Park Authority

This summer, you can get paid to play! The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking creative, high-energy, motivated candidates for full-time seasonal positions in its Rec-PAC summer camp program. Several positions across the county are open, including Site Directors, Camp Leaders and Inclusion Leaders. Pay is competitive and ranges from $16.87 to $23.75 per hour depending on experience, education and certifications. The Park Authority will also be offering a $500 gross sign-on bonus for summer employees!

The Park Authority will host a number of open hiring events, where job seekers can learn about Rec-PAC employment opportunities, interview and potentially receive an offer on the spot. Interested individuals are welcome to attend one of the following in-person hiring events:

• Wednesday, March 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building
• Wednesday, March 13, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building
• Wednesday, May 8, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building
• Friday, May 31, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building
• Monday, June 3, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building
• Wednesday, June 5, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fairfax County Herrity Building

If you can’t make it to an in-person open hiring event, job seekers are also welcome to attend one of the following virtual interview sessions:

• Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Virtual 
• Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Virtual 

For more information about open positions, hiring qualifications and requirements and to submit an application, please visit the Rec-PAC Program Counselor Jobs webpage. For additional questions, please contact the Park Authority via email at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or by phone at 703-324-5933.

In 2020, the Fairfax County Sports Tourism Task Force issued a report that highlighted the need for athletic field and court complexes that can better facilitate tournament play in order to help the county better compete in the sports tourism marketplace. The report proposed a set of recommended actions related to the development of sports tourism complexes in Fairfax County.

In response to the task force recommendations, the Park Authority advertised a Request for Interest (RFI) to identify expressions of interest in the development of multisports tournament complexes at potential FCPA sites. The Park Authority received four submissions in response. After an evaluation of the proposals received, it has been determined that none of the submissions are viable options to move forward as proposed.

While there is no official Request for Interest posted at this time, interested parties may submit unsolicited proposals through the Public-Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructures Act (PPEA) process. Guidelines outlining the PPEA process and the submission of unsolicited proposals are available at the Procurement and Material Management website. 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Groove to the music, grab a bite to eat and get festive at an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority at the Franconia Rec Center!

Take a lap around Franconia Rec Center’s gym floor on your roller skates, inline skates or in your walking shoes (Bring your own skates/footwear). Events feature music by a DJ and festive themes. Pizza; snacks such as popcorn, chips, cookies and ice cream; and drinks are available for purchase. Tickets cost $10 for everyone, including skaters, dancers, spectators and chaperones. 

Grab your friends and family and head out for a fun evening at one of the following events:

• Valentine’s Disco (Saturday, Feb. 17, 6-9 p.m.): Wear your Valentine’s Day finest or disco outfit.
• St. Patrick’s Day (Saturday, March 16, 6-9 p.m.): Come decked out in green to celebrate the holiday.
• Glow Party (Saturday, April 20, 6-9 p.m.): Light up the night in neon or anything that glows for this event, held in partnership with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.
• Star Wars Night (Saturday, May 4, 6-9 p.m.): Come decked out in the galaxy’s finest Star Wars outfit.
• Skate and Dance Night One Year Anniversary (Saturday, May 18, 6-9 p.m.)
• Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday, June 15, 6-9 p.m.): Wear red, black, green and yellow to celebrate freedom, resilience and the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation)

Register for Skate Night

Skate nights now can be booked for private parties to celebrate birthdays or other events. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

The Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841.

Patrons can find Skate and Dance Night parking in the lower parking lot by driving past the front of the Rec Center and parking in the lot to the right. Enter the event by the gym doors located near to the parking lot.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is reaching out to the countywide community seeking a better understanding of residents’ experience with the park system and to identify potential barriers that may be limiting their ability to more fully take advantage of the programs and amenities offered. The survey, offered in nine languages through the county’s community engagement platform Public Input, will be open through Monday, April 1.

"The Park Authority has intentionally been applying an equity lens to our park system in order to ensure that the accessibility and variety of our program offerings align with the present-day values and interests of our community,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “This latest outreach effort is important to help us identify the barriers that yet need to be overcome such as economic, cultural, transportation and others so that we can continue to make the benefits of parks accessible to everyone."

In 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority began a comprehensive review of its fee-based revenue model with the objective of identifying a new path forward toward increasing the equity of access to county park and recreation programming. The initial findings of the Park Authority Equity Study, coupled with a History of the Park Authority, were presented to both the Park Authority Board and Board of Supervisors in late January.

The results of this latest survey, combined with further analysis of the recommendations presented are anticipated to be presented to the Park Authority Board and Board of Supervisors in fall 2024.

Take the Equity Survey

Please contact the Public Information Office with any questions by emailing Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Explore a world of learning through our engaging homeschool programs available at Fairfax County Parks and Rec Centers. Designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning, our programs offer a diverse range of educational experiences for homeschoolers. From interactive science labs to history programs and physical activities, our offerings can help enrich your child's educational journey.

The Park Authority has more than 15 course offerings available, including:

• Homeschool Science- Vertebrate Classification (6-12 years) at Huntley Meadows Park (Sunday, Feb. 11, noon to 2 p.m., $14)
• Homeschool at the Lake Winter (7-12 years) at Burke Lake Park (Monday, Feb. 12, 10 to11:30 a.m., $12)
• Mapping the Past for Homeschoolers at Historic Huntley (Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., $14)
• Homeschool at the Lake Winter (7-12 years) at Lake Accotink Park (Thursday, Feb. 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m., $12)
• Homeschool at the Lake Winter (7-12 years) at Burke Lake Park (Monday, Feb. 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m., $12)
• Homeschool Environmental Science (8-14 years) at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (Feb. 29 through March 21, 1:30-3 p.m., $49)
• Homeschool Stroke & Swim (9-17 years) at South Run Rec Center (Feb. 28 through April 24, 11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m., $129)

Join us in creating a dynamic and supportive community for homeschool families where educational exploration meets fun!

Register for Homeschool programs

For the second year in a row, Laurel Hill Golf Club received the prestigious Weddy Award for Best Golf Club venue presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine. The 2024 Weddy Awards celebrate excellence in the wedding and event industry. The award reaffirms Laurel Hill Golf Course’s dedication to providing an outstanding venue and event planning for weddings and special events.

“We are so honored to receive this award. At Laurel Hill, we are committed to the thoughtful planning and execution of events. From a beautifully arranged banquet room to delicious food, we strive to provide an elevated and seamless experience for couples on their special day,” said event director Marisa Devin.

Laurel Hill Golf Club’s open, rolling terrain with scenic views and rich history is perfect for couples who envision a golf club as the backdrop for their wedding. Laurel Hill features an elegant 9,400-square-foot clubhouse and Tower Grill restaurant as the site's centerpiece.

Beyond providing beautiful overlooks for memorable photos, Laurel Hill ensures an all-inclusive experience with customizable packages tailored to their guests' specific needs. The attentive staff and attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully curated, promising a great event.

Brides & Weddings Magazine is a complimentary planning guide available in jewelry and department stores, reception sites, bridal salons and wedding shows. In this publication, couples can find valuable planning advice and local wedding vendors.

Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Hill Crest Drive in Lorton. It is operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. For more information, visit the Laurel Hill Golf Club website.

When Fairfax County Public Schools are on break, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) offers a full roster of camps that are sure to keep children entertained and engaged. Camps focus on everything from the arts to sports, from STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to cooking, and from gaming to nature exploration.

Sign your child up for an exciting, fun-filled day at camp during upcoming school holidays this winter and spring:

• Feb. 19 (Presidents Day Holiday)
• March 25 to 29 (Spring Break)
• April 1 and 2 (Student Holiday)
• April 10 (Eid Holiday)
• May 3 (Student Holiday)

Don’t forget Summer Camps! Many spaces remain open for summer camps that run from mid-June through August.

For all camp details, registration and a variety of planning resources – such as the 2024 Camp Guide and Camp Spreadsheet – visit the Park Authority Camps website. 

Register today! All camp spaces are open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information or assistance, please email camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Embark on a journey of cultural richness and historical significance this Black History Month with several programs in Fairfax County parks. Join us in honoring and exploring the vibrant tapestry of Black heritage though interactive events, programs, exhibits and offerings for all ages.

Programs and Events

• Black History Month at Historic Frying Pan Church, Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17, noon-2 p.m., Free.
• Paths of Freedom Seekers, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Feb. 11, 1-2 p.m., $8.
• Preserving Our Legacy: A Workshop for Black Cemetery Owners and Stakeholders, Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center Auditorium Feb. 17, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Free.
• Remembering Metilda- An Enslaved Child at the Mill, Colvin Run Mill, Feb. 17, 1-2 p.m., $9.
• Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery, Historic Huntley, Feb. 17, 1-2 p.m., $12.

Workshops, Exhibits and Activities

• Getaway-Frederick Douglass Home & Portrait Gallery, Green Spring Gardens Park, Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $89.
• Special Black History Month Exhibit: "On One Farm—The Women of Walney, 1853-1862," Exhibit is on display through Mar. 26. Ellanor C Lawrence Park, Free.
• Celebrate Black Athletes in Sports and Recreation, Oakmont Rec Center, display available through Feb. 29.
• Black History Month at Oakmont Rec Center.
  • Take a picture with the LOVE Sign at Oakmont that features Black History Month colors.
  • Explore achievements of Black Inventors throughout the years in the Oakmont Minigolf Story Walk.
• Honor Black Musical Artists.
  • All Rec Centers Drop-In Fitness Classes will be showcasing songs by Black artists during many of the classes.
  • South Run Rec Center will offer music that celebrates Black culture and artists during Anne Hugill’s Zumba class at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
• Black Athletes in Fairfax County.
  • Providence Rec Center will be showcasing a different athlete from Fairfax County each week. The rec center will display a banner that tells the story of Edwin B. Henderson, who introduced D.C. to basketball in 1907.

To learn more about Black History and culture in Fairfax County Parks or to participate in any of the programs above, visit the Black History Month webpage.

View the Black History Month flyer

Are you looking for creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? The Fairfax County Park Authority has many activities to usher in the big day of adoration. Whether you are into chocolate, animals, do-it-yourself crafts or good ol’ fashion togetherness, love is all around in our parks! Check out these fun activities to enjoy the holiday that commemorates love.

• Nature DIY Valentines, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Saturday, Feb. 10, 3-4 p.m., $9.
• Valentine's Cookie Decorating, Burke Lake Park, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-7 p.m., $8.
• Valentine’s Day Science, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-7 p.m., $8.
• How to Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World, Burke Lake Park, Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-2 p.m., $8.
• Valentine's Disco Skate and Dance Night, Franconia Rec Center, Saturday, Feb. 17, 6-9 p.m., $10/$15.

For more information or to register, visit the Seasonal Events in the Park webpage.

More than a dozen eager kids, joined by their excited parents, celebrated the opening of a brand-new space at Cub Run Rec Center especially for them. The new room at Cub Run Rec Center is designed as an inviting and engaging space for kids ages 6 months to 10 years to enjoy, while their parents come to get in a workout, swim laps, participate in classes or relax in the spa.

In the room, children can play with toys and games, work on crafts, and enjoy reading or other age-appropriate activities. The brand-new, open playroom features a separate area for infants and toddlers who are not walking. Park Authority staff ensure that children are kept entertained while adults are able to use the Rec Center.

Everything about the space — from the drop cloud features to make the space feel smaller and the specialty space for crawling children, to the calming colors and playful decorative features, such as our pencil wall protectors — was intentionally selected to provide a calming, engaging and fun environment for children. Safety is also paramount with all staff supervising the children required to be certified in First Aid and CPR, while adhering to the Virginia Department of Social Services child-to-staff ratio standards.