This Week in Chesterfield: Movies, Meetings and History
TL;DR: Chesterfield County hosts four community events this week: planning input sessions Wednesday on the county's future and a school funding referendum, a free movie night Friday, and a history day Saturday.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County residents and county/school officials
- What: PlanMod community session, 1 for Schools referendum information session, free movie night with Chesterfield Animal Services, Falling Creek Ironworks History Day
- When: Wednesday September 9, Friday September 11, Saturday September 12, 2026
- Where: Matoaca Middle School, Midlothian High School, Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Falling Creek Ironworks Park
The story
Chesterfield County offers four events this week for residents seeking input on county plans, school funding, entertainment, and history.
On Wednesday, September 9, two separate informational sessions take place at 6 p.m. At Matoaca Middle School, the county is hosting a community input session on the Comprehensive Plan Modernization (PlanMod) project, where residents can provide feedback on proposed changes to the county's long-range policy document, including land use maps and density recommendations. Comments are being accepted through September 11.
That same evening at Midlothian High School, Chesterfield County and Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) will hold an informational session on the proposed "1 for Schools" sales tax referendum, which appears on the November 3 ballot. If voters approve, the measure would authorize an additional 1 percentage point local retail sales tax, raising the rate from 6 percent to 7 percent. County and school district officials will provide an overview of the referendum and break down the proposed school projects. The measure could generate $65 million to $70 million annually for six major projects: Midlothian Middle School replacement, Thomas Dale High School campus addition, a new Dale Area Elementary/Pre-K facility, Matoaca Middle School renovation completion, a new Midlothian/Clover Hill Elementary School, and a Bird High School gym addition. The tax would not apply to groceries or essential personal hygiene products. Additional virtual information sessions are scheduled for October 8 at noon and October 19 at 6 p.m. via Facebook Live.
On Friday, September 11, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., Chesterfield Animal Services and Parks & Recreation will host a free movie night at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road. The event will feature Zootopia 2. Residents are asked to leave pets at home for the safety of visiting animals.
On Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation will host Falling Creek Ironworks History Day at Falling Creek Ironworks Park, 6407 Route One. The site marks the location of the first iron production facility in North America, established in 1619. The county is developing a new park at the location with trails, scenic overlooks, and historic interpretive areas, with an opening scheduled for spring 2027.
Key players
- Chesterfield County: Host of PlanMod community session and Falling Creek event
- Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS): Co-host of 1 for Schools referendum information sessions
- Chesterfield Animal Services: Co-host of movie night at fairgrounds
- Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation: Co-host of movie night and Falling Creek Ironworks History Day
Key dates
- 2026-09-09: PlanMod community session at Matoaca Middle School, 6-7:30 p.m.; 1 for Schools referendum information session at Midlothian High School, 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-11: PlanMod comment deadline
- 2026-09-11: Free movie night at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 6-9:30 p.m.
- 2026-09-12: Falling Creek Ironworks History Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 2026-10-08: 1 for Schools virtual information session via Facebook Live, noon
- 2026-10-19: 1 for Schools virtual information session via Facebook Live, 6 p.m.
- 2026-11-03: 1 for Schools referendum vote
Why it matters: The planning and referendum sessions give residents a chance to shape Chesterfield's future growth patterns and schools budget before key decisions. The free entertainment events offer low-cost family activities and a chance to learn about the county's industrial heritage.
Places
- Matoaca Middle School
- Midlothian High School
- Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
- Falling Creek Ironworks Park
- Route One
Development timeline
- 2026-09-09PlanMod Community Input Session: Matoaca Middle School, 6-7:30 p.m. Residents can provide feedback on proposed changes to county's comprehensive plan including land use maps and density recommendations. [source]
- 2026-09-091 for Schools Referendum Information Session: Midlothian High School, 6 p.m. County and school officials present overview of proposed 1% sales tax referendum for school capital projects on November 3 ballot. [source]
- 2026-09-11Free Movie Night with Chesterfield Animal Services: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 6-9:30 p.m. Outdoor movie event featuring Zootopia 2. Pets should stay home for safety of guest animals. [source]
- 2026-09-12Falling Creek Ironworks History Day: Falling Creek Ironworks Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community event celebrating the historic industrial site, the first iron production facility in North America established in 1619. [source]
Related links
- Chesterfield County Comprehensive Plan Modernization Project
- 1 for Schools Referendum Information
- Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation Events
- Falling Creek Ironworks Park
Read the original at Chesterfield County (YouTube) →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Comprehensive Plan Modernization Project
- Chesterfield County and CCPS 1 for Schools Referendum Information
- Chesterfield County Calendar - Movie Night with Chesterfield Animal Services
- Chesterfield County Calendar - Falling Creek Ironworks History Day
- Falling Creek Ironworks Park