Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director
Fairfax County Park Authority

What We Do

The Park Authority Mission is to enrich quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

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Earth Day Festival

Spring is on the way and that means Earth Day is right around the corner! Mark your calendar and make your plans to join Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day extravaganza at Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 20. Celebrate Earth Day with a fantastic time filled with games, entertainment, food and a variety of hands-on crafts, exhibits and activities. Activities will take place all day long from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. There’s more than enough fun to go around! Meet WUSA-9 meteorologist Topper Shutt and his team, see the Eco9 hybrid production truck and learn how to report your own weather forecast. See our farmland friends from Frying Pan Farm Park and learn about local plant and wildlife. Enjoy fun experiments that will increase your understanding of the water cycle and other natural processes going on all around us. Challenge yourself with the popular Earth Day obstacle course or test your inner-outdoorsman with Nerf archery, ax throwing, fishing and camping skills. You can also participate in a wide variety of outdoor fitness demonstrations from yoga to bootcamps, and even try our outdoor synthetic ice skating rink. Earth Day will also have a full slate of live entertainment, a touch-a-truck exhibit, food trucks and a craft beer garden. For those who may need to find a calmer and more relaxed way of celebrating the day, or who may just need to take a break from the excitement, there will also be a sensory tent with toys, fidgets and crafts. That’s just for starters! With so much to do, learn and experience, it’s an event you’re not going to want to miss. Keep up-to-date with the latest event details at the Earth Day website. See you at Earth Day on April 20! Download Flyer Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, in Chantilly, Virginia. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. The 2024 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships. Visit the Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.
Equity Survey
The Fairfax County Park Authority is reaching out to the countywide community seeking a better understanding of residents’ experience with the park system and to identify potential barriers that may be limiting their ability to more fully take advantage of the programs and amenities offered. The survey, offered in nine languages through the county’s community engagement platform Public Input, will be open through Monday, April 1. "The Park Authority has intentionally been applying an equity lens to our park system in order to ensure that the accessibility and variety of our program offerings align with the present-day values and interests of our community,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “This latest outreach effort is important to help us identify the barriers that yet need to be overcome such as economic, cultural, transportation and others so that we can continue to make the benefits of parks accessible to everyone." In 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority began a comprehensive review of its fee-based revenue model with the objective of identifying a new path forward toward increasing the equity of access to county park and recreation programming. The initial findings of the Park Authority Equity Study, coupled with a History of the Park Authority, were presented to both the Park Authority Board and Board of Supervisors in late January. The results of this latest survey, combined with further analysis of the recommendations presented are anticipated to be presented to the Park Authority Board and Board of Supervisors in fall 2024. Take the Equity Survey Please contact the Public Information Office with any questions by emailing Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Dark Skies
In celebration of Dark Skies Week, the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) are proud to unveil a joint initiative aimed at combating light pollution: the Light Pollution Monitoring Kit. As part of the Citizen Science initiative, residents are encouraged to participate in the preservation of our night skies by contributing valuable data through this innovative program. Light pollution affects both humans and wildlife. It obscures our view of the stars and results in wasted energy, disrupted sleep patterns and ecological disturbances. From disrupting migratory bird paths to affecting the hunting habits of nocturnal creatures, the adverse effects of light pollution are far-reaching and profound. The Light Pollution Monitoring Kit, also known as the Dark Skies Kit, empowers citizens to fight light pollution by providing them with the tools needed to measure and monitor light levels in their communities. Starting April 2, twenty-five Light Pollution Monitoring Kits will be available as part of FCPL’s Library of Things. Kits can be placed on hold for pickup at any branch through the Fairfax County Public Library online catalog and can be borrowed for up to three weeks. Each kit contains a Sky Quality Meter, planispheres for locating constellations in English and Spanish, instructions and a red-light flashlight, enabling users to assess the brightness of their surroundings and contribute to the ongoing effort to preserve our natural nightscapes. Participants are encouraged to report their participation on the Watch the Green Grow website. To learn more about how you can participate in this vital initiative or to reserve a Light Pollution Monitoring Kit at a library near you, please visit the Dark Skies website.
Farmers Market
The opening of the 2024 Farmers Market season is fast approaching and the Park Authority, along with dozens of local food producers, will have tons of fresh and healthy foods waiting for you at all 10 markets located throughout the county. This year, you can expect to find locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and prepared foods at our farmers markets. Additionally, enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities from musical performances, games, and don’t forget to bring your food scraps to support our community composting efforts! The 2024 season begins April 17 with the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Market. Check out our full market schedule for the latest times and locations. WEDNESDAYS McCutcheon/Mount Vernon April 17-Dec. 18, 8 a.m. - noon Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria Oakmont May 1-Nov. 6, 8 a.m.-noon Oakmont Recreation Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton Wakefield May 1 – Oct. 30, 2-6 p.m. Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale THURSDAYS Annandale May 2 -Nov. 14, 8 a.m. - noon   Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale Herndon May 2 -Nov. 7, 8 a.m. - noon   Old Town Herndon, 700 Block of Lynn St., Herndon (by the Red Caboose) FRIDAYS McLean May 3-Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-noon Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean Kingstowne May 3-Oct. 25, 3-7 p.m. In the Giant parking lot, 5870 Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria SATURDAYS Burke April 20-Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-noon VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke Reston April 27-Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-noon Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston SUNDAYS Lorton May 5-Nov. 10, 8 a.m.-noon VRE parking lot, 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton Visit the Farmers Market website for complete information about this year’s markets – including details on SNAP benefits for eligible households available at designated locations. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Horticulture Office at 702-642-0128.
Dark Skies
Over the years, humankind has increased the amount of light shining into the skies all night long, which has brought with it intrusive and harmful environmental and human impact. Believe it or not, natural darkness plays an essential role within our ecosystem, from promoting healthy plant growth and wildlife to enhancing our own health, sleep and enjoyment of the beauty of our night skies. In an effort to combat light pollution, Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to participate in Lights Out Fairfax and International Dark Sky Week. Lights Out Fairfax - March 23, 2024, 8:30-9:30 p.m. As our region has expanded, excessive light pollution has dimmed the night sky, impacting both our environment and our connection to the natural world. On March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., residents are encouraged to join the initiative by turning off outdoor lights for one hour. By enlisting family, friends and neighbors, we can collectively embrace the darkness and rediscover the beauty of the stars. Once the light goes out, be sure to allow up to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust, revealing the stellar spectacle that lies above. International Dark Sky Week - April 2-8 Following Lights Out Fairfax, Fairfax County Park Authority will continue its commitment to dark sky conservation by participating in International Dark Sky Week from April 2 to 8. This weeklong event aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our dark skies and the detrimental effects of light pollution on human health, safety and the environment. Visit the Dark Skies webpage to learn ways you can protect the night in your neighborhood and give some of the ideas a try during International Dark Sky Week.

We Want to Hear From You!

We’re working to enhance equity in all aspects of our park system – including access to park programs. We’d like to know about your experience with parks and any barriers that may be preventing you from taking full advantage of the programs, services and amenities we provide. Five minutes of your time is all it takes!


 

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