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!

Projects at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers will result in temporary closures.

South Run Rec Center

Renovations at this facility, located at 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield, require the following temporary closures:

• Pool and Spa Closed: Saturday, Aug. 15 to Friday, Sept. 11.
• Full Building Closure: Saturday, Aug. 22 to Friday, Sept. 11.

Renovations will enhance various areas throughout the building, including the Fitness Center, restrooms, locker rooms, racquetball courts, club rooms, offices, lobby and hallways. In addition to cleaning, painting and general maintenance, the project will include upgrades to flooring, lighting and accessibility. Projects in the pool area will include bleacher railing replacement and a complete replacement of the UV filtration system.

Pool and Spa Closures

In addition, pools and spas at the following Rec Centers will temporarily close for deep-system cleaning and maintenance that occurs every two years:

• Cub Run Rec Center Indoor Water Park and Spa Closed: Monday, Aug. 24 to Monday, Sept. 7.
• George Washington Rec Center Pool and Spa Closed: Sunday, Aug. 16 to Friday, Sept. 4.
• Oakmont Rec Center Pool and Spa Closed: Saturday, Aug. 29 to Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The Park Authority is coordinating this work to minimize any inconvenience and deliver an improved experience for Rec Center members. Membership is valid at any Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center. 

Please find more information about alternate locations by visiting the Park Authority Rec Center website. If you have questions, please contact the Park Authority’s Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Come out to our golf courses for a tee-rific Family Golf Month this August. Make special memories with young golfers in your family and join them to dream and swing big. Our deals make it easier than ever to get out on the green together.

Junior golfers enjoy free play at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens ages 5-17 play free at participating courses when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Valid Monday through Friday all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Limit one child per paying adult.
• Valid at participating courses: Burke Lake Golf Center, Jefferson Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center and Pinecrest Golf Course.

More ways to play and save:

• Junior golfers ages 5-17 buy any-sized bucket and get one small bucket free at Burke Lake and Oakmont golf centers; limit one per day.
• Build friendships and embrace your competitive side at a Club Championship Aug. 15 at Jefferson or for juniors on Aug. 15 at Burke Lake.
• Par-sue happiness at one of our four marvelous mini golf courses at Burke Lake Park, Jefferson Falls, Lake Accotink and Oakmont.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates eight golf courses in seven locations throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage.

A signature summer tradition kicks off at Frying Pan Farm Park starting on Thursday, July 30. The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair includes rides, games, farm animals, exhibits and hands-on activities that highlight local agriculture, STEM learning and displays of youth achievement. The event continues through Sunday, Aug. 2.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presents this celebration in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

What to Expect This Year

Visitors will find carnival rides and games, classic fair food, agricultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Big Truck Night returns Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The 4‑H Fair runs Saturday and Sunday and features youth exhibits, competitions and demonstrations in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 30

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Carnival Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m.

Friday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demonstrations): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demonstrations): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Parking and Tickets

A $10 parking fee applies Friday through Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets. Visitors may purchase individual ride credits or buy unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday. Wristbands cost $25 online through July 30 and $30 on site between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are valid for one day.

Voices From the Community

"At its heart, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is about bringing people together," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "Families come here to make memories, explore hands-on activities and celebrate the creativity and hard work of our youth."

"The Fairfax County 4-H Fair is where agriculture, learning and community come together to create something truly extraordinary," said India Pearson, Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Fairfax County 4-H Agent. "For more than 75 years, our fair has celebrated Fairfax County's agricultural heritage while showcasing the incredible talents, creativity and dedication of our youth. Whether they are raising livestock, growing plants, creating works of art, exploring science and technology, or serving their communities, every project represents a young person gaining the skills and confidence to become Beyond Ready."

There is something magical about watching youth discover new passions, embrace challenges and realize just how much they are capable of. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the achievements of our 4-H members and the bright future they are helping to build.

4-H Fair information and event schedule

Plan Your Visit

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. Event details and updates are available on the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair webpage.

For 4 H Fair schedules, visit the 2026 Fairfax County 4 H Fair Digital Guide.

The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is provided through a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin construction on accessibility improvements at the off-leash dog area at Westgrove Park on Monday, Aug. 3. Work is expected to be completed by early September.

During construction, half of the dog park will be temporarily closed to allow for the installation of new amenities. The remainder of the dog park will remain open.

The project includes the installation of ADA-compliant surfacing and picnic tables. The improvements will enhance accessibility, durability and the visitor experience.

The improvements are funded through the Fairfax County Park Authority's Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program, which awarded partial funding to the Westgrove Pumphouse Association for Canine Kindness, or Westgrove P.A.C.K. The grant is matched by the volunteer organization.

Established as an interim-use off-leash dog area in 2012 and designated as a permanent feature in the Westgrove Park Master Plan in 2013, the Westgrove Park dog park has experienced heavy use over the years. The new engineered wood fiber surfacing will provide a more accessible, maintainable and resilient surface than the existing conditions, while the addition of accessible picnic tables will improve the experience for park visitors.

The project is being managed by Park Authority staff from the Park Operations and Development Divisions. The Westgrove P.A.C.K. volunteer organization will provide ongoing maintenance and repairs to the dog park.

Westgrove Park is located at 6801 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria.

Questions about this project can be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

On Thursday, July 16, the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse came alive with music, gratitude, and community spirit during the Evening on the Ellipse celebration recognizing the 2026 Park Authority Outstanding Volunteers.

The event honored 21 individuals named 2026 Outstanding Volunteers, who were recognized for their exceptional service to the Fairfax County Park Authority. These volunteers contribute in a variety of ways, from leading nature programs and managing golf course play to removing invasives, supporting park events and maintaining trails. Their dedication represents the backbone of Fairfax County’s robust park system. 

Read about this year's honorees

"The park volunteer force multiplies the reach and the impact of the Park Authority’s professional staff in a meaningful way, and we simply could not function without it," said Park Authority Board Chairman Tim Hackman. "Park volunteers make our community more vibrant, more connected and more resilient. You bring expertise, creativity, compassion and leadership, often quietly, behind the scenes and without expecting recognition. Thank you for caring so deeply for our parks and for the people who enjoy them."

More than 10,770 volunteers contributed their time and talents to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in fiscal year 2026. Together, they gave 115,718 hours of service. The value of that labor is more than $3.98 million.

To find a volunteer opportunity near you, visit the Volunteer website.

For questions or more information, contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job that gets you out from behind a desk, builds real-world skills, and lets you work in a beautiful setting, this is it. Spend the rest of your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Positions are available to start immediately and continue through the end of the season in October.

Drop-in interviews will be held at the Burke Lake Park Information Center on July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot, all in one visit.

Seasonal opportunities include:

• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Marina Attendant
• Campground Attendant

Why work at Burke Lake Park?

• Work outdoors in a scenic environment.
• Build customer service, leadership and teamwork skills.
• Be part of a fun and supportive team.
• Gain experience and transferable skills that look great on a resume.

Can’t make it to the drop-in interviews? View job ads and apply for open positions by visiting the Burke Lake Jobs webpage. To view all employment opportunities with FCPA, visit the Jobs website. For more information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. For more information, call 703-323-6600 or visit the Burke Lake Park website. 

Four Fairfax County Park Authority staff members were recognized on July 16 with lifesaving awards from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for their extraordinary actions during a water emergency at Providence Recreation Center earlier this year.

In May, lifeguards Michaela Zawadzki, Juliet Raimando and Anna Parker, along with Manager on Duty Jeremy Alexander, responded immediately after a swimmer became unresponsive in the pool. Following their emergency action plan, staff quickly removed the individual from the water, cleared the pool, initiated CPR and chest compressions and deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) before Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on scene.

"This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of rigorous training, teamwork and preparedness," said Fairfax County Park Authority Deputy Director Sara Baldwin. "Michaela, Juliet, Anna and Jeremy remained calm under pressure and put their lifesaving skills into action when every second mattered. We are incredibly proud of the work our aquatics staff do every day to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community."

Upon the arrival of Fire and Rescue crews, the swimmer began to recover. The swift actions, professionalism and training demonstrated by the recreation center staff played a critical role in the successful outcome.

Fairfax County Park Authority lifeguards undergo extensive training in water rescue, CPR, first aid and emergency response to ensure they are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to aquatic emergencies. Their commitment helps provide a safe environment for the millions of guests who visit Park Authority aquatic facilities each year.

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

Come out to Sully Historic Site in August to enjoy an evening of movies under the stars at the Starlight Cinema. This series of movies returns with a lineup that the entire family will enjoy.

Grab your crew and head out to 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, to sit back, relax and watch movies “drive-in” style — view and listen from your car or bring chairs and blankets to watch from the lawn. Pack a basket for a moonlit picnic or try a new treat from one of our food truck partners and enjoy free entertainment that comes to you as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. 

Starlight Cinema brings the community together for wholesome family entertainment with a feature film that begins at dark. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., so come early to get a good spot. Mark your calendars for:

• Aug. 1: "Tangled"
• Aug. 8: "Zootopia 2"
• Aug. 15: "Finding Nemo"
• Aug. 22: "Cars"

The rain date for movies will be Aug. 29. For more details, visit the Summer Entertainment Series' Starlight Cinema webpage.

All performances are held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home. Cancellations are updated online and via hotline one hour before showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers that contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. 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 Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.