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Annandale Community Park

Annandale Community Park
Annandale Community Park
Annandale Community Park
Annandale Community Park

ANNANDALE, Va. — Nestled in the heart of Annandale, Va., Annandale Community Park is a picturesque green space that offers scenic walking trails and shady picnic areas. The park includes playgrounds, sports fields, and tennis courts and is the home of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/523

       

 

Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park

Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park
Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park
Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park
Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park

ANNANDALE, Va. — The Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park in Annandale, Virginia, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich railway history. Set amidst serene natural surroundings, the park showcases remnants of the Manassas Gap Railroad, a planned transportation route linking the Shenandoah Valley to Northern Virginia.

Construction of the Manassas Gap Railroad began in the 1850s to transport agricultural products from the Ohio and Shenandoah Valleys to markets in Northern Virginia. Merchants in Alexandria opted to construct the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad to circumvent high rail rental charges imposed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The proposed railroad would span 34 miles from Bull Run, traversing the city of Fairfax before veering east near the village of Annandale, proceeding into Indian Run Valley, and terminating at the rail yards of Alexandria.

Although the filling and leveling necessary for the rail bed's construction were completed, funding shortages halted progress, and the rails never extended beyond Alexandria. The rail beds became notable earthworks during Civil War battles and skirmishes in Annandale and Fairfax.

Today, the Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park and the Annandale Community Park encompass 1,870 feet of railroad bed, two historic culverts, and substantial masonry work, preserving the legacy of this ambitious but ultimately unrealized railway project.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/522

       

 

Eileen Garnett Civic Space

Eileen Garnett Civic Space
Eileen Garnett Civic Space

ANNANDALE, Va. — The Eileen Garnett Civic Space opened in October 2023 and serves as a new community gathering space in downtown Annandale. The park is located on the remaining portion of the former Annandale Elementary School. Situated in the heart of downtown Annandale, a second phase of park improvements is scheduled to occur in 2024.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/521

 

2024 HTOCA Earth Day Clean-up

2024 HTOCA Earth Day Clean-up

ANNANDALE, Va. — Organized by the Hillbrook-Tall Oaks Civic Association (HTOCA), the Earth Day Clean-up is a neighborhood volunteer event designed to help keep the community clean. Volunteers received supplies provided by the HTOCA and worked in an assigned neighborhood section.

Remember, every bit of litter removed helps!

 

2024 Music Educator of the Year Award Watch Party

2024 Music Educator of the Year Award Watch Party
2024 Music Educator of the Year Award Watch Party

ANNANDALE, Va. — Annandale High School community members gathered on February 1 in the high school's auditorium to watch the 2024 Music Educator of the Year Award announcement on CBS.

Music teacher and orchestra leader Annie Ray from Annandale was announced as the prestigious award winner, presented annually by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.

📹 Watch Party Video: absolonkent.net/video/2024-Music-Educator-Award-Watch-Party%20-%20HD%201080p.mp4

📹 CBS News Announcement Video (via YouTube): youtube.com/watch?v=D2Snx0Majsc

📹 "Vivaldi Springs Forth" performance video: absolonkent.net/video/Vivaldi_Spring_Forth.mp4