Flying a kite may seem like a simple, easy and fun way to spend a breezy day at the park, but the activity does come with strings attached! Generally, kite flying is a welcomed activity and fairly benign; however, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has received an increasing number of reports of kite string filament and other kite debris as a potential injury risk, as well as causing damage to plants, wildlife and maintenance equipment.

Kite string filament is being found in trees and on the ground. Park patrons, wildlife managers and Park Authority staff are regularly documenting harm to birds, reptiles and other wildlife caught in kite line. FCPA site maintenance expenditures are rising due to kite string being wrapped up in mowers and other site-specific vehicles. Animal Control has been called on occasion to free animals trapped by the line and tend to their injuries. Even parkgoers can be at risk of injury while pulling the string out of trees or running into kite filament dangling from trees.

To help address this problem, the FCPA has established and posted signs with safe kite flying rules for Fairfax County parks, provided additional trash cans in popular kite flying locations to dispose of unwanted kites and string, and will be on the lookout to engage kite flyers who may be in violation of the rules to encourage safe and considerate behavior, so that all can enjoy the day at the park. Kite flying rules include:

1. Only fly kites in open field space away from park guests and trees.
2. Kite fighting is prohibited.
3. Monofilament or wire/metal kite string is prohibited. 
4. Do not fly kites within 75 feet of trees, power lines, light poles, parking, people or facilities.
5. Dispose of all kite string. String can be a danger to wildlife, maintenance equipment and other park users.

Individuals observing violations of these rules or any unsafe activity at the park may contact the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

For more information, visit the Kite Flying Rules webpage, or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.