Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board welcomed Johna Toomey as the newest member of the Park Authority Board. Toomey was appointed to the Park Authority Board as an at-large member by Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.

Toomey has more than 20 years of experience in public policy, strategic planning, education and business. She is CEO of Learn Thrive Grow Academic Support, a serial entrepreneur, and has served in several senior federal government and corporate posts, including advising the U.S. Secretary of State as a member of the Policy Planning Staff and serving as a senior director at a government relations consultancy. She obtained her bachelor of arts in international relations from Mount Vernon College at The George Washington University and her juris doctor from George Mason School of Law.

Toomey has deep personal and professional ties to Fairfax County and is a dedicated advocate and fundraiser for environmental and parks issues. She served as a member of the Steering Committee and Corporate Outreach Committee Chair for Plant NOVA Natives, raising corporate funding for tree planting and invasives removal throughout the county’s park system.

She was also a member of the Fairfax County Tree Policy Working Group and the Fair Parks Initiative, where she advocated for policies and funding to preserve the county’s tree canopy and advance equity. In 2023, she and her colleagues were recognized for their work by FCPA with the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award. Additionally, Toomey is a member of the McLean Citizens Association, Environmental, Parks & Recreation Committee.

Toomey is a resident of McLean and enjoys walking and spending time on the extensive trails in the county's park system with her husband, Nathan and daughter, Schuyler.

Toomey’s term ends in December 2027.

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for an exciting day of gardening delight as Washington Gardener Magazine proudly co-hosts the Annual Seed Exchange at Green Spring Gardens.

The event on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. promises a gardening experience with insightful lectures, engaging discussions and a seed swap.

It costs $15 to participate if you are a member of the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) or if you are a Washington Gardener subscriber. It’s $20 for the rest.

Register for the Washington Seed Exchange

Bring your surplus seeds for a lively exchange, and depart with a bountiful bag of seeds, newfound gardening companions and expert planting advice. Discover the joy of cultivating connections within the gardening community at this must-attend event.

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

As the sap begins to flow and the maple trees are tapped, Colvin Run Mill invites you to embrace the winter warmth by our fire. Immerse yourself in the fascinating process of maple syrup production. Discover the secrets behind why trees produce sap and witness the art of sap collection through tree tapping.

Experience the magic as the sap is expertly boiled down to create the delectable maple syrup that graces our tables. Indulge your taste buds by sampling this liquid gold on cornbread made with Colvin Run Mill grains.

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 10 and on two Sundays on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 for a Maple Syrup Boil Down. Choose times between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This program is tailored for groups, families and children aged 6 and older.

Register for Maple Syrup Boil Down

While you're here, explore the historic mill, delve into the Miller's House exhibit, and peruse the offerings at our charming general store.

Don't miss this enjoyable and educational experience for all at Colvin Run Mill!

Colvin Run Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls. For more information, visit the Colvin Run Mill website or call 703-759-2771.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board held its annual election of officers at its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The board re-elected Braddock District Representative Kiel Stone as chairman; Sully District Representative Maggie Godbold as vice chair; Franconia District Representative Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter as secretary; and Dranesville District Representative Timothy B. Hackman as treasurer.

Chairman Stone was appointed to represent the Braddock District on the Park Authority Board in 2017. Chairman Stone currently serves as associate director for the Business for a Better World Center at George Mason University, where he is also a doctoral candidate in the Environmental Science and Policy Program. He is a strong advocate for the Park Authority’s stewardship of the environment and the county’s natural open spaces, and the importance of community involvement in county parks.

Vice Chair Godbold joined the Park Authority Board in 2016, serving as the Sully District representative. Vice Chair Godbold is a retiree and an active community volunteer. Before her retirement, she worked as a certified project management professional and was a consultant, providing system engineering and management services for the federal government. She is a Northern Virginia native and has been a resident of the Sully District for more than 30 years.

Secretary Carter was appointed to the Park Authority Board in 2016, representing the Franconia District. Before her appointment, Secretary Carter also served on the Fairfax County Park Foundation board. She is currently the senior advancement officer at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. She currently heads the Harriet Tubman Legacy Society and is helping to build an endowment for the museum.

Treasurer Hackman joined the board in 2016 and is a retired IBM executive. He served two terms as president of Friends of Riverbend Park, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Riverbend Park on the Potomac River. He is the recipient of several awards for his dedication to community service and has worked with the Park Authority and the Dranesville District on multiple projects.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and sets policy and establishes priorities for the park agency. Board officers are elected by the representatives on the board on an annual basis. For more information, visit the Park Authority Board website.

Following a three-month administrative review, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board lifted the temporary hold on the Mastenbrook Grant Program and applications are now being accepted.

As a result of the administrative review, the Park Authority is introducing new criterion for eligibility. In order to be considered for a grant, the maximum project cost for proposed projects cannot exceed $100,000.

The added criterion is intended to refocus the Mastenbrook Grant Program on its original intent: to encourage community investment in smaller capital projects that enhance parks and park facilities.

For larger projects estimated to cost more than $100,000, funding proposals may still be submitted to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Since 1999, the Mastenbrook Grant Program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.5 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded projects such as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters, dog parks, playgrounds and athletic field improvements.

To learn more and apply, visit the Mastenbrook Grant Program webpage.

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. After an 18-month effort with consultant HR&A, an initial report of the findings and proposed recommendations has been prepared and is being shared with the Park Authority Board, Board of Supervisors and the public for initial comments and feedback.

“The Park Authority is firmly committed towards enhancing equity in all aspects of our park system, including access to our first-rate park programs and services,” said Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “With a laser-focus on equity, we are working with the BOS, our partner agencies, and our community to blaze a new trail to ensure we can live up to our mission to enrich the quality of life for all members of the community by ensuring that our phenomenal programming is accessible and affordable to all residents.”

The initial presentation on the 2024 Equity Study was delivered at the Jan. 24 Park Authority Board. A recording of the presentation, the Equity Study Report and presentation, as well as a history of the development of the county’s park and recreation system and the Park Authority Revenue and Operating Fund are available at 2024 Park Authority Equity Study.

The Park Authority is seeking public comment and reaction to the information contained in the 2024 Equity Study and presentation. The feedback will play a valuable role in developing next steps toward greater equity in the Fairfax County park system. Initial comments may be submitted online or via U.S. mail now through Friday, March 1. Instructions for participating are available at A Trail to Equity in Fairfax County Parks.

The Park Authority will use the results of the initial comment period to plan a robust community outreach program likely to run through the summer. The program will include public meetings and a survey to obtain additional understanding regarding how residents perceive park programs and serve to identify potential barriers to participation that may exist. It is anticipated that comments and additional data collected will be delivered to both the Park Authority Board and the Board of Supervisors by fall 2024.

For details, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Burke Lake Golf Center and Oakmont Golf Center ranges were once again recognized among America’s Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine. Golf Range magazine is a publication of the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) and the Professional Golf Association (PGA).

Oakmont Golf Center’s range, featuring 78 lighted stations with 30 covered and heated stations, was honored for the third time in a row; while Burke Lake Golf Center celebrates its fifth-consecutive recognition for its fully renovated facility. Both ranges are owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Each year GRAA recognizes the best-in-class teaching professionals, public, private and stand-alone ranges. GRAA celebrates facilities that introduced the game of golf to new golfers, while retaining and inspiring current golfers through player development programming, customer engagement and community outreach.

"Golf Fairfax is honored to, once again, have Burke Lake and Oakmont recognized as among the Top 50 public golf ranges across the country. Our family-friendly atmosphere and value-driven services ensure that everyone can enjoy a premium golfing experience – from the new golfer to the seasoned pro," said director of Golf Operations Ryan Carmen.

The ranges were specifically recognized for demonstrating the following best practices:

• State-of-the art facilities that allow for year-round play.
• Partnerships with local schools and community groups to grow the game.
• Campaigns to advertise promotions and specials, such as Family Golf Month.
• Dedication to welcome new, social and established golf enthusiasts.
• Robust golf academies that cater to all levels, families, women and youth.

The Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Oakmont Golf Center is located at 3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton.

For more information, visit the Golf website. All driving ranges are accompanied by putting and chipping greens for short game work and are open year-round.

Brace yourselves for a flurry of feathers and fantastic discoveries as winter sets the stage for an unforgettable birding experience in Fairfax County Parks! The leafless trees provide an excellent opportunity for spotting and identifying numerous species of birds that call our parks home. Winter birding also attracts different species of birds that may not been seen in warmer weather.

Visit the Park Authority’s Birding website for a treasure trove of bird-related topics. Learn how to attract birds, craft your own bird feeder, discover ways to celebrate our feathered friends and delve into information about various bird species residing in Fairfax County.

Embark on a birding journey with our expert instructors through a series of engaging classes:

• Winter Bird Walk (Jan. 28, from 9 to 10 a.m.; Burke Lake Park; $8)
• Home Made Bird Feeders (Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon; Burke Lake Park; $8)
• Birding at Huntley (Feb. 7, from 8 to 11 a.m.; Huntley Meadows Park; $19)
• Winter Bird Walk (Feb. 9, from 4 to 5 p.m.; Lake Accotink Park; $8)
• Winter Bird Walk (Feb. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m.; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; $8)
• Make Your Own Pinecone Birdfeeders (Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Lake Accotink Park; $8)
• Home Made Bird Feeders (Feb. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m.; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; $8)
• Birding for Beginners (Feb. 25, from 8 to 11 a.m.; Huntley Meadows Park; $19)

To register or to learn more about these feather-filled adventures, visit the Birds webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board bid farewell to at-large member Jim Zook at the board’s Jan. 11 meeting. His departure marks the end of his nearly six-year service as a member of the Park Authority’s governing body and a storied career with Fairfax County government.

"I am pleased to recognize and express my appreciation to Jim for his contributions to this board and for the perspective he’s brought, especially around equity," said Chairman Kiel Stone. "He has been a big part of helping us move things forward, and we wish him the very best in his future pursuits."

Zook was appointed to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board as an at-large representative by former Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova in May 2018. Zook, a former director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning for more than two decades, was originally recognized as a "longtime friend to the Park Authority" in 2010 upon his retirement from the county. Since that time, his expertise, advocacy and passion for the county’s open spaces have continued to benefit the Fairfax County park system as he occupied his seat on the board.

"It has been my honor to have worked with each member of the board and with the staff," said Zook in his final remarks. "You can’t help but be impressed with the quality of people you have working for the Park Authority, from the top to the field to wherever you can see that people care."

The vacancy on the board effected by Zook’s departure is expected to be filled within the next several weeks.

For additional information about the Park Authority Board, visit the Board website or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

From traditional dances to kung fu mastery, this year’s Lunar New Year celebration promises unforgettable entertainment! Ring in the year of the dragon at Twin Lakes Golf Course on Friday, Feb. 9, with an enchanting evening filled with cultural festivities, traditional performances and delectable Asian cuisine.

Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience featuring traditional Lunar New Year crafts, games and samples of traditional foods served during the new year. The celebration will showcase a diverse lineup featuring traditional dances, music and enchanting cultural expressions, with headliners including the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, The Café, The Xuejuan Dance Ensemble and the George Mason University Chinese Group. Other performances include kung fu and erhu to round off a night of cultural celebration and unity.

Space is limited and registration is required. Admission is $10 per person. 

Register for Lunar New Year Celebration

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more information, visit Lunar New New Year Celebration webpage, or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Lunar New Year Celebration flyer