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!

The Fairfax County Park Authority is actively recruiting lifeguards to cover opening and midday shifts at recreation centers across Fairfax County. With starting pay at $15 per hour for these shifts, the roles are perfect for retirees, active adults, college students with morning availability, and anyone interested in earning extra income, while staying active and supporting their community. FCPA has an immediate need for additional daytime lifeguard coverage at the Oakmont and Mount Vernon rec centers.

Opening and Mid-Day Lifeguard Shifts Include:

• 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 8:50 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 10:50 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shift availability varies by location and staffing needs.

Lifeguards help maintain a safe swimming environment, respond to emergencies, enforce pool rules and provide excellent customer service. No prior lifeguard certification is required to apply. The FCPA provides lifeguard training and certification, including CPR and first aid, at no cost to successful candidates who meet the course prerequisites.

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive pay: Starting at $15 per hour for opening and midday shifts
• Free training: Lifeguard certification, CPR and first aid
• Free recreation access: Unlimited use of the recreation center where you work
• Career advancement: Opportunities to advance to Lifeguard II and Head Lifeguard

Lifeguard opportunities are available at nine FCPA rec centers throughout Fairfax County:

• Audrey Moore Recreation Center, Annandale
• Cub Run Recreation Center, Chantilly
• Franconia Recreation Center, Alexandria
• George Washington Recreation Center, Alexandria
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center, Alexandria
• Oakmont Recreation Center, Oakton
• Providence Recreation Center, Falls Church
• South Run Recreation Center, Springfield
• Spring Hill Recreation Center, McLean

Applicants must be at least 15 years old and meet the swimming prerequisites for the certification course. These include swimming 100 yards continuously using the front crawl or breaststroke, retrieving a 10-pound dive brick from the deepest part of the pool and treading water without using their hands for one minute.

Interested individuals can complete an application by visiting the Non-Merit Job Opportunities website. 

All part-time job opportunities can be found by visiting the Non-Merit Job Opportunities website. 

For more information about employment opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit FCPA’s Jobs website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes swimming and dive teams from Fairfax County Public Schools back to its rec center pools. Swimming and dive teams will be using pools at Rec Centers from Nov. 9 through Feb. 18.

Fairfax County Rec Centers were born out of the historic partnership between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Park Authority. As swimming grew in popularity, FCPS needed dedicated pool facilities, and the county proposed building full-service community rec centers with pools on Park Authority land. This collaborative approach created an accessible, efficient solution for students and residents alike, beginning with the opening of Audrey Moore Rec Center in 1977.

“The Park Authority is pleased to have high school athletes back at our rec centers,” says Jonathan Lee, Aquatics Section manager for Fairfax County Park Authority. “This important partnership not only supports student athletes in aquatic sports that promote physical fitness and teamwork but also helps ensure that high-quality pools and aquatic programs hosted at Park Authority rec centers remain accessible to the entire community throughout the year.”

Swimming offers an inclusive, low-impact way to engage more students with less risk of serious injury than any other sport. Water lessens stress on joints and muscles, minimizing the impact that is associated with other sports, while allowing athletes build strength, endurance and confidence in their skills. The Park Authority applauds the success of these teams.

As students take to the pools, there will be changes to the availability of the pools for the public through February. Be sure to check the pool calendar for your favorite rec center for the most up-to-date information about pool availability.

The Fairfax County Park Authority, in partnership with stewards of The Pines heritage, will unveil new interpretive signage honoring The Pines, a historically Black community established in Annandale in the early 1900s. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Pine Ridge Park, located at 183 Woodburn Road in Annandale.

The signage documents the community’s founding by Buffalo Soldier William H. Collins Jr., the families who built a vibrant and resilient neighborhood, and its displacement through eminent domain in 1965. It will help preserve The Pines’ legacy and ensure this important chapter of Fairfax County’s past is recognized and shared.

Attendees will hear reflections from members and descendants of The Pines community, Park Authority leadership and local officials. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, celebrate the unveiling and honor the families whose lives and experiences shaped The Pines.

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the proposed 2027 Park Authority Fee Schedule for consideration at the Oct. 14 meeting of the Park Authority Board, kicking off an essential community engagement process. The Park Authority Board considers fee adjustments on an annual basis, with the goal of balancing user impact with the financial stability of park programs and services. Pending adoption, the 2027 fee schedule will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Park fees support the operation and maintenance of Fairfax County’s park system, including rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, camps, classes, water parks, amusements, park programs and amenities. These facilities and amenities provide enjoyment and memorable experiences for millions of park visitors each year.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Park Authority Board is actively seeking public feedback on the 2027 fee schedule to ensure that it reflects the priorities of Fairfax County residents. The Park Authority invites community members to share their thoughts and comments through one of the following channels by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20:

Online Submission: Feedback can be submitted via PublicInput

Via U.S. Mail: Written comments may be sent to:

Park Authority Public Information Office
Attn: 2027 Fee Schedule Comments
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
Fairfax, VA 22035

Residents are encouraged to participate in this critical discussion to shape how Fairfax County parks and recreational facilities will operate for years to come. For more details about the proposed fee schedule, please visit our PublicInput webpage or contact the Park Authority at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

As the weather cools, activity in Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center pools is just heating up. Take the plunge into aquatic fitness this fall by purchasing the Aqua Flex pass — available at a discounted rate during November. Those interested in seeing the benefits of water exercise, sample classes yourself during the Aqua Flex ’26 event!

The Aqua Flex pass offers drop-in entry to aquatics exercises classes at Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County. Purchase a 20-visit pass for a 10% discount and a 30-visit pass for a 15% discount from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. Explore the full schedule of drop-in water exercise classes by visiting the Rec Center Schedules webpage.

Come out to see if the Aqua Flex pass is right for you by sampling water exercise classes during the Aqua Flex ‘26 event. Multiple instructors lead participants, ages 13 and older, through various styles and intensities of water exercise classes that the Park Authority offers. Purchase a $10 ticket and choose to take part in the entire two-hour session or enjoy just a portion of the session at a location convenient to you. The event takes place 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, simultaneously at three different Rec Centers:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
• Oakmont Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton
• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria

Adding water exercise into your routine improves cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength, all while reducing strain on joints, helping reduce stress and contributing to weight loss. Joining an Aqua Flex class with the Park Authority can be incredibly fun, providing an opportunity to socialize and connect with others. These connections make sticking to a routine even easier.

Explore the Park Authority’s many aquatics classes for all ages. Learn more about all these opportunities and more to get active in the pool at the Rec Center Aquatics and Swimming website.

The trails at Random Hills Park reopened last week following the completion of a major improvement project. The work was part of the Transform 66 effort to create a continuous shared-use trail along the Interstate 66 corridor, providing more than 34 miles of connectivity from Gallows Road in Dunn Loring to Bull Run Regional Park.

Improvements within Random Hills Park were designed to support increased use and enhance connections to nearby communities, such as Random Hills Road, Post Forest and the Fair Lakes area. Under a long-standing partnership established in 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority led design and permitting for the project with oversight from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Construction began in January 2026 and concluded in September 2026.

The completed project includes approximately 900 feet of new 10-foot-wide asphalt trail and drainage improvements throughout the park. A follow up Virginia Department of Transportation crosswalk project on Random Hills Road will begin soon, adding a wider crossing, refuge island and rapid flashing beacons to further improve trail connectivity.

Random Hills Park is located at 11550 Random Hills Road in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Step into three days of farm fun, fall traditions and family favorites, Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Farm Harvest Fest and Carnival features hands-on activities and demonstrations, Big Truck Night and a full carnival.

Big Truck Night kicks things off Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., giving families an up-close look at large trucks and specialty vehicles.

On Saturday and Sunday, Farm Harvest Days run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience the season through farm activities and demonstrations inspired by traditional harvest work, from apples and crops to livestock and historic farm skills.

The Fall Carnival runs throughout the weekend:

• Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unlimited ride wristbands are available in advance for $23.25 through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Get your carnival wristband

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.

Watch some of the highlights below:

Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore Royal Lake. The Fairfax County Park Authority has completed a series of trail improvements surrounding the lake, and the community is invited to celebrate the project’s completion on Friday, Nov. 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. with an evening of family-friendly activities and seasonal fun.

The celebration will feature the Wonder Wagon and a naturalist-led festive fall nature walk around Royal Lake. With Halloween just around the corner, participants can enjoy a seasonal adventure through the park while looking for signs of autumn, discovering the wildlife that calls Royal Lake home and exploring the woodlands. Families also can explore the improved trails on foot or by bike and enjoy the changing fall scenery. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park.

The Park Authority worked closely with the Royal Lake community to develop the project scope and secure funding for the improvements. The completed improvements include:

• Royal Lake Bridge Replacement – Replaced the pedestrian bridge over Rabbit Branch on the north side of Royal Lake.
• Royal Lake to Commonwealth Boulevard Trail – Constructed a new stream valley trail connecting an existing asphalt trail north of Lakeside Park to Commonwealth Boulevard.
• Richardson Court to Lakeside Park – Repaved the park entrance trail connecting Richardson Court to the soccer and baseball fields at Lakeside Park.
• Royal Lake Dam to Lakepointe Drive – Paved the natural-surface trail connecting the asphalt trail atop the dam to the Royal Lake Loop Trail.
• Shade Structure at Lakeside Park – Installed a new fabric shade structure and picnic equipment at the existing picnic area near the playground.

Royal Lake Park is located at 5216 Pommeroy Drive in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more about the Park Authority.