The Turner Farm

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 from dawn to dusk for recreational use and at night for celestial observation. 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

Equestrian Facilities

The equestrian areas will provide much needed public riding facilities:

• Large multi-purpose arena (200' x 300') with all-weather footing, stadium jumps and dressage markers
• Dressage arena (90' X 200')
• Cross-country course, with water, ditch and bank complexes
• Round or lounging pen
• Conditioning trails and bridle paths
• Equestrian games area

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.)