Park Authority

A community on wheels gathered at Wakefield Skate Park for an all-around good time at Skate the Wake. On Sunday, Oct. 15, skateboarders of all skill levels came out to learn new tricks from experienced skaters and put their talents to the test in competition with fellow skaters during an afternoon of fun, music, food and prizes.

More than 150 skaters came out to enjoy the event hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Park Foundation, with in-kind donations provided by American Boy and Sushi Skate. Headlining the event were five-time X-Games medalist and former coach of the USA Skateboarding Team, Mimi Knoop; “Top Chef” competitor and local restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn; and DJ Derran Eaddy, founder of Solstik Music.

“It was a fantastic day to be out at the Wakefield Skate Park and be a part of this close-knit skating community,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “The day was filled with amazing feats of athleticism, but it was also impressive to watch as more experienced skaters helped teach beginner- and intermediate-level skaters basic skills and some new tricks -- and everyone cheered each other on. With all the fun, excitement and smiles all around, Skate the Wake was a big-time success!”

Knoop, Mendelsohn, and professionals from the Sushi Skate Co. judged the Best Trick Contest with competitions in the beginner, intermediate and advanced skill categories. Skaters competed in a five-minute jam session to impress the judges with their best tricks. Winners received a custom skateboard deck from Sushi Skate Co.

Congratulations to:

• Beginner: Owen Quinn
• Intermediate: Tony Sarro
• Advanced: John Kieran

Skateboarders, roller skaters, bikers, scooter riders, families and spectators alike all enjoyed a fun-filled day. Photos of the day’s activities can be found on the Park Authority’s Flickr page.

Learn more about the Wakefield Skate Park, located at 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, Virginia, by visiting the Wakefield Skate Park website.

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 703-324-8582.

Lace up your running shoes and join the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) for a wild, fun-filled adventure at the first-annual Beaver Boogie 5K Fun Run/Walk! This fantastic event is set to take place on Sunday, Nov. 26, at scenic Lake Accotink Park. The race will begin at 10 a.m.

Get ready for a memorable 5K race through picturesque Lake Accotink Park – a perfect way to spend a day with family and friends. The Beaver Boogie is more than just a fun run; it's an opportunity to support the mission of the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP), a certified 501(c)3 organization dedicated to "protect, restore, preserve, and educate all concerning the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Lake Accotink Park." FLAP is an all-volunteer organization, which means that every donation directly fuels projects and programs at Lake Accotink Park.

Registration is $25 for each participant.

Register for the Beaver Boogie 5K through Eventbrite

View the 5K flyer

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. For more information and registration details, visit the Lake Accotink Park website.

Finding the right equipment is one of the most important aspects to improving your golf game. Golf Fairfax is partnering with Callaway and the Eisman Golf Academy to offer access to the latest clubs and equipment this fall.

Callaway Fitting Day

On Oct. 26 at Burke Lake Golf Center from 4 to 8 p.m., golfers will receive personalized club and ball recommendations and a best-in-class fitting experience. Through one-on-one sessions with Certified Performance Fitters, golfers can take advantage of cutting-edge fitting equipment, such as Foresight GCQuad launch monitors. Register in advance for a 30-minute or 60-minute session.

Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. For more information, visit Burke Lake Golf Center or call 703-323-1641.

Ladies’ Fitting Day

On Oct. 29 at Twin Lakes Golf Course and Oct. 30 at Laurel Hill Golf Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., ladies can find the perfect fit for their golf game. Test out and purchase the latest clubs with expert advice from Nick Fusco, an Eisman Golf Academy instructor and master club fitter. Enjoy free 30-minute consultations, featuring equipment just for ladies. Customers can also take advantage of discounts on same day purchases. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome.

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road. For more information, visit Twin Lakes Golf Course or call 703-631-9099.

Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton. For more information, visit Laurel Hill Golf Club or call 703-493-8849.

For more information and to sign up, visit the Park Authority Golf webpage.

On Oct. 12, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) earned its fourth-consecutive accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The achievement continues the FCPA’s standing as a nationally distinguished park and recreation agency over the last 15 years. The announcement was made at the 2023 Annual Conference of the NRPA in Dallas.

The Park Authority initially earned national accreditation in 2008, received re-accreditation in 2013 and 2018, and once again met 154 national standards to earn this designation.

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.

As part of the accreditation process, FCPA demonstrated compliance with 154 recognized performance and operations standards. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.

“Achieving accreditation truly is a prestigious achievement. It doesn’t just happen by coincidence, and to have achieved yet another perfect score is just a reflection of the phenomenal work of our staff, leadership and members of the Park Authority Board.” Commented FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “Together, our team shares a common commitment and understanding of just how important our work is and that it plays a significant role in the physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing of the more than 1 million residents who call Fairfax County home.”

The process for accreditation involves self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years. For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit the CAPRA website.

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit its website.

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for an enchanting afternoon at the 2023 Bat Festival on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts! Come celebrate the captivating world of bats, learn about the vital role they play in our ecosystem, understand the threats they face and what you can do to protect them.

Join experts Leslie Sturges and Alonso Abugattas as they unveil the mysteries behind these creatures of the night and shed some light on the challenges they face, such as light pollution. Enjoy interactive activities for all ages and join our optional costume contest. Connect with organizations dedicated to bat conservation and environmental initiatives, including the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Gather your loved ones for a fun and educational afternoon celebrating the amazing world of bats. Reserve your FREE spot today!

For event details and free registration, visit the Dark Skies webpage.

View the Bat Festival flyer

The wait is over at Huntley Meadows Park as the Fairfax County Park Authority announces the reopening of the Huntley gift shop! Nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and gift-seekers, get ready to immerse yourselves in a world of treasures that will make your heart sing with delight.

The Huntley Meadows gift shop has a literal trove of nature-inspired gifts. Whether you’re looking to commemorate your park visit or find the perfect nature-oriented holiday gift for a friend or family member, the shop has something special for everyone, including:

• Nature-themed jewelry: Adorn yourself or a loved one with the beauty of the natural world.
• Wildlife plushies: Huggable companions for the young and young at heart.
• Wildlife toys: Educational and entertaining toys to spark curiosity.
• Hand-carved stone animals: Unique and artistic treasures.
• Books for all ages: Dive into the world of ecology and wildlife.
• Nature guides: Essential companions for outdoor adventures.
• Stationery: Notebooks, pens and stickers for nature-inspired creativity.
• Puzzles and games: Engaging fun for the whole family.
• Nature discovery items: Binoculars, walking sticks, tumbled stones and owl pellets for budding explorers.
• Trail essentials: Stock up on sunscreen, bug repellent, snacks and hydration.

The Gift Shop opens on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. It is located at the 3701 Lockheed Blvd. entrance inside of the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center.

For more information, visit the Huntley Meadows Park website or call 703-768-2525.

Be a part of a Golf Fairfax holiday tradition! This year, celebrate the holidays on the greens at the Greendale and Pinecrest golf courses. These tournaments promise to make unforgettable memories on the fairways this holiday season.

The 11th Annual Turkey Cup at Greendale Golf Course (Nov. 16)

Participants ages 18 and older will compete to take home a Thanksgiving dinner and dessert in a two-player captain’s choice tournament. Prizes will also be awarded for first and second place per division, as well as closest to the pin. Cost is $130 per team and includes lunch, greens fee, power cart and prizes. Registration closes Thursday, Nov. 9.

Greendale Golf Course is located at 6700 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Visit the Greendale Golf Course website for more information.

Fall Festival Scramble at Pinecrest Golf Course (Nov. 19)

Participants ages 7 and up will play in teams of two in a nine-hole scramble format. There will be prizes for first, second and third place and closest to pin. Teams will be separated into age divisions (adult/junior 7-12, adult/junior 13-17, and adult/adult) and are limited to the first 24 teams. Cost is $90 per team and includes lunch.

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria. Visit the Pinecrest Golf Course website for more information.

Discover more about fall tournaments, Golf Fairfax's seven municipal golf courses, golf classes, special events and more at the Park Authority Golf webpage.

Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) have been recognized with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2023 Leadership Award for projects at two rec centers that are saving the county energy and money. The award was presented on Oct. 5 at an Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center.

The FCPA and Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) were recognized in the Government category for two energy projects at the South Run and Cub Run rec centers. CMTA, an energy service company, and the natural gas utility Washington Gas were partners in the effort.

At Cub Run, the pool heat recovery system was upgraded to more efficiently heat water, and the building automation system was optimized to save energy and reduce peak demand. At South Run, the pool dehumidification systems were replaced, the air distribution systems were converted from constant volume to variable air volume, and a new Direct Digital Controls system was implemented to optimize the building’s heating and cooling schedule.

“We at the Park Authority pride ourselves on our role as stewards of the environment,” said Executive Director Jai Cole. “Our partnership with OEEC and CMTA to enhance the energy efficiency of our facilities and reduce environmental impacts of our operations is just another demonstration of that commitment to protect and preserve our land, water, air and wildlife for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.”

Since November 2022 when the projects were completed, Cub Run has realized more than 55% savings in energy consumption and South Run has experienced a 39% savings compared to the same period in the previous year. Cub Run and South Run are also on track to see nearly $170,000 and $51,000 in total utility costs avoidance respectively this year, thanks to these project improvements.

“While these are some of the first projects using an energy performance contract, they are by no means the last,” said John Morrill, OEEC’s acting director. “We hope to replicate this success at other county facilities with even greater scope and energy savings.”

The projects support the county’s Operational Energy Strategy, which aims to reduce overall energy use in county operations, buildings and fleet vehicles.

More information about these projects can be found on the Energizing Efficiency Campaign website.

About Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC)

The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, a member-based 501(c)3, launched the Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023 to further the mission of advancing EE across the state by showcasing remarkable work being done in our communities and inspiring others to act. Learn more at VAECC website.

VAEEC has presented the Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards since 2016.

In an effort to spur greater energy efficiency gains throughout the Commonwealth, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council launched the Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023. Projects and programs of all sizes and sectors were submitted to the campaign, and those that were particularly innovative or impactful were distinguished with VAEEC’s Annual Leadership Awards.

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority at this year’s Fall Harvest Festival to be hosted at four participating Farmers Market locations this October! Enjoy delicious foods from local farmers and celebrate the fall harvest with fresh produce, including apples, greens, broccoli and, of course, pumpkins. Shopping at the farmers market is a great way to celebrate all that the season has to offer, while supporting local farmers, businesses and communities.

Enjoy live music, free samples of warm apple cider, pumpkin decorating, trivia games, prizes and more. This activity is free and open to the public, but activity supplies are limited. To participate in this year’s Fall Harvest Festival, visit any or all of the following market locations on the designated dates:

• Oak Marr (3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton) Wednesday, Oct. 11, 8 a.m. to noon
• Annandale (6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale), Thursday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m. to noon
• McLean (1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean), Friday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to noon
• Lorton (8994 Potomac Bend, Lorton), Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For additional information, contact the Community Horticulture Office at 703-642-0128 or visit the Farmers Market website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin resurfacing and painting the Clemyjontri parking lot. The parking lot will be closed during the resurfacing and painting, but the park will remain open. Work will begin starting Tuesday, Oct. 24, and is expected to conclude on Thursday, Oct. 26, as the weather permits.

The work has been specifically targeted during the middle of the week to minimize the inconvenience to park patrons. Clemyjontri Park, one of the most popular parks in Fairfax County, regularly receives high numbers of visitor traffic during the weekends. While the parking lot is closed, visitors are encouraged to use the new Park Amenity Locator website to help identify alternate recreation options if needed.

Clemyjontri Park is located at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean. For more information, please visit the Clemyjontri Park website or call 703-388-2807.