On January 1-3, 2021, the Fairfax County Park Authority joined America’s state parks including Virginia State Parks to encourage everyone to start 2021 with a hike. In Fairfax County, it’s a great way to appreciate more than 450 miles of trails and to set the bar for a new year of fitness and outdoor activity. This year’s contests included special prize amounts of $70 to commemorate the Park Authority’s 70th anniversary. Nearly 200 hikers submitted photos as part of the First Hike Fairfax 2021 Photo Contest presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Park Authority Executive Director, a panel of Park Authority judges and a public vote have determined the following winners:
Mike Crosby, Huntley Meadows Park
People’s Choice: $70 Park Authority Gift Card OR a 6-Month FCPA RECenter Pass
More than 1,000 people voted on the People’s Choice Winner. With 167 votes, this photo of the Huntley Meadows boardwalk received 16 percent of the vote, making it the most popular of the 30 finalists selected by the judges.
Elaine Starr, Huntley Meadows Park
Judges’ Choice: $70 Park Authority Gift Card OR 25-visit FCPA RECenter Pass
A panel of judges thought the photographer did an excellent job of clearly capturing the detail of this action shot from a Northern pintail at Huntley Meadows Park. They felt like the photo transported them to the Huntley wetlands – home to so many beautiful birds and animals.
Jack Ledgerwood, Folly Lick Stream Valley Park
Director’s Choice: $70 Park Authority Gift Card
Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon chose this photo of a woman with a mask and her dog using a fair-weather crossing to cross a stream, saying “This photo perfectly showcases the fact that so many people are using our parks and trails to stay healthy and have fun during a challenging year.”
Heather Rabinowitz, Cross County Trail at Accotink
Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes): $70 Park Authority Gift Card
Judges enjoyed this refreshing perspective of park trails. The tall,towering trees offer peace and protection to the trail users below – a stunning reminder of how grand and powerful nature can be. Living and fallen trees and an inclined landscape beautifully frame the photo.
Sherry Schellenger Parker, Green Spring Gardens
Best in Show (People): $70 Park Authority Gift Card
Judges thought this photo highlighted how beautiful and peaceful parks can be in all types of weather. They thought the photo was framed nicely and that the umbrellas offered a fun pop of color on an otherwise dreary day.
Nancy McDonough, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
Best in Show (Wildlife): $70 Park Authority Gift Card
Judges selected this photo because they loved how the colors of the bird matched the colors of the berry. The photo is pretty enough for a holiday card and reminds us how fortunate we are to share our parks and trails with so many beautiful creatures.
First Hike Fairfax kicks off a new year of Healthy Strides activities for the whole family. For more fresh ideas, visit the Healthy Strides web page and sign up for the e-newsletter with monthly tips to get you and your family energized.
Find out more about how easy it is to support local parks by visiting the Park Foundation.
For more information on First Hike Fairfax, visit the First Hike Fairfax web page
Media Note: Click the photo to download
See all First Hike Fairfax 2021 photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ffxparks/albums/72157717789997173