GOCA Update April 2026

Dear Oakton Neighbors and Friends,

As we move through 2026, a range of important developments and opportunities are shaping our community. From transportation and development to local events and volunteer efforts, this is a meaningful moment to stay informed and engaged in Oakton. It’s also a time to celebrate and reaffirm what we value most — our local history and culture, and the strong sense of community that brings us together.  We're glad to highlight GOCA's latest efforts and our and other local upcoming events.

Community News

• Proposed Name Change for Oakton Library

• Oakton Congestion and Pedestrian Safety Study

• AT&T Site Development

• Progress on Hunter Mill Road Sidewalk

GOCA News

• Historical Schoolhouses’ Open House, May 2

• Pony Rides in the Park, May 2

• Oakton Arts Council

• Oakton Day in the Park, August 30

• Volunteer Fairfax Champions

 Other Items 

• Celebrating Our Local Stewards: Free Period Pantry

• Calling All Artists and Makers

Community News

Proposed Name Change for Oakton Library.  An ad hoc meeting convened by the Board of Trustees on April 22 brought together local representatives including GOCA, Friends of the Oakton Library, Options for Oakton, and Smart Growth for Oakton. The group discussed two options: renaming the facility the Oakton–Connolly Library—a proposal from Board of Supervisors Chairman McKay and Supervisor Palchik to honor late Congressman Gerry Connolly—or retaining its current name, Oakton Library.

Community feedback shows strong support for keeping the library’s name unchanged. At the same time, participants expressed broad support for recognizing Congressman Connolly’s contributions in other meaningful ways within the library or on its grounds if the current name is retained.

Oakton Congestion and Pedestrian Safety Study. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has completed the Oakton Congestion and Pedestrian Safety Study, commissioned by Supervisor Palchik, and has released the initial results. It was later discovered that unexplained bot activity may have affected some survey responses—particularly the question about the proposed "innovative intersection". FCDOT is now reviewing and validating the data to ensure accuracy. Because this study will help guide future transportation decisions in Oakton, community input remains important. If you have questions or would like to share feedback, please contact Tim Kutz. 

AT&T Site Development. EYA continues to revise its rezoning application for the AT&T site in response to VDOT feedback, with a resubmission anticipated soon. This project will play a significant role in shaping Oakton’s future.  Residents are encouraged to stay informed and share questions or feedback with GOCA, as well as with Supervisor Palchik and Commissioner Hancock.

Progress on Hunter Mill Sidewalk.  GOCA was contacted recently by Supervisor Palchik to continue discussions about extending the sidewalk along Hunter Mill Road to Samaga Drive—a project with strong community support. She coordinated a meeting with a member of her staff and two representatives from FCDOT to explore next steps. FCDOT recommended a multi-track approach. The first phase focuses on scoping the project, which is already underway. The second phase would involve developing a design, followed by identifying funding sources. As part of this process, there may be opportunities to reduce costs, including potential partnerships with churches along the route that might be willing to provide right-of-way access.

GOCA News

Historic Schoolhouses’ Open House, May 2, 10 am - 2 pm. Nine local historic schoolhouses–including the Oakton Schoolhouse and the Vale Schoolhouse–will open their doors to visitors on Saturday, May 2 from 10 am - 2 pm.  Each schoolhouse is a member of the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia (HSNVA), of which GOCA was an original founder, and will have activities for adults and kids alike.  You can find the location of the participating HSNVA schoolhouses here.  

Pony Rides in the Park, May 2, 11 am - 2 pm. On the same day as the Historic Schoolhouses’ Open House, GOCA will again host Pony Rides in Oakton Community Park.  Cost is $10 per rider. Please register here.

Oakton Arts Council. GOCA has formed a working group to explore opportunities for public art installations in Oakton, in collaboration with ArtsFairfax. Residents interested in sharing ideas or getting involved are encouraged to participate—please email us for more information.

Oakton Day in the Park, August 30, 1 - 4 pm.  Planning is well underway for this free event that welcomed 950 people last year.  This is an all-volunteer event and we can always use more help - if you’d like to join the committee, please email us. 

Volunteer Fairfax Champions. Co-Chairs Lauren Crum and Shelley Deutch, on behalf of GOCA, are honored to receive a Volunteer Fairfax Award, celebrating individuals and organizations that make a real difference through service, on May 7th.  GOCA could have only accomplished this with the help of its hundreds of involved community members, so thank you and congratulations to you all too! 

Other Items

Celebrating Our Local Stewards: Unity Church's Free Period Pantry. A student-led initiative has established a Free Period Pantry at Unity Church of Fairfax (2854 Hunter Mill Road), providing menstrual products to anyone in need. Neighbors are welcome to support this effort by donating unopened supplies to help keep the pantry stocked.

Calling All Artists and Makers. The Grounds of Livev on Vale Road is looking for local artists and makers interested in being part of The Grounds’ Outsiders Only Festival on October 10. Applications are open through May 1: click here to apply.

How You Can Get Involved

The future of Oakton depends on informed, engaged residents. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Speak up on issues like transportation, development, and community planning.

• Support the schoolhouse initiatives and preservation efforts.

• Volunteer to help with Oakton Day in the Park.

• Participate in stewardship activities like invasive plant removal.

• Share our newsletters with friends.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

• Donate to sustain GOCA’s advocacy and programming (see link below).

With best regards,

The GOCA Board

Lauren Crum and Shelley Deutch, Co-ChairsLinda Byrne, Jackie Davey, Mark Deaton, Janet Kerr-Tener (Founding Co-Chair), Kris Olsen, Robin Thurman, Gary Wong 

 See our website at: www.greateroakton.com

GOCA is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, and 100% of your donations go to our community efforts.  To donate, please visit our Paypal link.  If you would like to become more actively involved, email us at contact@greateroakton.com and we can match you with the right opportunity.