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Experience the Magic of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park

There is no better way to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day than by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier wetland sanctuary at Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 5, from 12-4 p.m. Come explore the wonders of the park including a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and a vast wetland bursting with all forms of life. There is no cost for admission. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is here. Bring your friends and family to stroll the forested paths and immersive boardwalk trails. Appreciate the plants and animals that live in the park and find out why they play an important role at the park. This exciting event will feature live raptors, reptiles and amphibians. Enjoy an up-close view of our creatures and interactive displays and activities. On-site parking is limited. Shuttle rides are available from nearby Groveton Elementary School, 6900 Harrison Ln., Alexandria. Shuttles run every 30 minutes with the last shuttle ride to Huntley Meadows Park at 3:30 p.m. The last return shuttle ride to Groveton Elementary School is at 4:15 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. To register for this free event, visit Wetlands Awareness Day. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. For more information visit Huntley Meadows.

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Verses in Bloom: Celebrate Poetry in Fairfax County Parks

As the flowers bloom and the birds sing, the Fairfax County Park Authority is delighted to announce the launch of the Verses in Bloom Series, a celebration of poetry in our parks. Teaming up with ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate, we invite you to join us in several enchanting experiences through the power of language and verse presented by distinguished poets from our area. Poetry in the Parks April 27 (1-2:30 p.m.) Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria) Poetry Beneath the Stars Saturday, May 4 and August 17 (7:30-8:30 p.m.) Turner Farm Park (925 Springvale Road, Great Falls) Pride Month Poetry Saturday, June 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria) All poetry events are free, but registration is required. Register today! Come join us as we celebrate the harmony of nature and verse, where every blossom tells a story and every word dances with the wind. Let your spirit soar with Verses in Bloom!

Unleash Your Inner Child with Adult Summer Camps in the Park

Calling all adults! Are you looking for a way to reconnect with nature and rediscover your sense of adventure? Look no further than the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Adult Summer Camps at Riverbend Park! Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more, all nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Potomac Gorge. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make lasting memories and forge new friendships this summer. Choose from among the following options available July 1-3: Adult Potomac Adventures Camp Step into the wilderness and experience the thrill of outdoor exploration with our Adult Potomac Adventures Camp. Participants will delve into the heart of nature with rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and white-water rafting down the Potomac Gorge. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and sense of adventure! Learn More Art in Nature Camp Indulge your creative side while immersing yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors at our Art in Nature Camp. Join us for a unique blend of artistic expression and natural exploration. Discover new mediums such as sketching, watercolor, acrylic, and collage, all while kayaking the Potomac and hiking along scenic trails. Beginners are welcome, so come ready to unleash your creativity! Learn More Women in the Woods Camp Empower yourself and connect with nature at our Women in the Woods Camp. Join a community of like-minded adventurers for a transformative experience in the wilderness. Learn outdoor skills such as fire building, outdoor cooking, and archery, all while discovering the inspiring stories of influential women trailblazers. Leave with a newfound confidence and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Learn More For more information and to register, visit Riverbend Park or call 703-759-9018. Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street in Great Falls.

Spring Hill Rec Center Gets a Solar Charge

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Spring Hill Rec Center is turning over a new leaf during Earth month 2024 with the activation of a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs as part of a multi-faceted project to enhance the energy efficiency of the popular rec center. The new solar array, the largest to date in the Park Authority, generates enough energy to power 33 homes annually, and is expected to reduce the center’s electricity needs by 13 percent. The installation of the rooftop solar panels is part of several ongoing improvements to the center that will significantly reduce the building’s electrical and natural gas consumption. Additional improvements include the replacement of pool dehumidification units, the installation of a geothermal HVAC system, LED lighting upgrades and improvements to the building’s automation system. “Being responsible stewards of the environment comes down to our simple everyday choices — our decision to recycle, to plant native plants, not to litter, to take care of our water supply, and so forth” said Park Authority Executive Director, Jai Cole. “We decided, when it was time to make improvements to the rec center, that we would be intentional about installing fixtures and infrastructure that would minimize the impact on our environment, enhance user experience, and save money in the long run. This is doable, and it’s the right thing to do.” The project, a partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), is a significant step toward meeting the county’s goals for carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles and operations, including obtaining 50 percent of county electricity from renewable sources by 2040. “Turning the switch at this solar project represents another step in our journey away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable future,” said John Morrill, director of the OEEC. “Not only will this solar array save money in electricity costs over time, it confirms the county’s commitment to meeting the goals in our Operational Energy Strategy.” Total completion of all related improvements is expected in summer 2024. The Spring Hill Rec Center is located at 1239 Spring Hill Road, in McLean. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. ### The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination leads the cross-organizational development and implementation of the county’s environmental and energy plans, policies and programs, including the Operational Energy Strategy.

Enjoy a Day on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park

Spring is here again and the Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another outstanding Spring Farm Day experience at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join our farmhands, friends and volunteers for an exciting family farmland adventure suitable for all ages. Meet the farmland friends of Frying Pan Farm Park! Witness the fascinating process of sheep shearing and get hands-on experience milking cows and goats. Enjoy amazing demonstrations of antique farm equipment and immerse yourself in creative crafts, thrilling games, and create lasting memories with many of our adorable baby farm animals. Advance admission is $12 per person, and it's $14 at the door. Register Today Please note, as much as we love our furry friends, please leave your dogs at home as they are not permitted at this event. For more details, contact 703-437-9101 or visit Frying Pan Farm Park. Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Rd in Herndon. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at Spring Farm Day!

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Adapted Recreation programs ensure fun for everyone.

Buddy up for learning and fun in Park Authority swim classes.

Fun, friends and adventures await in Park Authority camps!

Little ones learn best through play in programs tailored to their interests.

From the classics to modern moves, Park Authority dance classes are always in style.

From equestrian lessons to old-fashioned fun, there's something for everyone at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or have limited mobility, there's a fitness option for you in Park Authority exercise classes.

Spark your creativity in Park Authority fine arts and crafts classes.

Cultivate your love of nature with Park Authority gardening classes.

Enjoy comprehensive classes and practice facilities year-round at Park Authority golf courses.

Yesterday’s innovation is still full of fascination at Park Authority historic sites.

Learn to glide, swizzle and stop like a pro in ice skating classes.

Learn self-defense and build confidence in Park Authority martial arts classes.

Explore the great outdoors in Park Authority nature classes.

Whether you take a hike, cast a line or guide a boat, nature's perspective always changes in outdoor recreation classes.

Retire your air guitar and learn to make some real music in performing arts classes.

Your canine companion can bone up on everything from agility to obedience in Park Authority classes.

Explore new places and ideas in Park Authority merit badge programs.

Team up for fun and learn a new sport.

Budding engineers and computer programmers have fun learning in Park Authority technology classes.

Learn strategic games, investigate your family history, brush up on social graces and more!

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