Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to welcome the community to the much-anticipated reopening of Mount Vernon Rec Center pool.

The swimming facilities now include a heated, indoor pool and beach entry equipped with two spray features. It also includes the addition of a wet classroom area that can be reserved for birthday parties or used for training and educational aquatics events, and a spectator area that can be used during events. The deep end of the pool includes a diving board and the Park Authority’s first aquatic climbing wall. The pool area also features a set of locker rooms, a poolside spa and a sauna.

Be one of the first to experience this fresh, revitalized pool at Mount Vernon Rec Center:

• Swim or go water walking/jogging in the lap lanes.
• Sign up for aquatics classes.
• Register for one on one or small group swim lessons.
• Purchase an Aqua Flex Pass and drop-in on a water exercise class.

Aquatics classes at Mount Vernon this fall include instruction for life-saving swimming skills for all ages and abilities, water exercise sessions focusing on building strength and balance in Aqua Get Fit, and full body workouts in Advanced Deep Water Exercise. Reserve lap lanes by signing up for Lap Swim or Freestyle & Backstroke Clinic and get the added bonus of building your swim endurance and stroke skills.

Trained lifeguards are on duty at all public times for your safety and comfort. Swim with us and join a community with a long tradition of fun, education and safety.

Come visit Mount Vernon Rec Center at 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, to experience the exciting updates. If you’re ready to make a commitment to your health, secure your pass to the Rec Center by purchasing an annual membership, available at a 15% discount during September. Purchase your membership in person or online.

For additional information about the Park Authority’s Rec Centers, please email FCPARecCenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate the flavors of fall with an old-fashioned cider-pressing adventure! At Frying Pan Farm Park and Colvin Run Mill, guests can roll up their sleeves, bring their apples and turn them into fresh, sweet cider in a private, hands-on session perfect for family or friends.

This isn’t just about sipping cider—it’s about making it yourself. Using a traditional cider press, you’ll load, crank and squeeze your way to autumn’s freshest treat. Bring about 100 apples and two 1-gallon containers, then take home the delicious results of your hard work. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little sticky—apple pressing can get messy!

Sessions are still available on the following dates:

• Frying Pan Farm Park: Saturdays, Sept. 20, 27; and Sundays, Sept. 21, 28.
• Colvin Run Mill: Saturdays, Oct. 11, 18, 25; and Sundays, Oct. 5, 12, 26. Weekday sessions available at Colvin Run Mill. Call 703-759-2771 for details.

Cost is $60 per session for up to eight participants.

Don’t just taste fall—make it. Gather your apples, round up your friends or family, and join us at Fairfax County parks for a cider-making experience you’ll remember long after the last sip. Spaces fill quickly, so reserve your session today and take home a sweet taste of the season. Please note, advance registration is required; walk-ins will not be accepted.

Register for Cider-Making at Fairfax Parks

Golf Fairfax is proud to announce, through a partnership with the Virginia State Golf Association, the launch of Adaptive Golf Clinics this fall at Burke Lake Golf Center. These clinics provide a welcoming, interactive environment where golfers of all abilities can learn new skills and enjoy the game.

Any and all players with disabilities are welcome, including those with physical, cognitive or other disabilities. Expert instructors tailor coaching to each player, using both standard and adaptive equipment to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn in a way that matches their abilities. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your swing, come out to make friends, improve your skills and connect with other adaptive athletes.

These clinics are FREE for all players with disabilities, including non-VSGA members. Choose dates that work for you, and join us for an afternoon of golf, learning and skill-building activities!

Clinics are available Fridays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 10, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is now open and can be made by visiting the clinic registration webpage.

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

Golf Fairfax is committed to creating enriching experiences for all golfers, including those with disabilities. For questions about accessibility, please visit the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will lower water levels at Lake Accotink after Labor Day in order to complete an assessment of the dam. The assessment is being conducted to evaluate the structure to ensure its integrity and identify any maintenance or repair needs.

The marina and dam area will remain fenced, with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed for safety reasons, for several weeks. The evaluation is expected to be finished this fall. Then, it may take several weeks for the lake to return to its normal level, depending on regional precipitation.

In spring 2025, when the Park Authority attempted to lower the lake and drain the stilling basin, maintenance staff discovered that the sluice gate could not close properly, preventing us from safely draining the basin. Divers were called back to inspect the gate and found that the stem was damaged, which would not allow reliable operation. The Park Authority paused lowering operations over the summer to avoid conflicting with the recreation season after a newly fabricated stem was created and installed.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, Virginia. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Looking for a way to make a difference in your neighborhood? Protect your local parks and make friends while you’re at it -- visit the Invasive Management Area Program website and become volunteer!

Over the past few decades, non-native invasive plants have been rapidly altering our landscapes. They outcompete native plants, disrupting the ecosystem food chain and threatening birds and pollinators. Our parks need YOU to help protect native species and preserve our beloved natural areas.

The IMA volunteer program is a community project that aims to reduce invasive plants in our parks. Every week, IMA volunteers gather in parks across the county to remove invasives and replant native species.

IMA volunteers can:

• Have fun socializing with like-minded individuals
• Spend time outside and exercise
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Protect native habitats, plants and animals
• Earn service hours
• Make a positive impact on the community for future generations to enjoy

"Our IMA Site Leaders are truly impressive and dedicated volunteers. They remove invasive plants by hand to protect trees, restore native habitats and are deeply committed to protecting natural areas while inspiring their communities to do the same," Gloria Medina, IMA Program Manager said.

To get started as an IMA volunteer, find an upcoming workday near you on the IMA calendar. Scouts, students, adults and groups are all welcome. Bring your family and friends for a rewarding day out in the parks. Even just a few hours on one day makes a difference!

Invasive Management Area funding is provided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Environmental Improve Plan in support of the board’s Environmental Vision. The County’s Environmental Vision helps to guide environmental sustainability initiatives, strategies, policies and programs. Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website for more details.

The IMA program is also supported in part 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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to announce the start of Phase 2 of renovations at Mount Vernon Woods Park, bringing a brand-new skate park to the community. Construction will begin in September 2025 and is anticipated to be completed this winter.

"Mount Vernon Woods Park has already become a vibrant community hub, and the addition of a skate park will make it an even more dynamic destination for residents of all ages," FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole said. "We’re grateful to the community members who shared their input and helped us shape this exciting new feature."

The new skate park was designed with valuable input from the community, following a public comment period in fall 2024. Resident feedback helped shape the design to ensure the new space reflects the needs and interests of local skaters and families.

Phase 1 of the Mount Vernon Woods Park renovation, completed in early 2025, introduced a wide range of new amenities, including a playground, fitness area, multisport court, soccer field, picnic shelter and parking lot. Phase 2 builds on these improvements, creating even more opportunities for recreation and connection.

Spohn Ranch, a nationally recognized skate park design and construction firm, will lead the Phase 2 project. During construction, residents may notice occasional construction traffic along Fielding Street.

Mount Vernon Woods Park is located at 4014 Fielding Street in Alexandria. For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to announce the upcoming construction of five brand-new, dedicated pickleball courts at Greenbriar Park. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Fairfax County, the Park Authority is committed to enhancing recreational offerings, and this addition will create more opportunities for recreation, friendly competition and community play.

After careful study, Greenbriar Park was selected as the ideal location thanks to its accessibility to nearby neighborhoods, ample parking, restroom facilities, ADA accessibility, and naturalized buffer from nearby homes.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late August 2025, with the courts expected to be ready for play this fall. During construction, all park amenities will remain open, though a portion of the Melville Lane parking lot will be temporarily closed. Residents can also expect some occasional construction traffic along Melville Lane as the contractor, American Tennis Courts (ATC), completes the improvements.

The project will remove a small number of parking spaces to make way for the new courts, which will feature perimeter fencing and gated access for safe, dedicated play.

To learn more about this project and to stay updated on its progress, visit the Greenbriar Park Pickleball Courts PublicInput project page.

Greenbriar Park is located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax. For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Step into the fascinating world of bugs at Bug Fest — Lake Accotink Park’s annual celebration of all things that crawl, fly and buzz! Join us on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLaren Sargent Pavilion for a day packed with discovery, fun and outdoor adventure.

Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages, Bug Fest invites you to explore the vital role insects play in our environment through hands-on activities, live demonstrations and engaging presentations.

Here’s what you can experience:

• Insect Safaris – Embark on a guided trek to find bugs in their natural habitat.
• Live Bug Encounters – Meet fascinating insects up close.
• Insect Collections & Log Rolling – Discover hidden critters by turning over logs and inspecting natural habitats.
• Soil Stations & Bug Walks – Explore how bugs contribute to healthy ecosystems.
• Critter Talks – Hear from experts who study and care for insects.
• Bug Science & Crafts – Create your own insect-inspired art and try interactive science activities.

Bug Fest offers an exciting and educational way to connect with nature through hands-on exploration, live insect encounters and engaging activities for all ages.

Admission is $10 per person in advance and $12 at the door. Advance ticket sales end on Friday, Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m. In-person ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Parking is located at 5660 Heming Ave. in Springfield.

Register for Bug Fest

View the Bug Fest flyer

Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Lake Accotink Park Road, Springfield. For more information, visit the Lake Accotink Park website or call 703-569-3464.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Michael T. Reynolds (Mike) has been appointed by Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik to represent the Providence District on the Park Authority Board. Reynolds will fill the seat following the tenure of previous members and brings decades of distinguished public service and leadership in national park management to the role.

Reynolds recently retired in 2024 as the Deputy Director of External and Congressional Affairs for the National Park Service, concluding nearly 40 years of leadership across many of the nation’s iconic parks, including Yosemite, Cape Cod, Fire Island, Mojave and Olympic national parks. Throughout his career, he also held key regional leadership roles in Denver, Philadelphia and Omaha, and served in multiple senior positions at NPS headquarters in Washington, D.C., including acting director of the agency in 2017.

With academic credentials spanning environmental studies, a master’s degree in business administration, a certificate in strategic leadership from Cornell University and senior executive fellowship at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Reynolds brings a unique combination of expertise in environmental stewardship, organizational leadership and strategic planning. He is also a LEED Green Associate and actively serves as a board member for the Chesapeake Conservancy while engaging locally in his Fairfax County neighborhood civic association.

Reynolds' extensive experience in managing complex operations, negotiating diverse stakeholder interests and advancing conservation, sustainability and climate resiliency aligns perfectly with the Park Authority’s mission. Passionate about connecting parks to all populations and adapting them for modern challenges while preserving their natural integrity, Reynolds looks forward to serving Fairfax County’s citizens and supporting the continued stewardship of their treasured park system.

Reynolds will be up for reappointment in December 2028.

For questions, contact the Public Information Office at ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Projects at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers will result in temporary closures for pools and spas.

Franconia Rec Center

Facility renovations at this facility, located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria, require the following temporary closures:

• Pool, Spa, Family Change Room and upper level: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6
• Racquetball Courts: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 16 
• Fitness Center: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 18 (date subject to change)
• Full Building and Parking Lot Closures:
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Aug. 21)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 3, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Sept. 4)

Visit the Franconia Rec Center facility project webpage for more information.

Oakmont Rec Center

The pool at this facility, located at 3200 Jermantown Road in Oakton, will close for emergency repair:

• Pool Closed: 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 to Wednesday, Aug. 20

Audrey Moore, Cub Run, George Washington and Spring Hill Rec Centers

Pools and spas at the following facilities will be temporarily closed for a deep system cleaning and maintenance that occurs every two years:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale)
  • Pool Closed: Monday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 14
• Cub Run Rec Center (4630 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly)
  • Competition Pool Closed: Monday, Aug. 18 to Friday, Sept. 12
• George Washington Rec Center (8426 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria)
  • Pool and Spa Closed: Wednesday, Sept. 3 to Saturday, Sept. 13
• Spring Hill Rec Center (1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean)
  • Pool and Spa Closed: Saturday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Sept. 1

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 pool and spa locations by visiting the Park Authority Rec Center website.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our team works hard to complete this necessary work quickly and efficiently,” says Marc Barton, Aquatics Section Manager for Fairfax County Park Authority.

For more information, please contact the Park Authority’s Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.