Park Authority

By Chase Brown

The cold fall weather is finally starting to move in, and you know what that means. The Striped Bass are here. Striped Bass, or Stripers as most people call them, are a migratory fish that move up and down the East Coast of the United States. During the fall, massive schools of these fish travel up the Potomac River and into the creeks. Stripers can vary in size, the smaller ones which are generally referred to as “schoolies” are usually around 12 to 24 inches.  However, in recent years anglers have pulled out some trophy size Striped Bass from the Potomac with some reaching over 40 inches.

The typical ways to catch these fish are soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. Make sure that you use a jig head that is not too heavy or light, I recommend between a ¼ or ½ oz. depending on the current.  In my experience, Striper seemed to be really drawn to white or silver colors and especially love the movement that a long grub trail lure makes. The color of your jig head isn’t as important to Striper, but I typically go for red, white, or standard lead color. Live baitfish are an excellent choice as well for catching Stripers so if you can get hold of some bullhead minnows or shiners you should have success. I find that a 3/0 size circle hook with a ¼ oz. weight attached a foot above the hook is the best choice for fishing your live bait.

Areas such as creek mouths and deep channels are excellent places to find Stripers holding up. You can find a lot of success in areas where the Potomac meets up with a creek as the Striper are typically moving in and out of these areas on a regular basis. The best time to target these fish are on an incoming tide so make sure you go online and find a tide chart for your area. Striper tend to travel in schools so if you can catch one then you can usually catch a handful. Remember the technique you used to catch the first one and there should be more to follow. Deep channels along shallow riverbanks are another area that Striper tend to frequent since the deep water gives them some cover and allows them to pick off baitfish as they move out of the shallows. Fairfax County provides some excellent fishing spots to target Stripers around the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area. Any of the local creeks around you that feed into the Potomac are great places for you to try to target Stripers. Take a drive along the George Washington Parkway and you will be sure to find some great areas to try and land one of these amazing fish.

By Chase Brown

Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!

Here’s what you need to know on what to do before your first fishing trip this year, as well as tips and information on the fish you can expect to catch. If you have any specific questions about fishing in the area or fishing in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to our FCPA Fishing Coordinator Dan Grulke at dan.grulke@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also, be sure to go online and check out some of the fishing classes we will be offering this year at some of your favorite local parks!

Maintaining your equipment is incredibly important when it comes to fishing, and it can save you a lot of money if done properly and in a timely manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

1. Gather all your gear together including all rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and any miscellaneous lures you may have lying around.
2. Grab your rods and make sure each eye on each rod is properly secured and lines up properly.
3. Take your fishing reels and ensure that each one is cranking smoothly and that you have taken off any fishing line from last year. If your fishing reel is tough to crank and feels sort of locked up, then you may have to spray some lubricant inside the grooves to eliminate some of the rust or any gunk that may have built up inside over time. Be sure to change out your line before your first fishing trip this year if it has been on your reel for over a few months, as fishing line tends to lose its strength and become brittle after it sits on the reel for a while.
4. Make sure that you check for any bait or food in your tackle box that may have been left in it over the winter. For parents, I recommend you check your child’s tackle box for leftover food or bait every time they come home from fishing. I cannot tell you how many times I have found month-old hot dogs and bread that have led to entire tackle boxes needing to be thrown away.
5. Examine all your lures and hooks for signs of rust or wear. Use a sharpening stone on any of them that you think may need to be sharpened. If you find out that a lot of your lures or hooks have started to rust, then you most likely have an issue with water or moisture getting into your tackle box. I would try to locate any holes or breaks in your tackle box, and then think about moving it to a different, dryer location.
6. Check your fishing nets for gashes that may have been made from the previous year and examine them for rust if they are made of metal. Depending on what fish you are targeting, you may be able to get by with a few small gashes in your net, but you can make a quick fix with some thick sewing string and a needle, if you think it is necessary.

Now that you have some steps to get yourself prepared for the season, let us talk about some of the fish you may be targeting out there!

Spring is the time of year when largemouth bass begin their spawning rituals and tend to become highly aggressive. It is also a great time of the year for finding a trophy fish, since a lot of the females are pretty fattened up to prepare for spawning. Typically, you can find pairs of fish along grass beds guarding their nests from intruders and attacking anything that gets too close. In my opinion, this makes for an easy and enjoyable day of fishing, since you do not have to put too much effort into choosing the right lure. If it can fit in their mouth and you cast it close to their nesting site, you should have no problem hooking up with a bass this time of year.

Another reason that spring is a favorite time of year among anglers is the migratory species you can find in the Potomac River, such as striped bass and yellow perch. I had an article that previously talked about striped bass and their fall migration up the river , but they will also make a smaller migration down the river in the early springtime. Typically, there are not as many as there are in the fall, but these fish always seem to come back when the weather starts to warm up. The warmer waters also signal the beginning of the yellow perch migration. These fish spawn in rivers and creeks during this time of year, just like the largemouth bass. The yellow perch, not to be confused with the white perch that inhabits this area year-round, has some distinguishable features that separate it from its counterparts, including its color, which is typically greenish yellow with black bands along its sides.  

I have my best luck with yellow perch when fishing small soft plastics along areas with lots of rocks. Just like the largemouth bass, these fish are very aggressive during their spawning season and will strike at just about anything that crosses their path.

For those of you looking to experience fishing for the first time or looking to catch anything that will take your bait, panfish is the way to go.

Virginia has numerous species of panfish but the most popular three are bluegill, sunfish and crappie. They can be found in just about any body of water around the area and are a fun and easy species to catch that will be sure to brighten anyone’s fishing day.

All you need for these fish are some fishing line, a hook and bait, such as worms or crickets. Panfish typically travel in schools too, so where you find one you should be able to find a dozen.

Fishing for panfish is perfect for beginners or any angler looking for a relaxing day on the water. Although they are not the biggest fish by any means, they have some beautiful colors and patterns and a decent-sized one will put up a good fight on a lightweight fishing rod.

Good luck to all of you this fishing season, and I hope that this article helps you land that trophy catch this spring!

As the weather cools, activity in Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center pools is just heating up. Take the plunge into aquatic fitness this fall by purchasing the Aqua Flex pass — available at a discounted rate during November. Those interested in seeing the benefits of water exercise, sample classes yourself during the Aqua Flex ’26 event!

The Aqua Flex pass offers drop-in entry to aquatics exercises classes at Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County. Purchase a 20-visit pass for a 10% discount and a 30-visit pass for a 15% discount from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. Explore the full schedule of drop-in water exercise classes by visiting the Rec Center Schedules webpage.

Come out to see if the Aqua Flex pass is right for you by sampling water exercise classes during the Aqua Flex ‘26 event. Multiple instructors lead participants, ages 13 and older, through various styles and intensities of water exercise classes that the Park Authority offers. Purchase a $10 ticket and choose to take part in the entire two-hour session or enjoy just a portion of the session at a location convenient to you. The event takes place 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, simultaneously at three different Rec Centers:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
• Oakmont Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton
• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria

Adding water exercise into your routine improves cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength, all while reducing strain on joints, helping reduce stress and contributing to weight loss. Joining an Aqua Flex class with the Park Authority can be incredibly fun, providing an opportunity to socialize and connect with others. These connections make sticking to a routine even easier.

Explore the Park Authority’s many aquatics classes for all ages. Learn more about all these opportunities and more to get active in the pool at the Rec Center Aquatics and Swimming website.

The trails at Random Hills Park reopened last week following the completion of a major improvement project. The work was part of the Transform 66 effort to create a continuous shared-use trail along the Interstate 66 corridor, providing more than 34 miles of connectivity from Gallows Road in Dunn Loring to Bull Run Regional Park.

Improvements within Random Hills Park were designed to support increased use and enhance connections to nearby communities, such as Random Hills Road, Post Forest and the Fair Lakes area. Under a long-standing partnership established in 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority led design and permitting for the project with oversight from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Construction began in January 2026 and concluded in September 2026.

The completed project includes approximately 900 feet of new 10-foot-wide asphalt trail and drainage improvements throughout the park. A follow up Virginia Department of Transportation crosswalk project on Random Hills Road will begin soon, adding a wider crossing, refuge island and rapid flashing beacons to further improve trail connectivity.

Random Hills Park is located at 11550 Random Hills Road in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Step into three days of farm fun, fall traditions and family favorites, Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Farm Harvest Fest and Carnival features hands-on activities and demonstrations, Big Truck Night and a full carnival.

Big Truck Night kicks things off Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., giving families an up-close look at large trucks and specialty vehicles.

On Saturday and Sunday, Farm Harvest Days run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience the season through farm activities and demonstrations inspired by traditional harvest work, from apples and crops to livestock and historic farm skills.

The Fall Carnival runs throughout the weekend:

• Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unlimited ride wristbands are available in advance for $23.25 through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Get your carnival wristband

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.

Watch some of the highlights below:

Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore Royal Lake. The Fairfax County Park Authority has completed a series of trail improvements surrounding the lake, and the community is invited to celebrate the project’s completion on Friday, Nov. 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. with an evening of family-friendly activities and seasonal fun.

The celebration will feature the Wonder Wagon and a naturalist-led festive fall nature walk around Royal Lake. With Halloween just around the corner, participants can enjoy a seasonal adventure through the park while looking for signs of autumn, discovering the wildlife that calls Royal Lake home and exploring the woodlands. Families also can explore the improved trails on foot or by bike and enjoy the changing fall scenery. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park.

The Park Authority worked closely with the Royal Lake community to develop the project scope and secure funding for the improvements. The completed improvements include:

• Royal Lake Bridge Replacement – Replaced the pedestrian bridge over Rabbit Branch on the north side of Royal Lake.
• Royal Lake to Commonwealth Boulevard Trail – Constructed a new stream valley trail connecting an existing asphalt trail north of Lakeside Park to Commonwealth Boulevard.
• Richardson Court to Lakeside Park – Repaved the park entrance trail connecting Richardson Court to the soccer and baseball fields at Lakeside Park.
• Royal Lake Dam to Lakepointe Drive – Paved the natural-surface trail connecting the asphalt trail atop the dam to the Royal Lake Loop Trail.
• Shade Structure at Lakeside Park – Installed a new fabric shade structure and picnic equipment at the existing picnic area near the playground.

Royal Lake Park is located at 5216 Pommeroy Drive in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the 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. Learn more about the Park Authority.
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to attend a public meeting on Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m. to learn about the proposed improvements for Oakton Community Park. The meeting will be held at the historic Oakton Schoolhouse, located at 2841 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton.

Oakton Community Park has served the community since 2001, guided by a master plan developed in partnership with local residents. Several features—including a playground, natural surface trails and a parking area—have already been completed.

As the park’s use has expanded through collaboration with the Greater Oakton Community Association, the need for the next set of amenities has become increasingly clear. To support this growth, a phased conceptual development plan was created to outline future improvements.

Phase 1 of the development plan will focus on essential upgrades designed to better support current community use. Planned improvements include:

• A new picnic pavilion with visitor furnishings
• Walkway enhancements to improve accessibility
• A hose bib for improved utility access

Construction for Phase 1 is expected to begin in Spring 2027 and be completed by the end of Summer 2027.

Phase 2 of the project includes several larger enhancements including a restroom facility with kitchenette, a renovated playground, expanded parking, a community trail loop and new interpretive signage. These elements do not yet have a construction timeline, as they will be dependent on funding secured through donations.

Funding is secured for Phase 1 of the improvement project at Oakton Community Park. However, the project is designed to be scalable, meaning community contributions can help add additional amenities and enhanced features that elevate the park experience for all visitors.

More information about how community members can help enrich and expand Oakton Community Park during Phase 2 of the project is coming soon. Community support will make it possible to bring added elements to the park.

Public Meeting and Comment Period

At the October 19 meeting, attendees will learn about the Phase 1 design vision, hear how they can participate in shaping Phase 2, and have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the project team.

Following the meeting, the Park Authority welcomes public comments on the proposed Phase 1 improvements. Community members may submit feedback online through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20. A separate public comment period will be offered once funding is secured and planning begins for Phase 2.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and contribute to the future of Oakton Community Park—whether by sharing feedback, learning about the planned improvements, or supporting the next phase of the park’s development through financial contributions.

Learn more about the proposed improvements for Oakton Community Park by visiting the project’s PublicInput page. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the 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. Learn more about the Park Authority.

About 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.  
 

A free Hispanic Heritage Month celebration featuring salsa dancing, cultural activities, environmental education and free vegetarian meals is coming to Alabama Drive Park in Herndon on Friday, Oct. 2. Salsa in the Park will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1100 Alabama Drive. The event is open to all, and no registration is required.

Highlights include a salsa dancing workshop, salsa tasting and pollinator-friendly gardening activities, nature exploration with the Wonder Wagon, gardening information from Fairfax County Master Gardeners, face painting and arts and crafts. Free vegetarian meals will also be provided by SevaTruck.

The event is presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors – Dranesville District, Defensores de la Cuenca, Opportunity Neighborhoods Herndon, Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, Clean Fairfax, Fairfax County Master Gardeners, SevaTruck, Wonder Wagon and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Visit the Salsa in the Park event webpage for more information.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to approve a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program grant totaling $8,000 to support the design and installation of a mural on the surface of the athletic court practice wall at John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park. The total estimated cost for this improvement project is $16,000.

In May 2025, the Park Authority repaired and repainted the practice wall at the athletic court in John Mastenbrook–Greenway Downs Park. The Greenway Downs Citizens’ Association (GDCA), a longtime partner in caring for the park, proposes adding a community mural to the wall facing the basketball court. This prominent recreational area is a popular gathering spot for residents of all ages.

The mural will reflect the natural beauty and historic character of Greenway Downs. GDCA will work with a local professional artist experienced in large scale public art to develop the design, with community input gathered through an engagement session with the artist.

The project aims to encourage community use of the park and foster stewardship. Residents will be invited to participate in the design process, help prepare the site, support a community unveiling event, and volunteer for ongoing mural care. The effort aligns with the goals of the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Funds Grant program by combining financial support and volunteer engagement to enhance the park.

$8,000 from the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Funds Grant Program will provide the funds sufficient to complete the project when combined with GDCA’s $6,000 cash donation and $2,000 in-kind contribution of volunteer services from GDCA. The total project budget is $16,000, including the in-kind value of GDCA’s volunteer services to be contributed toward the project.

John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park is located at 2858 Woodlawn Ave. in Falls Church.

The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private partnerships that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.6 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters, and athletic field improvements.

For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website or call 703-324-8740.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is embarking on an exciting new chapter for one of the region’s most beloved playgrounds. After two decades of heavy use, much of the original play equipment at Clemyjontri Park have reached or exceeded their anticipated service life. Although the Park Authority has continued to maintain the playground and replace individual components as needed, a comprehensive renovation is necessary.

Rather than simply replacing aging equipment, the Park Authority is reimagining the entire playground for a new generation of visitors. The vision builds on Clemyjontri’s legacy of inclusive play, while creating new opportunities for children, families, caregivers and visitors of all ages and abilities to play, explore, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.

The project is guided by the theme "Where Every Child Can Play" and seeks to expand Clemyjontri’s original vision of inclusive play.

The Park Authority has selected landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt to lead the design of the revitalized playground. The emerging universal design will explore new play experiences, landscapes and amenities inspired by the diversity of Northern Virginia’s people and places, while preserving the spirit that has made Clemyjontri such a special destination.

Now, the community has an opportunity to help shape what comes next.

The Park Authority will host a public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Course, located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. The meeting will offer residents and park users a first look at the initial design vision and an opportunity to share feedback that will help inform the next phase of design.

Community members will be invited to provide input at stations exploring:

• How to honor Clemyjontri’s legacy while shaping its future
• What inclusive play means today and how the park can expand opportunities for children of all abilities
• Design inspiration drawn from Fairfax County’s ecology, culture, history and communities
• Preferred types of play experiences and structures
• Park aesthetics, including landscaping, materials, textures and sensory elements
• Ways to create a park experience that brings together visitors of all ages and abilities

The Nov. 5 public meeting is one of several opportunities for the community to help inform the project. Public comments will also be accepted online following the meeting through 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7.

Residents and park users are encouraged to share their ideas, experiences and priorities for the future of Clemyjontri as the design continues to develop.
Community members who plan to attend the Nov. 5 public meeting and need meeting materials in a language other than English should contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov by Oct. 22.

Funding from the 2026 Bond Referendum will support the base design for the reimagined Clemyjontri Park. The project is being designed to be scalable, allowing community contributions to help add amenities and enhanced features that elevate the experience for all visitors. The Fairfax County Park Foundation will soon begin accepting donations to help enrich and expand the reimagined park and further strengthen Clemyjontri’s legacy of inclusive, joyful play.

To learn more about the proposed plans for Clemyjontri Park and how you can make your voice heard, visit the Clemyjontri Park PublicInput page.

Questions can be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About 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.