Overview 

The Town of Vienna is seeking feedback from residents as it explores constructing a recreational aquatics and fitness center at 301 Center St., S.  Conceptual designs for the project include a state-of-the-art facility encompassing approximately 24,500 square feet with ample parking for visitors. The center is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of recreational and fitness needs, ensuring a welcoming environment for all ages and physical abilities.

Aquatics Area

The proposed aquatics portion of the center spans approximately 12,000 square feet, featuring a pool specifically designed for recreation and leisure activities.  The pool includes four lap lanes for those who enjoy a structured swim, as well as a zero-entry point for enhanced accessibility.  Surrounding the pool is ample decking space, ideal for relaxation and socializing.  Additionally, there is a standalone slide with its own splash zone, strategically separated from the main pool to maximize usage and fun. 

Fitness Area

The fitness section of the building covers approximately 9,000 square feet and is designed to support a variety of exercise routines.  This area is divided into distinct sections for weights and machines, cardio workouts, and group exercise classes.  Whether a person wants to lift weights, run on a treadmill, or participate in a group fitness session, the proposed facility is equipped to meet fitness goals for a variety of interests and needs.

Additional Amenities

Beyond the primary aquatics and fitness areas, the conceptual center includes a welcoming lobby, rental rooms, and office space for administrative functions.   To accommodate guests' comfort and privacy, there are restrooms, locker rooms, and family change rooms, offering convenience for individuals and families alike.

The potential aquatics and fitness center is designed with the community in mind, providing a comprehensive and accessible space for recreation, fitness, and family fun. 

For details see the presentation and final report provided to the Town Council on September 30, 2024: 

Annex Long Term Use Study Presentation
Annex Long Term Use Study Final Report
Appendix A- Existing Building Review
Appendix B- Vienna Annex Engagement Summary
Appendix C- Operational Planning Report
Appendix D- Program Narrative

Proposed Funding Source

At a work session in September 2024, the Town Council expressed interest in pursuing the facility and funding it through a temporary, 1% meals tax increase dedicated specifically for the center's construction. With the meals tax, the facility would open by 2030.  Without the meals tax, the earliest the facility could open is 2040 through the Town’s usual capital improvement planning process.

Increasing the Town meals tax by 1% (from 3% to 4%) for 10 years will help pay for the recreational pool and fitness center.  Previously, the Town Green was funded through a temporary, 1% meals tax increase from 2002 to 2008, and overall restaurant revenues increased.  

The 1% increase equates to an extra 15 cents for a $15 meal, or an extra 50 cents for a $50 meal.  Currently the Town's meals tax rate is among the lowest in the region.  Temporarily raising it to 4% would still be in line with meals tax rates in nearby jurisdictions of similar size, and the Town Ordinance would stipulate that it be reduced back to 3% after 10 years.  

For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.

Please note:  The separate meals tax Fairfax County is considering implementing applies only to Fairfax County restaurants.  Any proposed meals tax by Fairfax County will not apply within Town of Vienna. 

Community Feedback

Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the project and proposed 1% meals tax increase that would last for 10 years.  

Comments are accepted via email to council@viennava.gov, or by phone (703-255-6304), or sending a letter to 127 Center Street South, Vienna, VA 22180.  Survey feedback was accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

Residents were invited to attend a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall to learn more, ask questions and to provide feedback.  The meeting was recorded and can be viewed online.

Residents also provided feedback at a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall.  The Town Council extended the date for public hearing feedback, and will accept comments to be entered in the public hearing record via email through Wednesday, Nov. 27 at which time the public hearing will close.

The Town Council conducted a public hearing on the proposed amendment to Chapter 6 to temporarily raise the meals tax rate. The Town Council may consider adopting the proposed amendment in its discretion.  Pursuant to the Virginia Code, any vote on raising a tax rate requires a 2/3rds vote of the Town Council.

Background Information

The Vienna Town Council voted in 2020 to purchase the former Faith Baptist Church property at 301 Center Street with the intention of using it for municipal purposes based on community feedback.  The facility served as a temporary police headquarters from 2021 to 2023 while the new police station was being built next door.

A feasibility study determined it was too costly to bring the former church building up to code for recreational purposes, so the Vienna Town Council voted in 2023 to demolish the structure and start fresh with a new building on the three-acre site.  At the same time, the Parks and Recreation department conducted an outreach campaign to determine what the community envisioned for the property.  Many ideas were submitted, and two common themes - aquatics and fitness - emerged.

In response to the community feedback, the Vienna Town Council agreed to explore the highly desired facility through the Annex Long Term Use Study. The concepts were presented at a work session in September of 2024.