Alert:
People of all abilities should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of parks and recreation. The Access and Inclusion team works to provide accommodations, so individuals with a range of disabilities can experience programs, classes, camps, and events offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Our strategies include offering different levels of support including:
Events, holidays and experiences can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. Bright lights, loud noises and large crowds can cause stress, anxiety and even physical discomfort. FCPA provides sensory-friendly spaces at events throughout the year.
FCPA sets up a sensory-friendly tent at various events around Fairfax County throughout the year. It provides a warm and friendly environment for anyone who may feel overwhelmed and wants to take advantage of a peaceful space. Trained staff provide a warm, friendly environment. The tent features:
Visit the tent at events such as Earth Day, Ghost Town and Winter Wonderland.
FCPA hosts special sensory-friendly events throughout the year — an effort integral to creating a more inclusive park and recreation experience in Fairfax. Events feature spaces designed to reduce sensory input and provide a calming environment that may include:
Upcoming events include:
Clemyjontri Park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. Next to the park, all aboard the Clemyjontri trackless train! Children and adults can enjoy a ride around the park, riding in style in this accessible and ADA-compliant train.
The playground features:
This fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground has fun features including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity.
Chessie’s Big Backyard includes Chessie’s Trail, Tree House and Playground — a natural haven and playspace for children of all abilities. The 2,160-foot trail features a boardwalk through the woods that leads to a sound garden, spinning rocks to play with, wildlife figures representing indigenous animals of the Chesapeake Bay region and a unique nest seating area. Take a respite among the trees by exploring a tree house using ramps that wind around the tree trunks. The playground features padded rubber surface and forest-themed features to explore.
Looking for other accessible trails? FCPA’s trail inventory showcases the trails with accessible surfaces and slopes.