Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center | Fairfax

The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center is a well-appointed, multi-purpose facility located at 3740 Blenheim Boulevard in Fairfax, Virginia. It serves as a key venue for a wide variety of community, social, and private events, ranging from small meetings and workshops to large weddings, receptions, performances, and conferences. Its convenient location near Van Dyck Park and within walking distance of Old Town Fairfax enhances its appeal as a community hub, blending accessibility with a scenic environment.

Facility Layout and Spaces

The center is designed to accommodate different event types through four distinct rooms, each tailored to specific uses:

Performance Space: This is the centerpiece of the facility, featuring elegant hardwood floors and versatile seating arrangements. It can hold up to 500 guests in theater-style seating, making it ideal for performances, lectures, large meetings, or conferences. For seated dinners or receptions with tables and chairs, it accommodates up to 333 guests. The room’s sophisticated ambiance makes it popular for weddings, gala dinners, and formal celebrations.

Rehearsal Room: Smaller and more intimate, this room is suited for groups up to 70 people. It is often used for rehearsal sessions, workshops, training classes, or community group meetings. The space is designed to be flexible and comfortable for interactive gatherings.

Art Room: This room is dedicated to creative activities such as art classes, craft workshops, and hands-on learning sessions. With a capacity of up to 60 participants, it is an ideal environment for fostering creativity in small to medium groups.

Drummond Family Activity Room: A flexible, multipurpose room that can accommodate up to 49 guests. It is commonly used for board meetings, smaller social events, classes, or private functions requiring a cozy but functional space.

Amenities and Technical Features

The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center offers modern amenities to support a smooth and enjoyable event experience:

Audio/Visual Capabilities: The Performance Space and other rooms are equipped with high-quality audiovisual technology, including HD projectors, sound systems, and assistive-listening devices to ensure accessibility for all attendees. This makes the center suitable for multimedia presentations, performances, and conferences.

Wireless Internet: Complimentary guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, supporting connectivity for attendees and event organizers.

Parking and Accessibility: The facility offers ample parking adjacent to the center, facilitating easy access for guests. It is fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Outdoor Features: The center boasts a charming pergola area outdoors, which serves as a picturesque setting for photo opportunities, small ceremonies, or reception gatherings in pleasant weather.

Catering Facilities: While the center does not provide in-house catering, external caterers are welcome to use a designated catering area. This flexibility allows event planners to select vendors tailored to their preferences and budgets.

Rental Policies and Pricing

The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center offers flexible rental terms to accommodate community and private events:

Booking Windows: Reservations can be made up to two years in advance. For events scheduled in a particular month, applications must be submitted by the 14th of the previous month to guarantee consideration. Applications received after this date are reviewed only for availability during public hours or less sought-after time slots.

Payment Terms: Full payment is required 60 days prior to the event date. For rentals booked less than 60 days in advance, payment must be made in full at the time of reservation.

Discounts and Incentives: City of Fairfax residents and local businesses benefit from a $200 discount on Performance Space rentals scheduled Fridays through Sundays. Additionally, a 10% discount is available for all rentals occurring during the months of January and February, encouraging use during typically slower periods.

Community Role and Uses

The center plays an important role in supporting community cohesion and cultural life in Fairfax. It hosts a variety of functions including:

Weddings and receptions, benefiting from elegant indoor space and attractive outdoor settings.

Corporate meetings and training sessions, leveraging technical equipment and flexible meeting rooms.

Community group activities and recreational classes, including arts and crafts, dance rehearsals, and educational workshops.

Cultural performances and public presentations, facilitated by the large-capacity Performance Space.

Social gatherings and celebrations, providing accessible and affordable venue options for birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.

Contact and Access Information

The center is managed by the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department, which handles reservations, inquiries, and event planning support. Interested parties can contact the department via phone at (703) 385-7858. The center’s website provides further details on availability, fees, policies, and upcoming community events.

In summary, the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center stands out as a flexible, well-equipped venue that supports a broad spectrum of community and private events in Fairfax, Virginia. Its combination of modern facilities, technical resources, and scenic surroundings makes it a preferred choice for residents and organizations seeking a reliable and inviting space for their events.