COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
An Experiential Classroom Under the Sky
In addition to iconic festivals like the Big Boom and the Virginia Scottish Games, Great Meadow was buzzing again with activity in 2025. On the educational front, we continued to champion STEM initiatives in partnership with the Aerospace Industries Association, the NOVA Foundation, and the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. Together, we hosted more than 11 rocketry events that engaged over 5,000 participants, giving students hands-on experience in design, safety, and launch operations. NOVAAR, one of the nation’s most active public model rocket clubs, flies monthly at Great Meadow and welcomes newcomers.
AIM HIGH. FLY HIGHER.
Each May, the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) - the nation’s largest youth rocketry event - takes flight, inviting thousands of middle and high school teams from coast to coast to design, build, and launch model rockets in a high-stakes STEM showdown. In 2025, Team Boy Scouts Troop 74 of New Jersey soared to first place. After finishing first at ARC earned a spot competing on the International stage at the International Rocketry Challenge at the Paris Air Show, representing Team USA, where they came out on top winning against teams from the U.S., U.K., France and Japan.
OPEN TRAILS & HAPPY TAILS
CROSS COUNTRY MEETS
Supporting our student athletes, Great Meadow proudly hosted four high school cross country meets this year, welcoming teams from across the region to compete on the Meadow’s scenic grass courses. Each event emphasized sportsmanship, safety, and community spirit - with well-marked routes, trained volunteers, and plenty of space for families to cheer.
Since relaunching our Dog Walking Program in 2023, more than 200 members now enjoy Great Meadow’s 2.14-mile trail, hygiene stations, and open fields for off-leash exercise in designated areas. We also provide a safe training environment for partners such as Your Normal Dog and VA Search and Rescue. Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to community, activity, and connection for people and their canine companions.
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