GOCA Update Feb 22, 2026
- shelleydeutch
- May 3
- 6 min read
Dear Oakton Neighbors and Friends,
Although last month’s Oakton birthday celebration was iced out - and we missed seeing all of you! - we saw the storm bring out the best in our community as neighbors stepped up to help neighbors in so many ways. This is the generosity and community spirit that defines Oakton and invites us to pause and appreciate the people, places, and shared spaces that truly make Oakton feel like home. This month’s update reflects the heart of our community—from caring for the cornerstone Oakton Library, to stewarding our environment through the Master Naturalists Program, to helping neighbors in need by supporting a local food pantry.
Community News
Proposed Name Change for Oakton Library – Meeting February 24th
Oakton Congestion and Safety Study
Update on AT&T Site Development
Free Trees!
Oakton Farmers Market Has New Location
Thank You to Oakton Library Staff
Oakton United Methodist Church’s Blessing Box
GOCA News
Oakton Day in the Park Needs Your Help
Oakton History Bus Tour with Popular Local Historian
Other Items
Friends of Oakton Library Spring Book Sale
Fairfax County Historical Commission Annual Conference
Garden Clubs of Virginia and Fairfax Garden Week
Celebrating Our Local Stewards: Fairfax Master Naturalists
Upcoming IMA sessions
Community News
Proposed Name Change for Oakton Library. On Tuesday, February 24 at 7 pm at the Oakton Library, the Library Board of Trustees will host a community meeting to share information about the proposal to rename the library to honor former Congressman Gerry E. Connolly. Space is limited so residents who wish to attend should register here. If you would like to submit written feedback or speak at the meeting, please email Fairfax County Public Library.
Oakton Congestion and Safety Study. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is hosting the second public meeting for the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 – 9 pm in the Oakton High School Cafeteria. Staff will present traffic and multimodal data, findings from the December walk audits, and proposed improvements developed during the November workshop. Feedback will also be gathered through an online survey in the coming weeks. You can view more information at Oakton Congestion and Safety Study | Transportation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the study, please send an email to Tim Kutz.
Update on AT&T Site Development. The prospective developer of the AT&T site, EYA, continues to address transportation comments from VDOT and evaluate design modifications, with the goal of resubmitting a revised rezoning application soon. GOCA encourages residents to share questions and feedback with us, and to also reach out to Supervisor Palchik and Commissioner Hancock.
Free Trees! To improve air quality, reduce heat, and strengthen neighborhood environments, Fairfax County is offering free trees to community-based organizations for local planting projects. Volunteer groups, civic associations, and faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply by April 10, 2026. Projects serving vulnerable communities will be prioritized, though all eligible organizations are welcome to apply. For details, visit Fairfax County Tree Distribution to Community Organizations | Public Works and Environmental Services
Oakton Farmers Market Has New Location. After several years at Oakton United Methodist Church, the Oakton Farmers Market has moved to Unity Church of Fairfax at 2854 Hunter Mill Road. Community support remains essential to keeping this local market vibrant so we encourage you to stop by on Saturdays between 9 am - 1 pm.
Thank You to Oakton Library Staff. With the closure of Patrick Henry Library, Oakton Library has welcomed a significant increase in visitors. On a recent Saturday, nearly 900 residents came through the doors—almost triple a typical weekend. A simple thank-you goes a long way for the staff who keep this important community space running.
Safety Improvements at Blake Lane and Bushman Drive. Beginning March 2, work will begin to install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Blake Lane and Bushman Drive. This pedestrian safety device uses high-intensity, rapid-flashing lights to alert drivers when someone is in or approaching the crosswalk, helping make the crossing more visible and safer for everyone.
Oakton United Methodist Church's Blessing Box. The food and toiletries collection box at Oakton United Methodist Church (OUMC), at the intersection of Chain Bridge and Hunter Mill Road, provides items for our neighbors in need and is heavily used. The most-needed items include ready-to-eat meals, canned meats and soups, individually wrapped snacks, protein bars, fruit cups, peanut butter, cereal, shelf-stable milk, and toiletries. The box is located to the side of the parking lot behind OUMC. To get the word out, please “share” this Facebook post about the Blessing Box with your neighbors.
GOCA News
Oakton Day in the Park Needs Your Help. On March 3 at 3:30 pm, we will host a planning meeting for this year’s Oakton Day in the Park at the Oakton Historic Schoolhouse. Last year, nearly 950 neighbors came together to celebrate, and we’re excited to build on that momentum. We welcome fresh ideas, helping hands, and community spirit to make this year’s event even more memorable. Please join us for the meeting — and if you have questions or would like to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Oakton History Bus Tour with Popular Local Historian. Curious about the stories that shaped Oakton, Virginia? Join us on Saturday, April 11, from 9 am to 1 pm for a captivating and entertaining history tour led by acclaimed local historian Jim Lewis. We’ll begin in Oakton — once known as Flint Hill, Virginia — and travel along Hunter Mill Road, exploring the area’s rich past. Highlights include the early 1900s electric trolley line that once ran through our community and the region’s pivotal role during the Civil War era. Space is limited to 23 passengers on the coach bus, and the cost is $43 per person. Sign up here by March 30.
Other Items
Friends of Oakton Library Spring Book Sale, April 15 - 18; for more information, please visit Friends of Oakton Library. For other upcoming activities and events at the Oakton Library, please click here.
Fairfax County Historical Commission Annual Conference, April 18, 8:30 am - 4 pm. Join historians, scholars, educators and community members for a day of exploration, discovery and reflection on the future. As Fairfax celebrates our country turning 250 years old, this conference explores how the county shaped—and was shaped by—the American Revolution. From famous figures to everyday people, uncover the ideas, struggles and lasting impacts that helped change the course of history. Register here. To learn more about the Fairfax County History Commission, visit here.
The Garden Club of Virginia and Fairfax Garden Week, April 21, 10 am - 4 pm. The Garden Club of Fairfax is celebrating its centennial during Historic Garden Week by showcasing three properties in Fairfax County. Step into history with a 1865 Victorian gem in Fairfax and then discover two beautiful homes in the Oak Hill area. You can purchase tour tickets here (make sure to select Fairfax Tour) and find more Information about The Garden Club of Virginia here.
Celebrating Our Local Stewards: Fairfax Master Naturalists. The Fairfax Master Naturalists (FMN) are a dedicated group of volunteers, working with a wide range of partner organizations, to make a meaningful impact on our local environment through education, stewardship, and community service. Members lead nature education programs, help with invasive plant removal, assist in citizen science efforts, and support community events like Earth Day celebrations. Whether you’re curious about wildlife, eager to get outdoors, or looking for ways to give back, FMN is a wonderful example of community‑based conservation in action. For more information, visit their website.
Upcoming Sessions To Remove Invasive Plants.
Blake Lane Park, Saturdays, February 28, March 1, March 7 and March 8 from 11 am - 1 pm. If interested, contact Jen Pradas.
Oakton Community Park, Saturday, March 7, 9 - 11 am and 1 - 3 pm. If interested in helping, please contact Willow Martin.
Jim Scott Community Center, Sunday, March 22, 10 am - 12 pm. Join the Invasive Management Area (IMA) program and Fairfax Tree Rescuer PRISM to rescue trees from invasive vines. Register here.
How You Can Get Involved
Your engagement makes GOCA’s work possible.
Attend community meetings and share your perspective.
Volunteer to help plan Oakton Day in the Park - a free event for our community.
Support the Schoolhouse initiative as improvements move forward.
Volunteer outdoors through stewardship opportunities such as invasive plant removal and Master Naturalists
Participate in GOCA events, including the April bus tour.
Donate to sustain GOCA’s programming, and community events.
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.
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