GOCA Update September 2026
Dear Oakton Neighbors and Friends,
What a day! Oakton Day in the Park on August 30th was a wonderful celebration of our community, bringing together close to 1,000 neighbors, 12 major sponsors, 9 community partners, 14 nonprofits, food vendors, and activities throughout the park. The energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit were everywhere and it was clear just how much Oakton loves coming together. Thank you to all our participants and our team of volunteers!
Community News
Oakton Congestion and Safety Study Public Meeting
Community Meeting on Enhancement to Oakton Community Park
AT&T Site Revised Rezoning Application
GOCA News
Hunter Mill Road “Side Path” Conversation
Pony Rides in the Park
Celebration of Five Years of IMA’s Work in Oakton Community Park
Oakton History Bus Tour with Popular Local Historian
Other Items
Food Drive in Providence District
Providence Fallfest 2026
Outsiders Only Festival
Friends of Oakton Library Fall Book Sale
Upcoming Invasive Plant Removal Events
Spotlight on Our Local Stewards: Kids Give Back
How You Can Get Involved
Community News
Oakton Congestion and Safety Study Public Meeting, October 5th, 7 pm
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is hosting the third public meeting for the Oakton Congestion Safety Study on Monday, October 5th from 7 – 9 pm in the Oakton High School cafeteria. The study is examining how Oakton can become safer and more accessible for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. We encourage residents to attend, ask questions, and share their experiences.
At the meeting, FCDOT will present the results of its first public survey, analysis of future traffic scenarios, and proposals for active transportation improvements. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with residents. FCDOT will also solicit additional public feedback through an online survey, which is expected to be posted on the Congestion and Safety Study webpage in early October. Following the meeting, public and stakeholder feedback will help inform the development of an additional traffic scenario for testing. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the study, email Tim Kutz.
Community Meeting on Enhancement to Oakton Community Park (OCP), October 19th, 6pm
Join us for an important presentation by the Fairfax County Park Authority on potential enhancements to OCP on October 19th at 6 pm in the historic Oakton Schoolhouse. If you attended Oakton Day in the Park, you may have met the Park Authority staff and seen the Phase 1 renderings for the new pavilion, which has been made possible by a generous anonymous donation.
GOCA is also advocating for additional improvements - including water, a restroom, and a small kitchen - that would make the park more functional and welcoming for community events and everyday use. These improvements are part of the Phase 2 vision shared at Oakton Day and would require a community-led capital campaign. We encourage residents to attend this meeting, learn more about the plans, and share your ideas.
AT&T Site Revised Rezoning Application
GOCA has been informed that the proposed developer, EYA, is submitting its rezoning application imminently. GOCA will share this information once it has been made public. As always, GOCA encourages residents to stay informed and continue sharing questions and feedback with us, Supervisor Palchik and Providence Planning Commissioner Jeremy Hancock.
GOCA News
Thank You to Our Oakton Day Sponsors and Partners
For the sixth year, GOCA was proud to bring Oakton Day in the Park to our community free for everyone to enjoy. An event of this size is only possible because of the generous local businesses and organizations that believe in Oakton and invest in our community. Our sincere thanks go to the following financial sponsors: The Backyard Bird Feeder, Children’s Dentistry of Oakton, Complete Dermatology, Realtor Deb Cohen, Hunter Mill Animal Hospital, Hunter Mill Montessori, Image Flooring Kitchen + Bath, Oakton Family Orthodontics, Raymond James/Vocare, Service Source, Sunrise Assisted Living of Hunter Mill, and Realtor Valerie Kappler. We are equally grateful to our community partners who donated their time, talents and resources to help make Oakton Day so much fun for neighbors of all ages: Realtor Andrea Woodhouse, Fresh Flowers Florist, Mountain Kim, Oakton Family Dentistry, Oakton United Methodist Church, Realtor Michelle Fisher, Scouting America, The Grounds of Livev, and Unity of Fairfax. The next time you’re looking for a business, service or organization to support, please consider giving your business to those who give back to Oakton.
Hunter Mill Road “Side Path” Conversation
A GOCA committee of residents and board members continues to work on extending the Hunter Mill Road side path between Samaga Drive and OCP. The committee is working to arrange a second meeting with FCDOT and is now hoping to meet with our state representatives to explore additional ways to move this project forward. Improving pedestrian access along this stretch of Hunter Mill Road would make it safer and easier for residents to walk or bike to Oakton Community Park and other nearby destinations. If you would like to get involved in this committee, please email us.
Pony Rides in the Park, September 20th, 11 am - 2 pm
Back by popular demand, GOCA will again host Pony Rides in OCP. GOCA gives special thanks to Board member Linda Byrne for creating this opportunity for our residents. We still have a few spots left for riders. Cost is $10 per rider. Please register here.
Celebration of Five Years of IMA’s Work in OCP, October 3rd, 11 am
For five years, volunteers have been working to restore and care for the natural areas of Oakton Community Park through the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area (IMA) program. On Saturday, October 3rd, at 11 am, IMA leadership will celebrate this milestone and recognize the many volunteers and community members who have contributed to the effort.
The celebration will begin with a brief tour of the woods and meadow, followed by a short program recognizing volunteers and others who have supported habitat restoration at the park. GOCA will provide refreshments following the program. Please respond here if you would like to attend the celebration.
Oakton History Bus Tour with Popular Local Historian, October 17th, 9 am
Curious about the stories that shaped Oakton? Join us on Saturday, October 17th, from 9 am to 1 pm for an entertaining history tour led by acclaimed local historian Jim Lewis. We’ll begin in Oakton, once known as Flint Hill, and travel along Hunter Mill Road, exploring the area’s rich past. Highlights include the early 1900s electric trolley line that once ran through Oakton, a Confederate fort site you may have driven past without realizing it, 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 $45 per person. Sign up here by October 12th.
Other Items
Food Drive in Providence District
The annual Providence District Food Drive is underway through October 3rd. Collected items will be distributed to the local high school food pantries and Food for Others. If you would like to donate, please leave unopened and unexpired items in the container on the historic Oakton Schoolhouse porch. Thanks for helping neighbors in need!
Providence Fallfest 2026, Saturday, October 10th, 11 am - 2 pm
Supervisor Palchik is partnering with Neighborhood and Community Services to host the 2026 Providence Fallfest. This year's event is Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 am - 2 pm at the Jim Scott Community Center. Enjoy performances, games, activities for all ages, and an opportunity to connect with staff from various Fairfax County departments who will be available to answer questions and provide information and resources. The event is free and open to the public.
Outsiders Only Festival, Saturday, October 10th, 10 am - 3 pm
If you attended Oakton Day, you met our newest participating community partner The Grounds of Livev, which introduced neighbors to the art of papermaking. On October 10th from 10 am - 3 pm, The Grounds of Livev is hosting the Outsiders Only Festival, a festival celebrating our creative community with local artisans and makers, food and beverage vendors, and live music. Please purchase your tickets in advance here.
Friends of Oakton Library Fall Book Sale, October 14th - 17th
For more information on the book sale, please visit Friends of Oakton Library. For other upcoming activities and events at the Oakton Library, please click here.
Upcoming Invasive Plant Removal Events
Oakton Community Park, Saturday, September 12th from 9 - 11 am and 1 - 3 pm. If interested in helping, please contact Willow Martin.
Spotlight on Our Local Stewards: Kids Give Back
New this year to Oakton Day in the Park was the charitable organization Kids Give Back that provides children ages 6 - 12 with volunteer service opportunities. Founded by a Northern Virginia parent, Kids Give Back provides Summer Volunteer Camp, Kids Volunteer Days, Family Volunteer Events, and more that inspire children to be the next generation of volunteer leaders. Upcoming events are: Kids Volunteer Day on September 21st and Cup of Kindness Afternoon Tea on November 14th. To learn more, visit the Kids Give Back website.
How You Can Get Involved
The future of Oakton depends on informed and engaged residents. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Attend the Oakton Congestion Safety Study on Monday, October 5th from 7 – 9 pm in the Oakton High School cafeteria.
Attend the October 19th meeting to discuss enhancements to Oakton Community Park at 6 pm in the historic Oakton Schoolhouse.
Share our newsletters with friends and neighbors. If you live in an HOA community, please encourage your HOA to share GOCA updates and provide us with a contact person.
Participate in stewardship activities like invasive plant removal.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Speak up on issues like transportation, development, and community planning.
Donate to support GOCA’s efforts.
With best regards,
The GOCA Board
Lauren Crum and Shelley Deutch, Co-ChairsLinda Byrne, Anne Carter, Jackie Davey, Mark Deaton, Janet Kerr-Tener (Founding Co-Chair), Kris Olsen, Robin Thurman, Gary Wong
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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