In the 60's and 70's the Afro -American citizens of Bailey Crossroads lobbied for a recreation center to be built in the community. Their plea continually fell on deaf ears. A breakthrough came in 1976 at a Fairfax County board of supervisors meeting, about 1 a.m. in the morning. It was reported that the board had approximately $250,000 of unobligated Federal Block grant money to dispense. Colonel Charles Robinson (retired military), a member of the Springdale Civic Association, seized the opportunity to request that the funds be used to build a community center in Baileys Crossroads. The board consented.
In 1978 the center was completed and opened for business. It was named, Bailey's Community Center.
Walter Hawkins, a graduate of Utah University, was hired as the director. He held the position for over 27 years.
(to be continued)
