Remember those big feelings that come along with your first date — the butterflies, the awkwardness, the shy hope a budding connection will blossom into something more? For Roberta Korzen, Fairfax County Park Authority Marketing and Analytics Branch manager, this teenage milestone will forever be tied to one special place: Mount Vernon Rec Center.
Korzen grew up in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria and went to school right around the corner from the Rec Center. At fifteen, she was asked on her first official date, the destination: Mount Vernon Rec Center’s ice rink.
Korzen clearly recalls the anticipation of that early fall night in 1990. She remembers being doubly nervous because it was not only her first date ever, but also her first time ice skating. As they stepped onto the ice, Korzen looked around in wonder at the big, bright rink with dozens of other couples and families skating, hand in hand. The upbeat energy and high spirits of the space immediately put her at ease.
“My date took my hand, helped me with my balance and next thing you know, we were skating around the rink, laughing and talking and joking around,” she says. Though there wasn’t a second date, the Ice Arena made a strong impression. Korzen visited the Rec Center many times over the years.
Returning to the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center, Korzen feel fifteen again as those memories came flooding back. But at the same time, the space felt totally fresh and new, she says. “It was so open and welcoming, and the vibe was just contagious.”
Korzen is eager to get back on the ice, this time with her husband in tow. She also wants to explore everything else this facility has to offer, especially the Pilates Reformer machines in the Fitness Center.
One of Korzen’s favorite things about the Rec Center is the multigenerational character of Mount Vernon’s community. On any given day, you can find grandparents doing Zumba and parents jogging on the indoor track while kids take rock climbing lessons — all under one roof. It’s even got the perfect spaces to celebrate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries or life’s other most special moments.
Korzen also looks forward to bringing her nieces and nephews to Mount Vernon. “Some of them are around the same age as when I first started coming. Who knows, maybe they’ll have their first dates here too!”
— Aditi Iyengar, Fairfax County Park Authority Marketing and Communications Intern
What stories will you write at Mount Vernon Rec Center? Visit today to begin your own adventure at the newly renovated facility! Have an inspiring story to share? Send it to the Park Authority at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or share it on social media using #MVRCstories tagging @FairfaxParks.
Celebrate the reopening of Mount Vernon Rec Center on Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more and join us!
Our Stories and Perspectives 