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

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Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

There are thousands of individuals and many organizations that volunteer each year in local parks and support the many programs and initiatives of the Fairfax County Park Authority. In fact, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to operate our park system without volunteers. Making sure that their service is recognized is very important.

The Annual Elly Doyle Park Services Awards, established in 1988, recognize those who have made outstanding contributions over the last year. These are individuals and/or groups who have given of their time or expertise to the Fairfax County Park Authority for the advancement of recreational and/or educational opportunities for the protection of natural, cultural or historic resources in Fairfax County.

We are pleased to introduce the host of the 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Drew Wilder

Drew Wilder is a reporter in News4's Northern Virginia Bureau. Wilder has covered Northern Virginia for NBC4 since 2019, reporting on a range of topics including politics, education and crime. His experience covering the commonwealth started in 2015 at WWBT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Richmond.

Wilder’s work has been recognized with 10 Capital Region Emmy Awards, including four for best daily news reporter. 

Prior to NBC4, Wilder made brief stops at WJLA-TV and WNBC-TV. Wilder lives in Fairfax County with his wife, their daughter, their son and their dog.



CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE AWARD

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Chairman’s Choice Award in 2019 to recognize outstanding long-term service to and advocacy on behalf of the Park Authority. This award honors those whose efforts have provided a critical contribution to the agency and helped sustain and expand its nationally accredited facilities and programs. The recipients of this award must support the One Fairfax policy and demonstrate significant contributions to the Park Authority over a period of five years or more. The award recognizes outstanding, tangible support in areas such as land growth, facility development, fiscal management, financial support, legislation, or a combination of such factors.

This year’s Chairman’s Choice Awards Recipients are:

Chairman’s Choice Award Recipients

ken quincy

Quincy served on the Park Authority Board (2007–2025), chairing key committees and leading civic efforts. His leadership ensured responsible park stewardship and expansion of recreational amenities across Fairfax County.

aimee vosper

As Deputy Director, Vosper oversees key Park Authority divisions and fosters partnerships with the Park Foundation, advancing environmental stewardship and enhancing recreational opportunities countywide.


HAROLD L. STRICKLAND PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION AWARD

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award in 2015 in honor of the retired Park Board member’s long service and significant contributions to the Park Authority.

In the spirit of Strickland’s accomplishments, this award recognizes the value and importance of teamwork and cooperation necessary to provide residents with state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County Parks, often at limited, reduced or no capital expense to the taxpayer.

Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award nominees demonstrate significant long-term accomplishments that provide the residents of Fairfax County with tangible examples of the benefits of partnerships and collaborations that help to sustain or grow service to the community, while reducing the need for Fairfax County Park Authority financial resources to accomplish the service delivery.

We are pleased to honor:

Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award Recipients

marc cohn

Kohn, president of USA Synthetic Rinks, has donated resources and educational support valued at more than $10,000 to Fairfax County Park Authority programs, including Earth Day events and youth recreation, exemplifying strong partnership and collaboration.


SALLY ORMSBY ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD

The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award was established by the Park Authority Board on November 14, 2007, in recognition of Sally B. Ormsby’s many years of service as a citizen steward. Her actions promoted the responsible and sustainable management of natural resources. These precious assets are entrusted to the Park Authority’s care by the residents of this community. Through stewardship we protect these treasures now and for generations to come.

This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions embody the spirit and values of stewardship and result in tangible environmental benefits. We are proud to recognize this year’s recipient: 
 

Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

sara holtz

Founder of the IMA site at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, Holtz has led more than 230 volunteer sessions since 2017, focusing on invasive removal, native planting, youth mentorship and community education to protect Fairfax County’s natural resources.


MAYO STUNTZ CULTURAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award in July 2013. This award honors historian, volunteer, and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz, one of the original members of the Fairfax County History Commission from 1969 to 2012. He assisted in the establishment of the Landmarks Preservation Committee, worked with others to record and preserve county history, and served on the Sully Foundation, Ltd. for a quarter of a century, most of the time as chairman. This award recognizes significant contributions made by individuals, organizations, or businesses promoting the preservation/stewardship of cultural resources in Fairfax County.

This year’s award recipient is:
 

Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award Recipient

mary lipsey

Lipsey has preserved and promoted Lake Accotink Park’s history through research, educational materials, artifact cataloging and youth history camps, demonstrating deep commitment to cultural stewardship.


FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK FOUNDATON EAKIN PHILANTHROPY AWARDS

The Eakin Philanthropy Awards, established in 2009 by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, is named in honor of the Eakin family, donors of the first parcels of parkland to the park Authority over 50 years ago.

The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations financial or in-kind contributions which have significantly enhanced Fairfax County parks through the Foundation. The impact of Eakin awardee-supported projects has long-term benefit to the community; and visionary contributions create innovative programs or facilities and provide a creative approach to addressing community needs. 

We are pleased to recognize this year’s recipients.
 

Fairfax County Park Foundation Eakin Philanthropy Awards Recipients

helen l. kafka

Kafka’s philanthropy supports numerous park outreach programs. As a Legacy Circle member, her estate gifts fund key initiatives and the Forever Fund, sustaining Fairfax County parks long-term.
 

Pohanka Automotive & Scott A. & Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation

These partners enrich Fairfax County parks through Summer Entertainment Series sponsorships and Wonder Wagon vehicle donations, helping expand environmental education and community access.

image of mclean moms

This grassroots group partnered with the Fairfax County Park Foundation to raise nearly $500,000 for playground renovation through community fundraising and events. Special thanks to team leaders for their dedication.


ELLY DOYLE PARK SERVICE AWARDS

Park Authority Board has established these award categories to exemplify the attributes and qualities of individuals and organizations that help the Fairfax County Park system thrive in more tangible or specific ways. Each award recognizes a distinct set of standards and characteristics vital to the health and well-being of the system and ultimately the residents who benefit from our park amenities and programs.

Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Recipients

tim bowers

Since 2017, Bowers has led the Edible Garden project at Green Spring Gardens, guiding more than 40 Master Gardeners to grow and donate more than 8,000 pounds of produce to local food banks. He’s developed workshops, sustainable practices and community partnerships that enrich education and food access.
 

carolyn gamble

Gamble retired as Huntley Meadows Park Site Manager after 30 years and has volunteered for more than a decade supporting the park and Historic Huntley. She created a major exhibit for their anniversaries and co-led efforts to increase park funding, strengthening community connection and advocacy.

cynthia glakas

A Frying Pan Farm Park volunteer since 2024, Glakas serves as a docent, carousel operator and wagon driver. Her flexible, welcoming approach enhances visitor experiences, and she contributes personal crafts to enrich the historic setting.

paul gross

Founder of Friends of Royal Lake, Gross has led community-driven improvements and advocacy for more than 10 years, resulting in new trails, park upgrades and environmental restoration. He also volunteers at Twin Lakes Golf Course, helping manage local leagues and events.

brian keith

Keith has volunteered at Sully Historic Site since 2019, contributing more than 1,400 hours to trail maintenance and historic craft programs, enriching educational offerings with his expertise in traditional trades.

christina tyler wenks

Wenks led the successful 296-page Dark Sky designation application for Observatory Park at Turner Farm, dedicating more than 200 hours. As a NASA Solar System Ambassador, she promotes dark sky education and environmental awareness regionally.


OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDS

More than 10,000 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2025. They contributed 116,005 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.88 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force.
 

2025 Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipients

  • Tina Barber, South Run Rec Center, Landscaper
  • Margaret Bauman, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Park Educator
  • Steve Bezirganian, Providence Rec Center, General Support
  • Tengfei (Elio) Cui, Cub Run Rec Center, Front Desk
  • Eric DeTurk, Kings Park, Park Volunteer Team (PVT) Lead
  • Dan Dyke, Colvin Run Mill, Maintenance Support/Docent
  • David Eckhardt, Laurel Hill Golf Club, Course Starter
  • Mary Gerrity, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Course Starter
  • Nancy Herrman, George Washington Rec Center, Landscaper
  • Dana Lee, Cultural Resources, Archaeological Collections
  • George Lee, Franconia Rec Center, Front Desk/Special Events
  • Frank Lewis, Audrey Moore Rec Center, Pottery Monitor
  • Jean Lockhart, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Front Desk
  • Lisa Marcantonio, Riverbend Park, Front Desk
  • Steve Olson, Oakmont Rec Center, Maintenance/Landscaping Support
  • Ashwin Patel, Spring Hill Rec Center, Front Desk
  • Lewis Roth, Spring Hill Rec Center, Adapted Aquatics
  • Elizabeth Train, Huntley Meadows Park, Roving Naturalist/General Support
  • Carol Wolter, McLean Parks (Multiple Locations), Invasive Management Area Site Lead
  • Emily Yi, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Youth Program Support
2025 outstanding volunteer award recipients


 

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fairfax county park foundationThis event is sponsored by 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 that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Park Foundation website or call them at 703-324-8582.

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