FAIRFAX COUNTY
PARK AUTHORITY

FIND A PARK

FIND AN ACTIVITY

ADMINISTRATION

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

 

The Turner Farm PLEASE NOTE: The Turner Farm riding arena and round pen will be closed for maintenance on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th. The areas will reopen by 1pm on Saturday, November 7th. The cross country course will remain open during that time. The Turner Farm offers a unique mix of educational and recreational facilities: Celestial telescope and educational facilities Horseback riding and jumping facilities Totlot, picnic area, trails and nature observation This peaceful and serene 52-acre park is located on the site of a former dairy farm. Its rolling pastures and dairy barn complement the semi-rural community of Great Falls, Virginia. The land was saved from development by a public/private partnership started in 1994 to "Save-the-Farm." Private donations and volunteer efforts continue to supplement the Park Authority's limited budget for this facility. The Conceptual Development Plan for Turner Farm provides background information and planning details. Location: The Turner Farm is located at the intersection of Georgetown Pike (Route 193) and Springvale Road (Route 674) in Great Falls, Virginia, within the Dranesville District. The park entrance is on Springvale Road. Hours of Operation: The park is open dawn to dusk except for speciality, after-hours events hosted only on Friday nights by the Annalemma Society. Visit the Analemma Society website (www.analemma.org) for a schedule of astronomy events. There are no entrance fees and no onsite park staff. Questions? Comments? Send us a note! Observatory The Analemma Society, a non-profit organization, has a partnership agreement with the Park Authority to develop recreational and educational astronomy programs at Turner Farm. The Society raises money to support these programs through a network of volunteers that range from individuals to public schools to universities. "The view through a telescope stimulates our imagination in a way nothing else can.... In this age of outer space travel, our future depends upon an appreciation and understanding of our celestial neighbors. This unique opportunity is available on this site." -- Charles H. Olin, founder of the Analemma Society Turner Farm Equestrian Facilities The equestrian facilities completed in June 2009 provide much needed public riding facilities: Large multi-purpose arena (200' x 250') with all-weather footing and room for jumping and dressage Over 30 novice and beginner cross country jumps including three banks, two ditches and a small stream crossing Large 250' X 200' arena with all weather footing and room for dressage and jumping Large round pen for lunging and training Over 30 acres of rolling hills fenced for equestrian use. There are no onsite boarding facilities or lesson programs. Riders bring their own horses. Riders must park their trailers on the asphalt lot and walk a short distance along the stonedust trail to the arena or take a longer route through the cross country course. For more information on the equestrian facilities and programs at Turner Farm, call 703-388-2807. Playground/Picnic Area A playground for small children is now available at the end of the paved parking lot. The Great Falls Lions Club sponsored this playground with a generous donation. Other planned community facilities include: A picnic pavilion Jogging and walking trails Bird habitat and observation areas A Founder's Wall (a low, landscaped wall of engraved bricks to recognize contributors to the park - donations are still being accepted.)