Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center — Local services in Oakton

The Jim Scott Community Center (formerly Providence Community Center) is a true neighborhood hub in Fairfax. It’s not just a gym — it’s a space built for all ages and needs.

🌲 Facilities & Programs Full gymnasium, fitness room, and multipurpose rooms Teen room, art studio, and even a sound studio Sensory room and technology center that make it more inclusive than most rec centers Strong mix of childcare, youth, and senior programs — from after-school care to fitness and social activities.

🤝 Community Feel What stands out here is the inclusive design. Whether you’re a kid, a senior, or someone who needs a quieter sensory space, you’re covered. Programs are balanced across generations, which makes this feel like a real community anchor point instead of a single-purpose gym.

🏞️ My Experience For me, this center feels underrated. Most people think “community center” = just a gym or a rental hall. But this one goes further: tech, arts, fitness, and therapeutic recreation — all in one building, with free access for Fairfax residents. That’s rare.

➡️ Bottom line: This is a hidden gem in Fairfax. If you’re local and not taking advantage of it, you’re missing out. Variety of facilities, inclusive programming, free for county residents, easy...

I live less than a mile from this place and I have tried to use the facilities several times and none of those times I could even get into this place (I do pay taxes and vote every chance I got). Here are a few reasons: Nope. Your kids can't come in now because there are some kids program going on. Please come back after 5:45 PM everyday. Oh, yes, you will have to pay if you want your kids be part of the program. Nope. The table tennis is not available for you because you are not old enough. The senior citizens are using it now. Nope. We can't provide you with a member card because the person who can do that is not here now. No, we do not mail it out, you will have to come and pick it up. Hm, we don't know when we can have that person on site.

I am not sure why is this called a COMMUNITY center. It should be changed to a paid member only club house. So much for the promises during the election...

The community center is amazing but I am definitely disappointed with the staff sharing incorrect information about the events happening. Alice (elderly lady) probably is one of the staff members asked us to leave the empty badminton court since I was making my toddler practice on the senior badminton day and we respectfully moved away. But she very confidently shared incorrect information about the kids event happening the following days and confirmed it with another guy standing in the lobby. Not to mention that it was correct and there was nothing when I took my toddler. I'd rather be happier to hear that we can check the schedule on website or call them to cross check if there's something planned for the...