​​GOCA Update Dec 14, 2025

Dear Oakton Neighbors and Friends,

As the year winds down, we are reflecting on how much our GOCA community accomplished in 2025. GOCA was formed to preserve the qualities we value most in Oakton and to strengthen our sense of community and pride. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, it is ongoing, impactful, and only possible because of your engagement and support.

Below is a snapshot of what GOCA has been working on throughout the year—and why your voice continues to matter.  Be sure to also see the “How You Can Help Right Now” box at the end for easy ways to get involved.

Making the Oakton Schoolhouse a Community Asset

Memorandum of Agreement with Fairfax County Park Authority. In April, GOCA and the Fairfax County Park Authority signed a Memorandum of Agreement allowing GOCA to open and manage the historic Oakton Schoolhouse for community use.  With this access comes greater responsibility, and we are committed to making the schoolhouse both functional and welcoming while preserving its historic character. 

Friends of Oakton Schoolhouse. GOCA formed an informal Friends of Oakton Schoolhouse group focused on developing an educational curriculum for fourth graders, outfitting the building with desks and other historic artifacts, establishing use policies, and documenting our growing historical holdings.

Planning for a Pavilion and Restroom Facility. We are exploring the addition of a small pavilion at the schoolhouse with restrooms, covered seating, and potentially a kitchen area to better support community events. If you would like to assist—especially if you are a civil engineer, builder, or have relevant local contacts—please email us.

Historic Schoolhouse Open House. GOCA partnered with seven other local historic schoolhouses to host the second annual Historical Schoolhouse of Northern Virginia Open House on Saturday, May 3, 2025. We are already planning another Open House for May 2026.

Hosting Events in the Schoolhouse. In addition to the Open House, GOCA hosted a Department of Tax Administration information session, a performance by an interpretive actress portraying Amelia Earhart, and a presentation by a local historian.

Advocating for Oakton Issues

Continued Engagement with the Proposed AT&T Development. GOCA remained actively involved in discussions surrounding the proposed AT&T/EYA development, ensuring Oakton’s interests and concerns were consistently represented. As noted in our previous newsletter, staff’s review on the original rezoning application identified several areas where the revised proposal does not yet meet the requirements of the updated Comprehensive Plan. Once the review process concludes, the Board of Supervisors will vote on the rezoning. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027. GOCA welcomes your input at any time by emailing us, and we encourage you to stay up to date on the process by regularly visiting the Options for Oakton/Smart Growth for Oakton Facebook page or the Options for Oakton website.

Addressing Increased Traffic in Oakton. In response to concerns raised by GOCA and other Oakton-based organizations, Supervisor Palchik secured funding for the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study covering approximately one mile in all directions from the planned EYA development. This study was included as part of the agreement to amend the Comprehensive Plan.  We need your help. The Oakton Congestion and Safety Study conducted a walk audit on December 9, 2025, along Hunter Mill Road, Miller Road, and Chain Bridge Road. If you were unable to attend, you can still participate independently by completing this worksheet and submitting to Timothy Kutz by December 31, 2025. Additional details are available on the project website. 

Following the Plan Forward Amendment. Phase One of the Countywide Comprehensive Plan—covering Land Use, Transportation, Environment, Parks & Recreation, Healthy Communities, and Equity—was formally approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 10, 2025.  We encourage residents to visit the Plan Forward web site to review the adopted Phase One language, participate in the still-to-be-scheduled workshops for Phase Two, and review the draft when it becomes available. As always, please share comments or concerns with Supervisor Palchik and with GOCA.

Promoting a Sidewalk Along Hunter Mill Road. One of GOCA’s long-standing priorities is securing County funding to extend the sidewalk along Hunter Mill Road from Oakton Community Park to Samaga Drive. This connection would significantly improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, enabling more residents to walk to the library, park, and nearby shopping. An initial $7 million cost estimate has made progress challenging, however, there is renewed hope because the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF) has offered to collaborate with nearby churches. UUCF encourages residents to email Supervisor Palchik in support—now is a critical moment to speak up if you want to see this sidewalk built.

Building Community

Fifth Annual Oakton Day in the Park. Oakton Day in the Park continues to be a highlight of the year. In 2025, more than 950 residents attended. We are deeply grateful to the many volunteers and sponsors who make this beloved event possible.

Oakton Restaurant Week. GOCA organized the first-ever Oakton Restaurant Week in January 2025, and it will return in 2026 from Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 25. Participating restaurants will offer special, week-only promotions—stay tuned for the full list.

I-66 Exit Signage. At GOCA’s request, and with the help of Providence District staff, VDOT installed directional signage at the I-66 Exit 60 ramp to help drivers more easily find Oakton.

Engaging Oakton’s Younger Residents. We welcomed families for pony rides and hosted a “Kids’ Breakfast with the Birds,” led by a resident bird expert.

Celebrating Oakton’s 142nd Birthday. GOCA organized the second annual celebration marking Oakton’s official naming on January 24, 1883, when its first post office was established. The event, held at Settle Down Easy, brought neighbors together to celebrate Oakton’s history.  We will be gathering again this year–stay tuned for more details!

Supporting Community Drives. Thanks to the generosity of Oakton residents, GOCA supported Providence District’s food, school supplies, and coat drives throughout the year. The annual Winter Gear Drive is currently underway from December 1 through January 16. A collection box for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, and other winter gear is located on the Oakton Schoolhouse porch.

How You Can Help Right Now

Your voice and involvement make a real difference. Here are a few timely ways to help move Oakton initiatives forward:

• Donate. GOCA’s advocacy efforts and most of our events are free to the public because we are an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Your donations help cover essential expenses and make our work possible. To donate, please visit our PayPal link or mail a check to:  GOCA, c/o Lauren Crum, 10665 Oakton Ridge Ct., Oakton, VA 22124

• Participate in the Oakton Congestion & Safety Study:  Complete a walk audit on your own and submit your worksheet by December 31, 2025, to Timothy Kutz. This is your chance to make a real improvement to traffic in Oakton!

• Support the Hunter Mill Road Sidewalk: Email Supervisor Palchik to express your support for extending the sidewalk from Oakton Community Park to Samaga Drive. This project improves safety, walkability, and connectivity for the entire community.

• Stay Engaged on the AT&T/EYA Development: Share questions or concerns with GOCA and reach out to Supervisor Palchik and Commissioner Hancock as rezoning and transportation reviews continue into early 2026.

• Donate Winter Gear: Drop off new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and other winter gear at the collection box on the Oakton Schoolhouse by January 16th.

• Participate in one of the Upcoming IMA Sessions in Oakton Parks: Oakton Community Park on January 3rd, 1 - 3 pm; Difficult Stream Valley Park, 

• Get Involved with GOCA: Whether you have professional expertise (engineering, construction, website development, education, history) or simply want to help at events,email us and we’ll connect you with the right opportunity.

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, and Albert Wu. 

Visit us at www.greateroakton.com