showcased the city’s continued investment in outdoor recreation, health, and wellness for residents of all ages.
Dean Park, which spans 75 acres, has long been a community centerpiece. In addition to the new features, several beloved areas of the park have been preserved and improved, including:
- Winter’s Branch Trail, ideal for walking, biking, and running
- Baseball fields and batting cages
- Tennis courts
- Lucky’s Dog Park
- The Manassas Boys and Girls Club
Project partners included Kimley-Horn (planning and design), GEI Construction (general contractor), Volkert (construction management), and Terracon (inspections and testing).
“This is only the beginning. As funding allows, we have plans for even more improvements, including new tennis courts, a playground, and a picnic pavilion,” said Mayor Davis-Younger. And right next door, the new Jennie Dean Elementary School is set to begin construction.”
