Park News

Park Board Agenda and
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Park Authority Responds to Concerns About Synthetic Turf Safety

The Fairfax County Park Authority currently has 17 synthetic turf fields installed or under construction. In response to concerns about high lead levels found in older, nylon synthetic turf fields in New Jersey, the Park Authority has solicited information about lead content from the manufacturers of all synthetic turf fields installed by the Park Authority which are made of a newer generation of polyethylene synthetics.

Laurel Hill Disc Golf Course Closed For Upgrades

The Giles Run Meadow disc golf course at Laurel Hill Park in Lorton is closed for construction of the final phase of work that began on Monday, April 21, 2008.

Three Day Clinic Offered For Equestrians

Nationally known author and horse trainer, Mark Rashid, will be conducting a clinic at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA, on May 13th, 14th and 15th, 2008. The clinic, "Problem-Solving and Horsemanship" will address common problem areas such as head tossing, difficulty in catching, gait transitions, and much more.

Park Authority Stewardship Awards Honor Natural Storytellers

It takes a special kind of skill, knowledge and talent to bring the wonders of local history and the natural world to life for park visitors. Those individuals who do that routinely were honored at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2008 Stewardship and Excellence in Interpretation Awards held April 8, 2008 at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

Historic Oakton Schoolhouse Restoration Begins

The Fairfax County Park Authority, in partnership with Chevy Chase Bank and the Friends of Oakton Schoolhouse, will begin the long-awaited restoration of the historic Oakton Schoolhouse in mid-April. This restoration will complete a four-year community plan to save an important Oakton landmark that included moving it from its original site to parkland.

Historic Huntley Opens Its Doors to The Public

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to visit Historic Huntley at the bi-annual open house on Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of Historic Huntley and the Fairfax County Park Authority.

New Great Falls Concert Series Features Songwriters Jamboree

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to present contemporary folk artist Dulcie Taylor on Friday, May 2, 2008 in concert from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Great Falls Grange.

Nominations Open For Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

The Fairfax County Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. The award recognizes volunteers who make outstanding contributions of time and talent to the Fairfax County park system. This award program will mark its 20th anniversary this year.

Fairfax County Farmers Markets Open for 2008 Season

The 2008 season of the Fairfax County Farmers' Market kicks off May 1st and continues until November 19th. There are 11 markets located across the county, open different days throughout the week. The markets are well-known for top quality local foods. All farmers and producers come no further than 125 miles from Fairfax County.

Park Authority Geocaching Guidelines Available Online

If you can find a geocache in a park, the Fairfax County Park Authority would like you to find its guidelines for geocaching, too. The codes of conduct for geocaching in the parks are online now.

New Brochure Highlights Sully's Forgotten Road Tour

Sully Historic Site's new brochure, "The Forgotten Road," highlights the lives, work and contributions of the enslaved community at Sully. Nearly 30 enslaved African Americans toiled in the fields, worked in the house, or were skilled craftsmen, such as Sam, the blacksmith at Sully, the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia's first congressman. Their labor gave Lee the opportunity and means to live the life of a gentleman farmer.

Intern Opportunities with Fairfax County Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud of its ability and opportunity to provide a variety of intern programs for individuals seeking on-the-job experience in all aspects of Park Authority operations. The agency intern program boasts a well-established history dating back to the 1960's. The program has changed throughout the years, growing and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the park and recreation profession.