A Summer Oasis Since 1954
Mount Vernon Park Association (MVPA) was founded in 1954 as The Mount Vernon Community Park and Playground Association, Inc., on eight acres of land generously donated by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church through John E. McPherson. Today, the park spans 13.2 acres at the corner of Fairfax Road and Lafayette Drive, serving as a beloved seasonal retreat for families in the Fort Hunt neighborhood and beyond.
From the beginning, MVPA’s founders envisioned a “magnificent recreation center and swimming pool at the lowest possible cost for family membership.” The original site plan included a modern swimming pool, wading pool, sand play area, bathhouse, baseball diamond, volleyball court, picnic area, wide walking paths, and a large lake stocked with bass and bluegill.
Growth and Transformation
Over the decades, MVPA has evolved while staying true to its founding vision:
- Pools: The original 25-meter competition pool and wading pool were rebuilt in 2004. The 50-meter pool, added in 1962, underwent a full renovation in 2020.
- Facilities: After a fire in 1972 destroyed the clubhouse and bathhouse, new and improved facilities were built and still serve members today.
- Recreation Areas: The former baseball diamond is now home to our tennis courts. The picnic area has been upgraded with kid-friendly ground cover and expanded play equipment.
- Structures: The manager’s “shack,” fondly remembered by longtime members, was replaced in 1992 with the cottage-style office and garage seen today.
- Pond Restoration: In 2000, the pond was drained, dredged of 45 years of silt, and restocked with bass, sunfish, redear, and minnows.
- Member-Led Additions: The Snack Shack, designed and built by members, opened in 2012. A grass volleyball court was added in 2014. Our grounds and landscaping continue to improve year after year thanks to member care and stewardship.
A Legacy of Community
MVPA’s first president emphasized the “great need for this community objective of a fine park and playground to include a modern swimming pool … where our families may live honorably with respect and pride among fellow citizens.”
That spirit lives on. Engineers, site planners, architects, builders, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, firefighters, police officers, single members, partners, and parents have all contributed their time and talents to shape the park into what it is today—and what it will become tomorrow.
As we approach 70 years of continuous operation, MVPA remains a volunteer-powered community. Member involvement is as vital now as it was in 1954, ensuring the park thrives for future generations.