NOVA Parks News
THROWBACK THURSDAY--PRESERVING HISTORY
NOVA Parks has always been on the forefront of preservation throughout the Northern Virginia region. Because of this legacy of conservation, many land owners in the region have taken note and, consequently, sought out NOVA Parks for donations. As a result, 11 of the regional parks were completely or partially donated to NOVA Parks, and others are considering donations today.
One place that was donated is Temple Hall Farm Regional Park - a gift to NOVA Parks in 1985. At the time the farm was owned by Mrs. A. V. Symington, (seen above in 1994 reviewing historic documents with park administrators). She and her husband had purchased the 286 acre property in 1940 and over time converted the land into a working farm while also modernizing the 1810 home, which sits on the property.
In 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette (hero of the American Revolution) visited the farm that was owned by a nephew of George Mason. Because of the history of the estate Temple Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
NOVA Parks is proud to be the owner and operator of Temple Hall, continuing to keep it as a working farm and interpretive center. Visitors can learn from a variety of programs and activities the farm park has to offer while also enjoying the many events that take place there, the most popular being the annual Fall Festival and its main attraction, the multi-acre corn maze.
Land donations continue to play a big role in the growth of the regional park system, as more people are inspired by the generosity and public spirit of Mrs. Symington and others like her.
