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Picnic Reservation Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make a reservation?

The picnic reservation application is available to print from this website by clicking here. Complete the information requested on the application and return it by fax, 703-631-2004, or mail it to:

FCPA Park Services Division - Picnic Coordinator
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
Fairfax, VA 22035

If you are trying to make a picnic or shelter reservation for weekends or holidays in the spring, summer or fall your best chance to reserve your first choice of date and location is to make your reservation by March 1st. You should allow 10 days for the complete picnic rental process. This would include submitting a picnic application, processing of your rental payment, and return of a payment receipt with the picnic permit.

Q: How can I contact park reservation staff?

You can reach picnic reservation staff by calling the picnic reservation line at 703-324-8732, Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. If you leave your name and phone number a member of the reservation staff will return your call. Please note that due to the high volume of reservation calls between April and July, it may take up to two business days to return your call.

Q: How long is the picnic season?

Reservations may be made as early as the first working day of the new year. Picnic sites are normally available for reservation from late March through October, depending on the parks' seasonal schedule of operation.

If you are trying to make a picnic or shelter reservation for weekends or holidays in the spring, summer or fall your best chance to reserve your first choice of date and location is to make your reservation by March 1st. You should allow 10 days for the complete picnic rental process. This would include submitting a picnic application, processing of your rental payment, and return of a payment receipt with the picnic permit.

Q: When I reserve an area, how long do I have it?

All reservations are from 8 am to dusk, with the exception of the amphitheaters which are rented in 4-hour minimum blocks and then by the hour thereafter. The volleyball areas are rented by the hour.

Q: Is parking included with my reservation?

Reservations do not include parking. Vehicles must park in designated paved and gravel areas only. Parking on the grass is prohibited.

Q: Do any parks allow alcohol, disc jockeys, bands, moon bounces, dunk tanks, carnival rides, or pony rides.

Alcohol, disc jockeys, bands, moon bounces, dunk tanks, carnival rides, and pony rides are not permitted.

Q: What is the inclement weather policy?

The reservation fee for shelters, the gazebo, and canopy areas is not refundable due to inclement weather. If you have reserved a picnic area and it rains on the date and time of your event you are eligible for a refund.

Q: What happens if someone is occupying the area I have reserved?

Show them your permit and ask them to vacate the area. If the site is staffed you may contact the staff for further assistance. At sites that are not staffed you may contact the police at their non-emergency phone number, 703-691-2131.

Q: What are the change and cancellation policies?

With a minimum of 10 working days notice a change or cancellation shall be granted less a $25 cancellation fee. There is no charge for changes made more than 30 working days in advance of the reservation date.