At the Sept. 14 ribbon cutting for the new $63.8 million, six-level, Springfield Multi-Use Parking Garage, commuters were introduced to the new garage and told there would be more good things planned for the space. (See Mount Vernon Gazette, Sept 5-11, 2024, pg. 7),

On Dec. 8, the first of those more good things happens. The garage is making its debut as an event venue, as Fairfax Connector holds its second annual “Winter Fest” event on-site.

Santa Claus will be on-hand ready to pose for selfies in his specially designed Santa bus. Those in need of a quick word with the jolly elf, or photo proof that “Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus,” can sign up for a free visit and photo time slot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CA5A62EA4FC1-46282213-winterfest#/. The event is free for all; with advance separate tickets required for entrance to the event and to visit Santa. Get both tickets at the same link shown above.

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s chief executive, Monica Blackmon, cut the ribbon with Franconia Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Board Chairman Jeff McKay, among others, to open the commuter garage on Sept. 14 

 

In addition to visiting the Santa bus, attendees may join in games, do crafts and get face paintings. Or enjoy complementary hot cocoa or coffee from Duck Donuts; kettle corn from Colonial Kettle Corn; and cookies with Mrs Claus. Multiple food trucks will be on site for food purchases. The event opens softly with quiet time, at 9:30 a.m. for neurodivergent children, and families seeking sensory-friendly time. The event opens to everyone at 10 am. 

To get in the holiday mood, Fairfax Connector is sparkling its noel spirit beginning this week with three holiday themed-wrapped buses. Buses have not been this colorful since the Connector’s SpookyBus spirited around its routes celebrating Halloween last month. Spot one of the hard-to-miss holiday buses and post its picture on Fairfax Connector social media (Facebook, X, or LinkedIn) using #ConnectorHoliday, before Dec. 31, for the chance at a random prize drawing; a $50 SmarTrip card.

The new garage facility, at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, was funded by the Federal Highway Administration under its Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Fairfax County Commercial and Industrial Tax. The structure includes over 1,000 free parking spaces; a bus transit center, with seven bus bays; short-term parking for pick up and drop off, and a pedestrian bridge over Old Keene Mill road. It brings Springfield’s “slug lines” back to life; and has bicycle racks and storage. Additionally, it is designed with a focus on safety, including well-lit areas, surveillance cameras, and on-site security.

Parking is free to encourage use of the bus system and ride sharing, in order to reduce the number of Single Occupancy Vehicles on the road, ease congestion, lower emissions and improve air quality. Those using the secure bike room pay an annual membership. EV stations are available on site, as a convenience, with charging paid by EV users. At the ribbon cutting, Supervisor Rodney Lusk said the garage “supports all forms of travel; is flexible, sustainable, and convenient; providing transportation choices for everyone in this community.”

“Slugging” is` a Springfield ride sharing tradition, helping cars meet the HOV-3 requirement to ride the Express Lanes of I-395 for free. Carpool passengers may park their cars on an upper level of the garage, then hop a ride in cars queued for one of three destinations, in D.C. or the Pentagon.

The facility also has two flexible event spaces intended for future use by community groups, County agencies and private vendors. These public spaces include a street-level open plaza, and a roof-top park. Lynn Krolowitz, with the County’s transportation department explains, “We are working with other county agencies to establish these relationships and will announce any programs when finalized.” Space availability is expected sometime in 2025.