1. Prince William County Public Schools
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Education
Telephone: (703) 791-7200
Address: 14800 Joplin Road
Description: The tremendous—and often overwhelming—growth that transformed Prince William over the past 15 or so years never shortchanged the county’s public school system, now the second largest in the state. If anything, it improved it. Of the county’s high school graduates, 80 percent go on to college, and the average SAT score keeps rising. Educational staff, 71 percent of whom hold advanced degrees, have earned numerous awards in recent years. The district maintains several health- and education-related partnerships and continues to upgrade its school-wide computer technology.In all, more than 70,000 students attend 85 public schools. Prince William’s curriculum earmarks specific learning objectives by grade level for each subject. The schools also offer extensive programs for gifted students in all grades and rigorous advanced placement and International Baccalaureate courses for high school students. Other special programs target pupils with disabilities, students who want to pursue vocational studies, those who speak English as a second language, and adults interested in continuing education. Several elementary schools offer before- and after-school care.Public school policy is set by the county school board of eight members elected to four-year terms. Widely attended public meetings of the school board take place the first, second, and fourth Wednesday of each month.Both independent cities within the county—Manassas City Public Schools, 9000 Tudor Lane, Manassas, Virginia, (703) 257-8800, www.manassas.k12.va.us, and Manassas Park City Schools, One Park Center Court, Suite A, Manassas, Virginia, (703) 335-8850, www.mpark.net—have their own school systems. Academically, they tend to mirror the county.
2. Manassas Regional Airport
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Telephone: (703) 361-1882
Description: One of the busiest airports in Virginia, this 830-acre airport founded in 1964 handles about 140,000 takeoffs and landings annually. It has a 5,700-foot-by-100-foot primary runway with Instrument Landing System and a terminal building that opened in September 1996. It houses the Freedom Museum (703-393-0660, www.freedommuseum.org), which opened in July of 1999. The patriotic museum honors Americans who fought and died for freedom. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is free.The airport boasts more than 300 based aircraft, the most of any airport in the state. The FAA Level 2 Tower is open 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the facility is open 24 hours a day. Amenities include three pilot supply shops, a restaurant, two rental car companies, maintenance services, and hangar space for rent.
3. Prince William Hospital
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (703) 369-8000
Address: 8700 Sudley Road
Description: The county’s largest medical facility is 170-bed Prince William Hospital, a private, nonprofit community facility established in 1964. In April 2006 Prince William announced its plan to merge with—you guessed it—Inova, the dominant force in the region’s hospital system. The hospital features comprehensive medical and surgical services and includes a critical-care unit, inpatient and outpatient surgery, oncology, pediatrics, a 24-hour emergency department, a helipad, OB/GYN, cardiology, nuclear medicine, radiology and other diagnostic services, dialysis treatment, and physical, speech, and occupational therapies.
4. Sports Network
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 335-1555
Address: 8320 Quarry Road
Description: This indoor soccer arena holds year-round leagues, mostly for adults, and winter youth leagues and summer camps. Volleyball and lacrosse teams also play here. Call for a schedule.
5. City Of Manassas Department Of Recreation And Parks
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 257-8237
Address: 8957 Center Street
Description: This department sponsors tours, special events, and classes and oversees community gym programs at two local schools.
6. Prince William County Park Authority
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 792-7060
Address: 14420 Bristow Road
Description: The park authority oversees 46 parks, four public golf courses, community centers, and the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center and SplashDown and Waterworks water park.
7. Prince William Area Agency On Aging
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (703) 792-6400
Address: 7987 Ashton Avenue, Suite 231
Description: Among the agency’s services are home-delivered meals, a senior center, two adult day-care centers, home-care assistance, chore and personal-care services for financially eligible seniors, and a popular tour bus program for day and overnight trips, including an annual “mystery trip.” The agency serves Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
8. Prince William County Park Authority
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (703) 792-7060
Address: 14420 Bristow Road
Description: Two Prince William County Park Authority facilities offer aqua exercise programs for seniors and reduced admission and membership fees for people ages 60 and older: Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center, 13025 Chinn Park Drive, Prince William, Virginia, (703) 730-1051; and Sharon Baucom–Dale City Recreation Center, 14300 Minnieville Road, Dale City, Virginia, (703) 670-7112.
9. Old Dominion Speedway And Dragstrip
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (703) 361-7753
Address: 10611 Dumfries Road
Description: Stock car and drag racing take place Friday, Saturday, and some Sunday, March through September.
10. Splashdown Waterpark
City: Manassas, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 361-4451
Address: 7500 Ben Lomond Drive
Description: At this 13-acre park, a popular family destination on sticky summer days, visitors can cool off in the 770-foot Lazy River and slip and slide through two 70-foot-tall water slides. A kids’ area features four water slides. Children also enjoy getting splashed by “raindrops” and “bubblers.” Umbrellas and pavilions offer much-needed shade. The park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours vary while school is still in session, but during the summer the park is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $13.50 for people taller than 48 inches, $10.50 for visitors shorter than 48 inches, $7 after 3 p.m., and free for children two years old and younger.