Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting an open hire for camp positions at Huntley Meadows Park. Job seekers are invited to the open hire on Saturday, April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Stop by anytime to meet staff from Huntley Meadows Park, apply for a position, interview on site and potentially walk away with a job!

Huntley Meadows Park is home to a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Join our team as a camp counselor or director and work in a fun, upbeat atmosphere, surrounded by nature and scenic views.

Minimum qualifications and requirements for camp staff:

• Must be 18 years of age for camp counselor and camp director positions.
• Agree to a criminal background check and have never been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor related to abuse, neglect, exploitation or other barrier crimes.
• Attend all mandatory staff development and training.
• Be able to obtain first aid and CPR certifications.

Summer Benefits: Summer employees will have access to use any of FCPA’s Rec Centers and may be eligible for a $500 signing bonus*. Additional benefits include opportunities for advancement and a competitive salary ranging from $16.87 to $19.75 per hour, depending on position and experience.

Can’t make it to the Open Hire? No worries! View job ads and apply now for camp positions at the Jobs webpage.

View all employment opportunities with FCPA on the Jobs webpage. 

For more information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

*Terms, conditions, and applicable tax apply.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is exploring plans to resurface and expand the existing basketball court at Dunn Loring Park. The proposed redesign would transform the current court into a dual-purpose space, combining basketball and futsal to better serve the community.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to meeting the diverse recreational needs of the community. Futsal is a fast-growing sport, gaining popularity throughout the county. Most recently, the Park Authority celebrated the opening of a dual-use basketball and futsal court at Stratton Woods Park in the Hunter Mill district. If the basketball court at Dunn Loring Park is converted, it would become the fourth futsal court in the Fairfax County park system.

The public is invited to share feedback on the proposed conversion of the basketball court at Dunn Loring Park into a dual-use basketball and futsal court. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 10, 2025. To submit comments online, visit the PublicInput project page.

Dunn Loring Park is located at 2540 Gallows Road in Vienna. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Burke Lake Golf Course is going green in a big way this Earth Month with the activation of a new 55-kilowatt rooftop solar array, now generating clean, renewable energy atop its clubhouse. This installation is part of a broader solar initiative across Fairfax County facilities and marks the third solar array to date installed by the Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA.

The new array will offset an estimated 22% of the golf center’s annual electricity needs. This is enough to power six homes per year and significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.

With a lifespan of more than 20 years, rooftop-mounted solar panels are most efficient and cost-effective when installed early in a roof’s life cycle — ideally within the first five years. Because the Burke Lake Golf Center clubhouse was recently rebuilt, it was an ideal candidate for solar installation. FCPA prioritized this site accordingly and continues to assess other facilities with newer roofs for similar upgrades.

“Sustainability starts with thoughtful choices — whether it’s recycling, conserving energy, or investing in renewable infrastructure,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “At Burke Lake Golf Center, we saw an opportunity to make a smart, future-focused improvement that supports the environment, enhances the guest experience, and reduces long-term costs. It’s a win all around.”

This solar installation was completed in partnership with Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) and supports the county’s ambitious goals for carbon neutrality. These include powering at least 50 percent of county operations with renewable energy by 2040.

“By switching on this solar array at Burke Lake Golf Center, we are taking another step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Fairfax County" said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. "This effort underscores the county's commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut energy costs, protect the environment, and advance our county’s Operational Energy Strategy goals.”

Burke Lake Golf Course is located at 6915 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Hit the greens and test your skills in Golf Fairfax’s exciting lineup of spring tournaments! Partner up for fun competition this season. Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited to showcase their skills. Registration opens 45 days before the event. 

• Going for the Green
  Saturday, April 5
  Pinecrest Golf Course (6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria)
  Players compete in a nine-hole individual stroke play (Stableford points) tournament in one of three divisions. Cost: $110 per team, lunch and carts included. For more information and to register, visit Pinecrest Golf Course.
• Two Person Best Ball
  Saturday, May 10
  Oakmont Golf Center (3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton)
  Teams of two (ages 12 and over) compete in a 9-hole, best ball, stroke play tournament, also known as better ball or four ball. Each participant plays their own ball from the tee shot through putting out, and the team records the lowest score between the teammates as their team score. Cost $60 per team. For additional information and to register, visit Oakmont Golf Center.
• Jefferson Cup Tournament Series: Spring Best Ball
  Saturday, May 10
  Jefferson District Golf Course (7900 Route 29, Falls Church)
  Teams of two (ages 18 and over) will compete in a 9-hole, best ball stroke play tournament. Cost $80 per team. For more information and to register, visit Jefferson District Golf Course.
• Spring Scramble
  Sunday, May 18
  Pinecrest Golf Course (6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria)
  Teams of two players (age 7 and over) compete in a 9-hole scramble format in one of three divisions. Cost: $110 per team, lunch and carts included. For more information and to register, visit Pinecrest Golf Course.
• Spring Team Challenge
  Saturday, May 24
  Burke Lake Golf Center (6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)
  Teams of two (ages 12 and over) will compete in an 18-hole best ball, scramble tournament. Cost is $90 per team and includes complimentary range balls, push cart, greens fees and lunch. For more information, visit Burke Lake Golf Center. 

Discover all Golf Fairfax has to offer with seven municipal golf courses, golf classes, tournaments and special events at Golf website.
 

Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia 

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is proud to announce that we have been recognized as a 2025 Top Employer for Interns by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VA-TOP). This recognition highlights FCPA’s dedication to providing meaningful work-based learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders. 

At FCPA, interns gain invaluable skills and experience by working alongside seasoned professionals in various departments, including park management, recreation programming, resource management, environmental stewardship, marketing and communications, business administration, golf operations, engineering and more. These internship opportunities not only contribute to professional growth but also make a lasting impact on the Fairfax County community.

“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Luca Twohie, Internship Program Manager at FCPA. “Our interns bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives that help drive our mission forward. We are committed to fostering an environment where interns can learn, grow, thrive and feel valued as part of #teamFCPA.” 

FCPA encourages students, emerging professionals, career changers, and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in one of our operational areas, to explore upcoming internship opportunities by visiting our Internship Opportunities webpage.

For more information on the 2025 Top Employers for Interns, please read the official VA-TOP press release.

For additional inquires, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

On the morning of Saturday, March 29, community members, local officials and park supporters gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of McLean Central Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event marked the official unveiling of the park’s revitalized amenities, including a state-of-the-art playground made possible by the fundraising efforts of the McLean Central Playground Team and generous community donations.

Kiel Stone, Chairman of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, welcomed attendees, highlighting the park’s role as a vital community hub. “McLean Central Park is a shining example of what we can accomplish when passionate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and engaged community members come together,” said Stone. “This park serves as a green oasis for everyone to enjoy, and we are thrilled to officially celebrate its reopening.”

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the park’s lasting impact. “Seeing families, children, and residents already making use of these new amenities reaffirms just how important our public parks are,” said Bierman. “This is a space that brings people together, and I’m grateful for everyone who played a role in making this project a success.”

Jai Cole, Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority, shared excitement about the park’s future. “With its upgraded facilities and vibrant green spaces, McLean Central Park will continue to be a beloved gathering place for all generations,” said Cole. “We look forward to seeing it filled with laughter, play, and community connections for years to come.”

The event also featured remarks from Former Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Laura Eakin Erlacher, Chair of the Fairfax County Park Foundation and Dr. Cara Schantz of the McLean Central Playground Team. Attendees then moved to the donor wall for a special unveiling, recognizing the contributions of individuals and organizations who helped bring the project to life.

The newly enhanced McLean Central Park now offers expanded recreational opportunities, including an all-abilities playground, a new open-air pavilion, and a new fitness area, providing a welcoming space for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

A full photo album from the ribbon cutting event is available on Flickr.

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

The dog parks at Chandon Park and Blake Lane Park will soon undergo renovations to enhance the visitor experience. The planned improvements will include converting the park surfaces to stone dust, with necessary dirt work and grading to ensure long-term durability.

Construction at Blake Lane Park is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of June 4, 2025. Renovations at Chandon Park will follow, starting on June 2, 2025, and concluding by July 2, 2025. During these periods, both dog parks will be completely closed to the public. Additional temporary closures will impact surrounding areas. At Blake Lane Park, the parking lot will be partially closed, and the trail leading to the dog park will be inaccessible during work hours. At Chandon Park, the parking lot will also be partially closed, and the walkway between the dog park and tennis courts, along with tennis court access via the walkway, will be closed during work hours.

Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and utilize the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative facilities to use during this time. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate all things spring with Fairfax County Park Authority. From new blooms to egg hunts, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy in the parks this season. 

Celebrate all things spring with Fairfax County Park Authority. From new blooms to egg hunts, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy in the parks this season.

Take a wildflower walk to marvel at bluebells during Riverbend Park’s (8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls) annual Bluebells at the Bend Festival on Saturday, April 5. Join this blooming adventure to explore carpets of these beautiful native flowers and enjoy live music, crafts, food and exhibitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore numerous other wildflower and gardening events online.

Hop on over to one of the many egg hunts taking place at locations around the county including: 

• Natures Colorful Eggs — Hidden Pond Nature Center, Saturday, April 5, 2-3 p.m., $8 
• Spring EGG-stravaganza — Play egg games and learn about the wonderful egg-laying friends in your neighborhood at Lake Fairfax on Saturday, April 5 at 3 p.m. 
• Egg-speriments — Find out what’s cracking (or not) as various experiments with eggs are performed and learn about their many amazing properties at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Saturday, April 12, 1-2 p.m. 
• Mini Golf Egg-plorations — Bring your basket and search for eggs throughout the mini-golf course. There will be face painting, popcorn, games and kids can decorate their very own egg to take home. Join in the fun at Oakmont Rec Center on Saturday, April 12 with times between 9:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. 
• Baskets & Bunnies — Hunt for eggs, meet Sunny the Bunny and enjoy festivities for the whole family! Purchase an egg hunt ticket along with your amusement ticket to participate in all the festivities. This event will be held at Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station) on Saturday, April 19 with times between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
• Baskets & Bunnies Sensory Egg Hunt — Children with disabilities can join this sensory-friendly hunt scheduled for 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. This event will allow children to hunt on their own in a quieter area of Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station) and can also feature beeping eggs, allowing children with visual impairments to join in the fun. 
• Bubbles & Bunnies — Help the Easter Bunny rescue all the ducks hidden in the pool. Trade your rescued ducks for a bag filled with eggs and prizes. After the search, stay to enjoy the slides, lazy river and play features at Cub Run Rec Center on Saturday April 19 with times between 9 a.m. and noon.  
• Easter Egg Hunt — Colvin Run Mill, Saturday, April 19. Choose times between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., $10 
• Woodland Wildlife Egg Hunt — Hidden Oaks Nature Center, May 4, Choose times between 2-3 p.m. or 3-4 p.m., $8 

Keep the celebrations going with the Easter Bunny Family Skate and Dance Night on April 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Franconia Rec Center. Take a spin around the gym floor at this themed event, visit with the Easter bunny, enjoy refreshments and groove to music by a DJ.  

Stay up to date on all the exciting events coming your way at the event calendar. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is excited to launch the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment online survey to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. Community input is essential to shaping the future of Fairfax County’s parks, and we want to hear from you. 

The study will utilize research, trends analysis, and community feedback to help FCPA enhance amenities, facilities, and programs over the next five years. Along with the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy (PROSA), the 2026 Needs Assessment will help guide decision-making for park investments and improvements, including the 2026 park bond. 

Residents have multiple ways to provide input. All members of the community are invited to share their thoughts through an online survey hosted on PublicInput. Additionally, a randomly selected group of households will receive a mailed survey as part of the project’s statistically valid data collection. If you receive a survey, please complete it—we appreciate your participation. 

To ensure accessibility, the survey is available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, and Mandarin. 

Your voice matters. Help shape the future of Fairfax County’s parks by participating in the 2026 Needs Assessment survey. Visit the Parks Count! webpage to learn more and to access the survey.  

For questions about the 2026 Needs Assessment, contact parkscount@publicinput.com.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce that we are hiring passionate, skilled instructors to lead a variety of programs in the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center. We’re excited to welcome the community back to an upgraded facility featuring two National Hockey League sized ice rinks, two-story fitness center, indoor track, rock climbing wall, drop-in childcare, pool with beach entry, birthday parties and event rentals, and so much more! We are seeking dynamic individuals to join our team and help us create a vibrant, inclusive space where community members of all ages can learn, grow, and stay active. 

We are currently hiring for the following instructor positions:
 

• Fitness Instructors: Lead energizing group fitness classes for all skill levels, from high-intensity workouts to calming yoga sessions.
  • Personal Trainer
  • Group Fitness 
  • Pilates 
• Aquatics Instructors: Provide safe, fun, and effective swimming lessons and water-based fitness classes.
  • Learn to Swim
  • Water Exercise 
• Arts & Crafts Instructors: Guide participants through creative projects, fostering artistic exploration and expression.
  • Kids Mixed Media 
  • Fine Arts
• Sports Instructors: Teach fundamental skills and techniques in various sports, encouraging teamwork and active play.
  • Martial Arts
  • Adult Dance 
  • Scout Merit Badge
  • Games (Chess, Checker, etc.)
• Ice Skating Instructors: Teach skating techniques, from beginner basics to advanced skills, in our newly renovated rink.
• Recreation Program Instructors: Lead a variety of enriching and engaging programs. 
  • Martial Arts
  • Adult Dance 
  • Scout Merit Badge
• Games (Chess, Checker, etc.)

Local job seekers are encouraged to attend walk-in hiring events, where they can learn about job opportunities, apply, interview, and even complete hire paperwork on the spot if selected.

Open Hire Event Details

• Wednesday, April 16, 4 to 6 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
• Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
• Monday, April 21, 5 to 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library

FCPA offers a flexible work environment with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth through training and development programs. Employees enjoy a fun and dynamic team atmosphere, where they play a vital role in bringing the community together. Team members also receive free use of the Rec Center where they work, making it a great opportunity for those who love recreation and fitness. Whether you're looking to gain valuable experience or be part of an energetic team, FCPA provides an engaging workplace where you can make a difference.

Mount Vernon Rec Center is located at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria. To learn more about the open positions at Mount Vernon Rec Center and to submit an application online, visit the Mount Vernon Rec Center jobs webpage.

For questions, contact FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. 
Don’t miss this chance to be part of #TeamFCPA and work at Fairfax County’s premier recreation center!