Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority will be making improvements to the existing tennis courts at Mason District Park. Contractors will mobilize on site in early June, with work expected to begin on Wednesday, June 12. The project will include the replacement of old asphalt surfacing, fencing, gates, net posts and footers. New sealcoat, color coat and playing lines will also be applied to the courts.

Mason District Park will remain open during the tennis court revitalization. However, construction activities may temporarily impact some areas of the park. Weather pending, the Park Authority anticipates that the reconstruction work will conclude in fall 2024.

Mason District Park is located at 6621 Columbia Pike, Annadale. For more information, please contact project manager Kelly Davis at kelly.davis@fairfaxcounty.gov.

In a separate effort, the Park Authority has begun the process of identifying an optimal location within the park to add two dedicated pickleball courts. Additional information about this project and opportunities for community engagement will be forthcoming once the proposal is completed. Questions regarding these pickleball courts may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now double their benefit – up to an additional $40 – to purchase fruits and vegetables at five Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets. SNAP benefit matching is provided through funding received from Viginia Fresh Match and community partners Arcadia, Britepaths and Cornerstones.

Bring your EBT cards to the SNAP Information Table at participating markets and receive double the amount (up to $40) to purchase extra fruits and vegetables. For example, if you take out $50 off your card, you will receive $50 in SNAP tokens and $40 in Match tokens to spend in the market. SNAP tokens can be spent on any SNAP-eligible item, while Match tokens can only be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The following markets are participating in the program:

McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market

Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon (April 17 to Dec. 18)

2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria

Wakefield Farmers Market

Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. (May 1 to Oct. 30)

8100 Braddock Road, Annandale

Annandale Farmers Market

Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon (May 2 to Nov. 14)

6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Reston Farmers Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon (April 27 to Dec. 7)

1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston

Lorton Farmers Market

Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon (May 5 to Nov. 10)

8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. For information or to apply, go to the Common Help website or call 855-635-4370.

For more information about the Park Authority’s Farmers Markets and the SNAP Match program, please go to the Farmers Market website.

Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers offer quality opportunities to be active and stay healthy in Fairfax County. In addition to top-notch equipment, fun drop-in exercise classes and swimming pools, Rec Centers also host periodic events to help residents connect to a variety of health and fitness resources that match their needs and interests. Some upcoming events include:

Healthy Together Fairfax

Sunday, May 19; Noon - 3 p.m. Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria)

This fun, free, interactive community event focuses on healthy and active living in the areas of physical, environmental, social and emotional wellness. Join us for free health screenings, access community services and resources, enjoy hands-on activities and fitness classes, and explore the trails, playgrounds and amenities in Franconia Park. For more information, visit the Healthy Together website.

View the Healthy Together flyer

Open House at All Rec Centers

Wednesday, May 22; Free Access All Day (special programs from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.). All Rec Center Locations

Visit your local Rec Center – for FREE – and get a firsthand look at all the opportunities that we can provide. Anyone can access FCPA Rec Centers for free all day. Special programs – including arts and crafts and drop-in fitness classes – are available from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on May 22. In addition, those who choose to purchase or renew Rec Center memberships during the month of May can receive a 15% discount.

View the Rec Center Open House flyer

Try It Triathlon

Saturday, June 8; 7-10 a.m. Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale)

Have you ever experienced a triathlon? If not, we’ve got a fantastic experience for you! The Try It Triathlon is a great way to give it a try. The event includes swimming 300 yards, biking 5 miles and running 2 miles. Whether you are competing against friends, racing the clock or just looking for a fun opportunity to be active, the Try It Triathlon has the challenge that’s right for you. Tickets cost $44 per participant.

New Extended Lap Lane Hours

Lanes open at 8 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Franconia Rec Center and Oakmont Rec Center

Get started an hour earlier on the weekend at Franconia and Oakmont Rec Centers all summer long! The Park Authority is testing a new schedule with extended hours at these locations. In the fall, the Park Authority will review the success of the program and evaluate the potential for additional operating hours adjustments.

Get active, have fun and form connections with your community at your local FCPA Rec Center. Learn more by visiting the Rec Center website.

As an agency that offers numerous opportunities to swim and enjoy the water at Rec Center pools, lake and riverfront parks and waterparks, the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrates water safety all year long. Each year, the Park Authority hires, trains and certifies lifeguards and swim instructors. During National Water Safety Month in May, the Park Authority is placing added emphasis on water safety and education.

Dive Into Swim Lessons

No matter your age, the Park Authority offers lessons in the pool to learn how to swim and increase your swimming skills. In addition to private and semi-private swim lessons, ongoing group swim classes offered include:

• Baby & Me (6-18 months)
• Toddler & Me (19 months-3 years)
• Pee Wee Paddler (3-7 years)
• Swimming for Children (6-12 years)
• Stroke Mechanics (6-18 years)

In addition, the Park Authority has started offering swim lessons taught in Spanish at multiple Rec Centers. Bilingual instructors using the Virginia Swims curriculum teach lessons to swimmers in both English and Spanish. Contact your local Rec Center to identify bilingual aquatics lessons.

Award-Winning Adapted Swim Programs

Take part in an award-winning Adapted Aquatics Program for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. The program includes learn-to-swim classes, aquatic exercise classes and training for Special Olympics and Paralympic Swim Team competition.

Water Safety Education for Children

This spring the Park Authority brought back its Get Set, Get W.E.T. (Water Education Training) program. The free, 30-minute presentation aims to get children ages 3 to 5 comfortable with the concept of being in and around water and shares vital water safety tips. Since this program began in 2022, more than 10,000 children have participated in these classes and learned more about water safety.

Advancing Skills with Summer Swim League

For those looking to increase their skills in the water, the Park Authority offers the Summer Swim League for swimmers ages 6 to 14 to join a swim team and participate in swim meets this summer. The deadline to register is June 9.

Together all these efforts combine to enhance swimming skills and water safety throughout Fairfax County. Learn more about National Water Safety Month webpage.

For a complete listing of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s offerings in and around the pool, visit the Aquatics and Swimming webpage.

Partner up for fun competition this season with Golf Fairfax. Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited to showcase their skills. The more the merrier!

Spring Best Ball

Saturday, May 11, Jefferson District Golf Course (7900 Route 29, Falls Church)

Teams of two (ages 18 and over) will compete in a 9-hole, best ball stroke play tournament. Cost $80 per team. For additional information and to register, visit the Jefferson District Golf Course website.

Spring Two-Person Challenge

Saturday, May 25, Burke Lake Golf Center (6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)

Teams of two (ages 12 and over) will compete in an 18-hole best ball, scramble tournament. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third and closest to the pin. Cost is $90 per team and includes complimentary range balls, push cart, greens fees and lunch. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Golf Center website.

Discover all Golf Fairfax has to offer with seven municipal golf courses, golf classes, tournaments and special events at Golf website.

In recognition of Historic Preservation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting several events at historic properties across the county. On Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., resident curators at the following properties are opening their homes to the community to tour the property and learn about the ways they are working to preserve Fairfax County’s heritage:

• The Stempson House located at 9501 Furnace Road, Lorton
• The Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi House located at 10605 Furnace Road, Lorton

Limited on-site parking will be available at each site.

In addition to the open houses on May 18, ServiceSource, the nonprofit curator for the Ellmore Farmhouse, will offer recurring house tours every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning May 13. These tours will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work that ServiceSource does within the community and to see the adaptive reuse of Ellmore Farmhouse located at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

The Resident Curator Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements to live rent-free in historic properties located in beautiful public park settings. In return, curators agree to invest in the rehabilitation of these properties to ensure that the history of Fairfax County is preserved for future generations to experience.

For additional information about the Resident Curator Program and FCPA’s historic properties, visit the Resident Curator Program website. You may also contact Resident Curator Program manager, Stephanie Langton at 703-324-8791 or stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for a classic celebration of automotive nostalgia at the 49th Annual Sully Antique Car Show. Applications for exhibitors and vendors are now being accepted. Car enthusiasts and market vendors are invited to join in on the fun on Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly.

Get ready to experience one of the largest car shows in Fairfax County, featuring hundreds of antique cars, live music and food. All show vehicles must be registered by June 12. Registration fee is $10. Car check-in is from 7-9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Please note, there is no day-of show registration.

Antique, craft and flea market vendors are also welcome to participate. To secure your spot as a competitor or market vendor, complete the registration form at the Annual Car show event webpage.

Car and Registration Brochure

If you’re just looking to enjoy the show, register for your advance tickets today! In addition to the automotive extravaganza, attendees can explore the first level of the historic house and visit the children’s activity tent. Advance tickets for the event are on sale for $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children age 5 to 15 years old.

Register for the antique car show

View the event flyer

Don't miss your chance to be part of this beloved community tradition! For more information and to get involved, visit the Annual Car Show event webpage.

Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. For more information, visit the Sully Historic Site website or call 703-437-1794.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends are pleased to invite families and their four-legged companions to Park ‘n' Bark 2024 on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. This “paw-some” event will include an afternoon of food music and fun for everyone at the Walney Visitor Center and Amphitheater located at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly.

Park ‘n’ Bark promises entertainment for every member of the family, both human and canine alike. With savory food offerings, dog-themed vendors offering unique goodies and live music. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet and greet adoptable dogs ready to find their forever homes. Whether you're looking to add a new member to your family or simply want to enjoy the company of some adorable pups, Park ‘n’ Bark has something for everyone.

So grab your leash, gather your pack, and join us for a tail-wagging good time at Park ‘n' Bark!

The Walney Visitor Center and Amphitheater is located at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly. For more information, visit the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park website or call 703-631-0013.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites all gardening enthusiasts to mark their calendars for the Annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This must-attend, free event promises a day of plants galore and endless inspiration for seasoned gardeners and budding green thumbs alike.

Join us for a vibrant showcase of diverse plant varieties offered by numerous vendors, ranging from beloved classics to rare and exotic specimens. Whether you're eager to embrace native flora or add a pop of color with fruiting plants, the Spring Garden Day has something for every garden vision.

In addition to the plant extravaganza, attendees can gain valuable insights and tips from knowledgeable Master Gardeners. And while you explore the lush displays, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delectable treats from local food vendors or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Friends of Green Spring Park Bake Sale.

View the flyer

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Green Spring Gardens website or call 703-642-5173.

Celebrate Fairfax County’s rich cultural diversity at the 2024 Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival! The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining with the Asian Community Center for an afternoon of incredible performances, demonstrations, activities and mouthwatering delicacies on Saturday, May 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at Mason District Park, located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Enjoy an unforgettable day filled with cultural delights and community spirit during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor every aspect of Asian heritage. Prepare to be mesmerized by traditional lion and dragon dances, participate in art contests and marvel at the colorful Cultural Parade weaving through the park. Engage your creativity with crafts and games. Or explore the wealth of community exhibitors and resources available.

Whether you come to enjoy the festivities, indulge in cultural cuisine, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival welcomes individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds to come together in celebration.

View the flyer