Crozet Park: A Community-Owned Park Since 1957
Mike Gaffney has been a real estate broker since 2009 and has closed more than $300 million in sales. He pairs highly personalized, fiduciary-level guidance with Compass technology and premium marketing to create a seamless experience for buyers and sellers. Mike is known for clear advice, responsive communication, and a commitment to helping each client reach their individual real estate goals.
The Vision
The Mission
To promote the health and well-being and enhance the general social, physical, and cultural welfare of residents of the community of Crozet and the surrounding area of Albemarle County, Virginia. We envision a CPAFC that provides one of the most affordable aquatics and fitness experiences of its kind in the County.
Visitors in 2024
Years serving our community
Square feet of new space
Households within reach
The Story
The 22-acre Crozet Park was donated to our community in 1957 as a recreational resource for residents. What began as a simple gift has grown into something extraordinary—the second-most visited park in all of Albemarle County, welcoming nearly 500,000 visitors in 2024 alone.
Though one of the smallest parks in the county, Crozet Park plays an outsized role serving residents from 28 different zip codes. With no County plans to build a recreational facility in Western Albemarle, we're taking matters into our own hands.
Crozet Park is owned by a 501(c)3 nonprofit and managed by a 17-member all-volunteer board of community residents. For nearly 70 years, we've kept the Park's promise of free and affordable recreation at the heart of everything we do.
Urgency
Our current facilities are reaching the end of their useful life and they are consistently at capacity. It is our mission to provide for a growing Crozet, Western Albemarle, and the communities that have called the Park home for 65+ years.
Crozet Park is the second most visited Park in the County. Current pressure on swim lanes, pavilion space, and group exercise classes is significant and felt by all users.
The aging dome, pool, and locker rooms will require costly improvements even without expansion. Acting now means investing in the future—not just patching the past.
By acting now, we can design a CPAFC that is more than a fitness center, but a gathering place for families, kids, and seniors. We envision a true community center with space for members and non-members alike.
The Challenge
Crozet has grown from 5,500 to nearly 12,200 residents in just fifteen years. Our current 6,340 square-foot facility—built in the 1950s—simply cannot keep pace. Families must travel 25+ minutes to Charlottesville or Waynesboro for similar amenities. That changes now.
Pool and fitness center members in peak summer months
Zip codes represented in pool and fitness center membership
More children in the surrounding community than national average
Of the surrounding community population are seniors
The Vision
Replacing our 1950s-era 6,340 sq ft facility, the new 45,000+ sq ft Crozet Park Aquatics & Fitness Center will feature a two-story community center and permanently enclosed competition pool—transforming how Western Albemarle recreates.
Walk through the future Crozet Park Aquatics & Fitness Center.
Images shown are conceptual and intended to illustrate the overall vision for the facility. Final designs may evolve as planning continues, while remaining true to the scale, purpose, and community experience depicted.
25-yard competition pool with 12' depth, observation deck seating 150, plus existing outdoor pool for 16 total lanes.
1/20th mile per lap indoor track with stunning mountain views—making 100% of days walkable, rain or shine.
Full-court basketball, pickleball, Quickstart tennis, and indoor soccer—lined for multiple sports.
Capacity for 150 students in before-school, after-school, and summer camp programs—up from just 70 spots.
State-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment, functional training spaces, and two group exercise rooms.
Welcoming, spacious lobby for informal gathering, and community room.
Project Timeline
October 2025-December 2026
Goal: Raise 85% of project funding through major gifts, grants, and sponsors.
October 2026-October 2027
Phase two fundraising engaging the broader community.
Spring 2027
Summer 2028
Doors open to a new era of community recreation.
Programming
From early-morning swimmers to after-school athletes, our expanded programming serves all ages and abilities.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
Donations are critical to bringing this project to life. Beyond construction, campaign support ensures the Park can own this space, keep it affordable, and program it meaningfully—so it truly serves as a community gathering place and intergenerational recreational hub.
The first lead gift in fundraising provides the Park the equity it needs to secure a bank loan independently—ensuring community ownership.
Additional fundraising ensures member rates stay affordable and accessible, expanding scholarships and protecting access for those who need it most.
Further fundraising guarantees space for community use, senior-specific training, expanded childcare, and niche recreational activities.
We are looking for partners who believe in what Crozet Park means to this community— willing to speak boldly on the Park's behalf, help shape programs for generations, and inspire others to step forward alongside them.
Support The Vision
Your investment creates a lasting legacy for generations of Crozet families.
Community Voices
Real stories from families and community members who envision what this facility means for Crozet.
"This project is absolutely needed. It's late in coming, and the park is overwhelmed with use as it is right now. This facility will provide an entire spectrum of opportunities for all ages within the community."
"Area residents desperately need a recreational facility like this one. The recreational center won't only be a gym and a pool but would serve as an important gathering place for the whole community."
"I've been on multiple waiting lists for after care for my elementary aged child. The park's center would lead to much-needed local summer camp and after-care opportunities for the community."
"It is devastating for working families to not have safe, affordable after-school care. An expanded facility will provide an incredible benefit to the community—particularly for lower-income families."
"With an additional pool, parents could swim laps while their kids are practicing. The whole family could exercise together, modeling the lifelong healthy habits that swimming affords."
"The new facility would create a wonderful place for families to gather with the gym and meeting spaces for everyone across all generations. It will also enable a learn-to-swim program for our schools."
Get Involved
From championing the project to shaping programming and supporting fundraising efforts, every contribution brings us closer to our shared vision.
Spread the word about the CPAFC with friends, family, and neighbors.
Offer financial, operational, or programmatic expertise to strengthen our plans.
Help us create programming for families, kids, and seniors that reflects real needs.
Introduce the campaign to people who may want to learn more or get involved.
Provide candid insight—your perspective helps us get this right.
Get in touch for smart strategies and local insight whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring. -Mike Gaffney
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