2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101818D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 331

Offered February 3, 2025

Commending the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's.

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Patrons—Ebbin; Delegate: Herring

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WHEREAS, on September 14, 2024, a dedication ceremony was held to honor the renaming of the Bailey's Community Center in Falls Church to the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's; and

WHEREAS, born in Washington, D.C., in 1889, Minnie H. Peyton was a longtime resident and beloved matriarch of Springdale, a historically Black community in the Bailey's Crossroads area of Falls Church, where the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's is located today; and

WHEREAS, in 1954, Minnie H. Peyton sold land to the Fairfax County School Board that was used for the establishment of the school site of the former Lillian Carey Elementary School, which today comprises part of the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's; and

WHEREAS, a request to explore renaming the Bailey's Community Center in honor of Minnie H. Peyton was introduced by former Fairfax County supervisor Penny Gross in 2023 and a motion to rename the facility was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 16, 2024, following a period of community engagement and a formal request from current Fairfax County supervisor Andres Jimenez; and

WHEREAS, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's offers a range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of visitors of all ages and abilities; and

WHEREAS, the amenities at the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's include a multipurpose facility, computer clubhouse, full gymnasium, weight and exercise rooms, arts and crafts room, baseball diamond, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, pavilion area, and outdoor amphitheater; and

WHEREAS, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's sponsors a number of programs through its senior center to help elderly individuals remain active and social and to improve their quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's hosts several leagues and other activities to engage youth and adults, including its Boys & Girls Club of America after-school program, teen social night, and adult game night; and

WHEREAS, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's provides therapeutic recreation services to help individuals with disabilities develop the skills they need to participate in various recreational and leisure activities; and

WHEREAS, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's is an invaluable community resource and an important part of what makes Falls Church a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's following its recent dedication ceremony to honor the legacy of Minnie H. Peyton; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its contributions to the Commonwealth.