703-324-8727 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
Fairfax, VA 22035
Jennae Asborno
Access and Inclusion Coordinator

Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities

Welcome

Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which includes making programs, services, facilities and employment accessible for visitors and employees with disabilities. ADA accommodations include sign interpreters, alternative information formats, program modifications and inclusion support.

Department Resources

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Parks are for Everyone!

people playing soccer in soccer field

People of all abilities should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of parks and recreation. The Access and Inclusion team works to provide accommodations, so individuals with a range of disabilities can experience programs, classes, camps, and events offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Our strategies include offering different levels of support including:

  • Interpreters 
  • Accomodation plans
  • Direct staff support (temporary or long term) by:
    • On-site staff
    • Inclusion Specialist (Camps)
    • Leisure Coach (Classes)
  • Various adapted programs and events 
  • Numerous spaces designed to accommodate various needs

How to Request Accommodations

Form

Email

Read the following articles to learn more


Sensory-Friendly Offerings

sensory-friendly offerings

Sensory-Friendly Swim Times at Fairfax County Pools and Water Parks

Enjoy a calm and welcoming environment during our sensory-friendly swim sessions this summer at select Fairfax County Park Authority water parks. These sessions are designed for individuals who benefit from reduced noise, crowds and sensory stimulation.

Cub Run Rec Center

  • Friday, July 11, 9–10 a.m.
  • Friday, July 25, 9–10 a.m.
  • Friday, August 8, 9–10 a.m.

Our Special Harbor at Franconia Park

  • Wednesdays, June 18 – August 13, 10–11 a.m.

The Water Mine at Lake Fairfax Park

  • Tuesday, June 24, 10–11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, July 15, 10–11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 5, 10–11 a.m.

Events, holidays and experiences can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. Bright lights, loud noises and large crowds can cause stress, anxiety and even physical discomfort. FCPA provides sensory-friendly spaces at events throughout the year. 

Visit the FCPA Sensory-Friendly Tent

FCPA sets up a sensory-friendly tent at various events around Fairfax County throughout the year. It provides a warm and friendly environment for anyone who may feel overwhelmed and wants to take advantage of a peaceful space. Trained staff provide a warm, friendly environment. The tent features:

  • Cushioned, colorful floor tiles
  • Fidget seating and comfortable seats
  • Headphones 
  • Fidget toys and activities

Visit the tent at events such as Earth Day, Ghost Town and Winter Wonderland.

Attend Sensory-Friendly Events

FCPA hosts special sensory-friendly events throughout the year — an effort integral to creating a more inclusive park and recreation experience in Fairfax. Events feature spaces designed to reduce sensory input and provide a calming environment that may include:

  • Dim lighting
  • Quiet music
  • Comfortable seating
  • Sensory tools such as fidget toys and weighted blankets

Adapted Programs for All Abilities

Adapted programs are expanding to meet the unique needs and preferences of Fairfax County residents. FCPA’s award-winning adapted aquatics programs gets all ages and abilities into the pool to learn to swim, get moving and build swim skills. FCPA also offers a diverse suite of classes for people of all ages, skill-levels and interests. Programs provide a structured environment with lower staff ratio as well as experienced instructors passionate about providing safe, inclusive learning environment. Classes focus on:

  • Aquatics
  • Dance
  • Fitness
  • Music
  • Nature
  • Sports
Register and Learn More About Adapted Programs

Accessible Spaces

accessible spaces

Clemyjontri Park and Trackless Train

Clemyjontri Park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. Next to the park, all aboard the Clemyjontri trackless train! Children and adults can enjoy a ride around the park, riding in style in this accessible and ADA-compliant train.  

The playground features:

  • Swings with high backs for children who need extra support
  • Liberty Swing allowing wheelchair users to experience swinging without having to transfer from their wheelchair
  • Ramps providing access to elevated play components
  • Wide and colorful pathways between equipment
  • Non-slip, porous surfaces to provide greater access for children. 
Clemyjontri Park

Our Special Harbor

This fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground has fun features including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity.

Our Special Harbor

Accessible Trails

Chessie’s Big Backyard includes Chessie’s Trail, Tree House and Playground — a natural haven and playspace for children of all abilities. The 2,160-foot trail features a boardwalk through the woods that leads to a sound garden, spinning rocks to play with, wildlife figures representing indigenous animals of the Chesapeake Bay region and a unique nest seating area. Take a respite among the trees by exploring a tree house using ramps that wind around the tree trunks. The playground features padded rubber surface and forest-themed features to explore.

Looking for other accessible trails? FCPA’s trail inventory showcases the trails with accessible surfaces and slopes.

Recommended accessible trails

Accommodations & Adapted Recreation

HOW TO REQUEST A Reasonable ACCOMMODATION under the Americans with Disabilities Act

To request accommodations, please fill out the form below, email fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-324-8727, TTY VA relay 711. 

The Park Authority requests advanced notice of the registration deadline or event, whichever comes first. If the request is less than the 10 days (or 30 days for overnight tours) prior to the start date, FCPA will attempt to provide services; however, we cannot guarantee your request for services will be fulfilled.

Request ADA Services or Accommodations


The ADA Coordinator will provide the following to facilitate your participation:

  • Qualified sign language interpreters. All requests are confirmed prior to the start of the program along with the name of the assigned interpreter.
  • Alternative formats/auxiliary aids such as assistive listening devices, television captioning and decoders, TTY's, close captioned viewing, large print documents, audio cassettes, and braille materials.
  • An Accommodation Plan outlining how the Park Authority can meet the accommodation requests of the customer in camps or classes. Training for the instructors or program staff regarding facilitation styles, communication methods, behavior redirection, or modification/adaptation of activities.
  • Sensitivity training for other program customers.
  • Physical accessibility for all programs, services, and activities.

Park Plus+: Adapted Recreation in Fairfax

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