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!

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the second year in a row as a 2026 Top Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. This recognition highlights FCPA’s dedication to providing meaningful work-based learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders.

FCPA internships provide students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience that supports both their career goals and the Park Authority’s mission to serve the Fairfax County community. Interns contribute to real projects and initiatives across areas, such as park operations, recreation programs, environmental stewardship, communications, business operations, engineering and golf enterprises, gaining practical experience while making a meaningful impact.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized again this year," said Jeff Rosenblum, FCPA’s human resources manager. "Interns are an important part of our workforce and our future talent pipeline. We take great pride in creating an environment for interns to feel supported, challenged and valued, while providing them the opportunities to build the skills they need for their careers."

FCPA encourages students, emerging professionals, career changers and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in one of our operational areas, to explore upcoming internship opportunities by visiting the Internship Opportunities website.

View the certificate of recognition

For more information on the 2026 Top Employers for Interns, please read the official news release on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s website.

Bring the whole family to Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration. Since 1970, Earth Day has highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources, and this festival offers fun, hands-on ways to learn simple things you can do at home to help the environment.

Here are a few things you can learn at this year’s event:

• Summer camp opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority.
• Golf options for kids and adults.
• Strategies to grow bigger, better plants.
• Tree and shrub planting Guidelines.
• Information for identifying and getting rid of invasive plants.
• Ways insects help the environment.
• Effects of erosion on archaeology.
• History through activities.
• Composting.
• Water recreation spots in Fairfax County.

With live music, food and beverage, the popular touch-a-truck exhibit and more, this is a learning experience you don’t want to miss. Admission to the event is free, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. 

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

Spring comes alive along the Potomac River as Bluebells at the Bend returns to Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate one of Northern Virginia’s most anticipated traditions with a day of nature, discovery and family-friendly fun.

Stroll through vibrant fields of blooming bluebells and experience the beauty of the season with guided wildflower walks offered throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy live music, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with local environmental organizations.

Event highlights include:

• Guided wildflower walks offered every 30 minutes.
• Live music by Andrew McKnight.
• Meet live animals, including reptiles and birds of prey.
• Puppet shows and family activities throughout the day.
• Bald eagle mascot meet-and-greet.
• Exhibitors and nature-focused organizations.
• Food trucks and vendor tents.

Guests can visit the Nature Center to see live owls presented by the Maryland Raptor Conservancy and explore hands-on discovery stations, such as the fur and bones touch table. A free shuttle runs throughout the event between the Visitor Center and Nature Center to make getting around easy.

Bluebells are a fragile natural resource. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails and help preserve the beauty of Riverbend Park.

Register for Bluebells at the Bend

Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills St. in Great Falls. For more information, visit the Riverbend Park website or call 703-324-8563.

With an award-winning system of 424 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.

The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers. Online nominations are open for the following awards:

Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award – These awards honor Ellamae “Elly” Doyle’s many years of service and accomplishments as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board. During her tenure, Fairfax County’s park system expanded significantly, adding open space, new recreational facilities, and a strong commitment to preserving local natural and cultural resources. This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers for their outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks.

The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award – Recognizes outstanding teamwork and cooperation in providing state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County parks, honoring the service and contributions of retired Park Board member Harold L. Strickland.

The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award – Honors historian, volunteer, and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz by recognizing exceptional contributions to FCPA cultural preservation efforts.

The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award – Recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of Sally B. Ormsby’s dedication to environmental stewardship and education about local natural resources.

The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award – Recognizes significant, tangible contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses that enhance diversity systemwide and foster a culture of inclusion within parks and the surrounding community.

Nominations are due by Friday, May 22, 2026. The nomination form is available online at the 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Nominations website. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the general public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers.

Award recipients will be honored later this fall. Additional details will be posted on the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards webpage.

For more information or alternative formats of the application, please contact the Public Information Office via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a special informational meeting about the highly anticipated renovation of Audrey Moore Rec Center. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. at Wakefield Forest Elementary School, locate at 4011 Iva Lane in Fairfax, in the cafeteria. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about the proposed updates and opportunities coming to this beloved community facility.

The meeting will provide residents with details about the renovation, including:

• Introduction to the project and Rec Center team.
• Overall renovation concept.
• Construction and reopening timeline.
• Overview of amenities and programmatic areas.
• Pottery considerations.

Following the public meeting on May 2, FCPA will accept public comments on the proposed renovation plans for the facility online via the Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation webpage for 30 days. All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5.

The Audrey Moore Rec Center was the first rec center constructed by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1977 and has been a cornerstone of the community for almost 50 years. The 76,000-square-foot facility is undergoing a transformative renovation. The project scope includes an expanded fitness area and programing space; a warm water pool to serve people with disabilities, seniors and children; an Olympic-size competition pool; a child care center; and an expanded senior center in partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2028, with an estimated completion in winter 2030.

For ongoing updates about the project and to access related materials, visit the Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation webpage.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the future of the Audrey Moore Rec Center and how it will continue to serve as a vital resource for Fairfax County residents for years to come.

For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

This summer, junior golfers across Fairfax County will have a new opportunity to compete, improve and shine with the launch of the Golf Fairfax Junior Tournament Series, or GFJTS. Designed for players ages 10–18, the series offers structured competition and an opportunity to qualify and compete in a season-ending Series Championship.

GFJTS Series Details:

• Nine tournaments across six Fairfax County golf courses.
• Each player competes in five events.
• Divisions: ages 10–12, 13–15 and 16–18.
• Points are earned at each event and contribute to overall standings.
• Format modeled after the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup.
• Top performers qualify for the Series Championship.

Players will earn points based on their finishes in each tournament, with cumulative totals determining advancement to the Series Championship held at Laurel Hill Golf Club. Top finishers at each event will receive awards, and division champions will be recognized as the top junior golfers in Fairfax County, with their names etched on a perpetual trophy.

"We wanted to create an opportunity for junior golfers to experience competitive play in a fun, structured and affordable way," said Michael Mauk, PGA Professional at Pinecrest Golf Course and GFJTS co-director.

The series also helps players prepare for school competition, especially those planning to try out for middle or high school teams in the fall.

"High school golf is more than just playing for a team," said Tim Sample, GFJTS co-director, Golf Fairfax instructor and Head Varsity Golf Coach at Meridian High School. "It’s about building technical skills while learning to manage the pressure of competition week-to-week. Players in this series will enter tryouts more prepared and confident."

Registration for the Golf Fairfax Junior Tournament Series opened April 1 and runs through May 31, with participation capped at 200 players. The first tournament tees off June 23 at 10 a.m. at Jefferson District Golf Course.

For the full schedule, to learn more and to register, visit the Junior Tournament Series webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority was honored with a Governor’s Environmental Award in recognition of its energy upgrades at the Spring Hill Rec Center on March 24 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Richmond. The awards program recognizes successful and innovative efforts that improve Virginia's environment.

"This award reinforces that the Park Authority is a trailblazing agency for energy savings and sustainability in Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Keith Snyder, energy branch manager at the Fairfax County Park Authority. "The energy upgrades at Spring Hill Rec Center not only enhance the experience of rec center patrons but will also continue to produce environmental benefits and cost savings for the community for many years to come."

The Park Authority addressed issues related to the maintenance and performance of key systems at Spring Hill Rec Center, including the chiller, cooling tower and pool units. The project resulted in a 44% building energy reduction and $204,011 operation and maintenance savings over the first operating year. These upgrades helped the Park Authority meet the county’s Operational Energy Strategy goal of 25% energy usage reduction county-wide by 2030, a full five years ahead of schedule.

Since completion, the project has won several awards, including the 2025 U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings: Better Project Award and Better Practice Award and Virginia Energy Efficiency Council Award.

Spring Hill Rec Center is located at 1239 Spring Hill Road in McLean. For more information, visit the Spring Hill Rec Center website or call 703-827-0989.

The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole offers a wide range employment opportunities this summer. From lifeguards and park attendants to cashiers and security staff, the Fairfax County Park Authority has begun the search for the more than 200 team members to operate the popular splash park in Reston, Virginia. Full position descriptions, lists of job duties and qualifications can be found on the Water Mine's employment webpage.

Water Mine will be hosting several in-person open hire sessions for all summer positions vacant at the Water Mine. These full-service sessions will allow applicants to interview, take a swim test (lifeguards only) and complete hiring paperwork if a job is offered. Walk-ins are accepted and preregistration is not required. Applicants should bring their banking information, social security card and an unexpired photo ID to complete hiring paperwork. Open hiring sessions are scheduled for the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Water Mine
• Thursday, April 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Water Mine
• Saturday, April 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Water Mine

Pay is competitive and starting rates are as follows:

• Lifeguards: starting at $16.87 per hour
• Security Staff: starting at $18.87 per hour
• Leadership Staff: starting at $17.87 per hour

Applications and details for the upcoming all-in-one open hire sessions are available on the Water Mine's employment webpage. 

The Water Mine is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Virginia. For information, contact the Water Mine at FCPAWaterMine@fairfaxcounty.gov; or call 703-246-5933.