Lake Ridge Parks & Recreation Association (LRPRA) was born on March 29, 1972 when the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions was recorded in Prince William County, Virginia. Ridge Development Corporation developed LRPRA, one of the first homeowner associations on the East Coast. In the early 70’s, a visitor center for the development was located near the corner of Old Bridge Road and Harbor Drive, where Taco Bell now stands.

In the early 1980’s, LRPRA had about 2,200 property units. The staff operated out of the Ridgewood Community Center (now home to Lake Ridge Creative Preschool), and there were five fulltime employees: Manager, Secretary, Receptionist, Recreation Director and Maintenance Director. The Association was under developer control, and the maintenance facility at that time was a shed (located at Hedges Run and Old Bridge Road) containing two tractors, two trucks, push mowers, rakes and shovels.

LRPRA expanded rapidly in the 1980’s. The visitor center was no longer needed, so Ridge Development donated it to the Association. In September 1982, the visitor center was actually transported from its location (Taco Bell) down Old Bridge to 12350 Oakwood Drive and placed on top of a foundation that became a lower-level maintenance garage. The original visitor center and the lower-level maintenance garage were eventually connected via staircases to create the current two-story Administration Building still in use today.

In 1983, LRPRA had grown to about 3,350 property units, and the staff increased to nine fulltime administrative employees with three fulltime and three seasonal maintenance employees. The lower-level garage of the Administration Building was no longer adequate to house necessary maintenance vehicles and equipment, so a separate maintenance building was constructed behind the Administration Building. The lower-level garage was remodeled into additional office space, which was especially convenient since the Association had taken over the financial aspects of the business from Ridge Development. In 1985, Ridge Development relinquished full control of LRPRA to the Association.

Fantasy Playground and Lake Ridge Creative Preschool, two community hallmarks, both came to fruition in the late 1980’s. Fantasy Playground, two years in planning, was built by community volunteers under the design and supervision of Robert Leathers & Associates of Ithaca, New York, and the Preschool has grown to an enrollment of 80 children.

In 1990, the number of units had almost doubled to about 6,600 property units. The staff had grown to thirteen fulltime administrative employees with eleven fulltime and five seasonal maintenance employees. The recreation staff had been operating out of the Tall Oaks Community Center, and they finally moved into the Administration Building resulting in a more efficient operation for both homeowners and staff.

In 1999, LRPRA was completely developed and fully grown with about 7,700 property units, to include: Single family homes, townhomes, condominiums, two apartment complexes, and several commercial properties. Association staff included fourteen fulltime administrative employees, three fulltime preschool teachers, and thirteen fulltime and twelve seasonal maintenance employees. The Administration Building was expanded slightly and remodeled to meet the needs of increasing staff, storage, security, and computer requirements.

In July 2000, the beginning of the new millennium dealt LRPRA a serious setback when the maintenance building was destroyed in a devastating fire. The fire began late in the evening on a weekday night. Fire and police authorities worked through the night, and surrounding property was spared because of their diligence. Insurance replaced lost equipment and vehicles, and construction of an improved maintenance facility began. While the new facility was under construction, the maintenance department operated from a trailer placed near the Administration Building. The new facility was completed in July 2001.

In May 2003, the long-awaited Spray ‘n Play Sprayground opened at the recreational site located at the intersection of Springwoods Drive and Bracknell Drive. The water facility utilizes above-ground water sprays and is hugely popular with young children!

In 2004, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved LRPRA’s petition for a restricted parking designation prohibiting the parking of watercrafts, trailers, camper trailers, boat trailers and motor homes on state-maintained LRPRA roadways. That same year, a redesigned, interactive website was launched providing information 24/7.

In 2005, LRPRA continues to serve its approximately 25,000 residents.Staff includes: Sixteen fulltime administration employees, nine preschool teachers, and eighteen fulltime and five seasonal maintenance employees. LRPRA amenities include: Covenants enforcement, recreational programs, events, and clubs, 1,200 acres of common ground, five swimming pools, a sprayground, three community centers, seven tennis courts, sixteen tot lots, fourteen basketball pads, a soccer field, a ball field, and a boat ramp.

Victoria S. Millar, Assistant General Manager (September 2005)