Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority is offering visitors two free ways to explore local history this fall as part of Fairfax250, the county’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The September Sundays Free Tour Series brings guided programs to seven historic sites on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, while the Fairfax250 Adventure Patch offers a self-guided experience that visitors can complete on their own schedule.

September Sunday tours will be offered at Colvin Run Mill, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Green Spring Gardens, Historic Huntley and Sully Historic Site. The series also includes tours of two buildings that are not typically open for regular public tours: the Spindle Sears House, a Sears, Roebuck & Company kit home built in 1935 in Historic Centreville; and the more-than-200-year-old Frying Pan Spring Meeting House at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Each stop reveals a different piece of Fairfax County history. Visitors can experience working mills, historic homes and gardens, archaeology and farm life, and hear stories of freedom seekers and others whose lives connect Fairfax County to the nation’s larger story.

The tours are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

The Fairfax250 Adventure Patch offers another way to explore the county’s history. Visitors can complete six activities at their own pace, following three themes: Learning, Sharing and Doing. Complete the challenge and earn a commemorative Fairfax250 patch.

Fairfax County Park Authority historic sites also offer tours and programs throughout the year, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore the county’s cultural heritage beyond the Fairfax250 celebration.

The September Sundays Free Tour Series and Fairfax250 Adventure Patch are sponsored by the Fairfax250 Commission.

Learn more, register for September Sundays and get started on the Fairfax250 Adventure Patch by visiting the Fairfax250 webpage.

Visitors with color vision deficiencies can now borrow EnChroma glasses for free at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, giving many users a new way to distinguish colors throughout the park’s forests, meadows and seasonal landscapes.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has made six pairs available at the park’s visitor center. Options are available for adults and youth, including fit-over styles for visitors who wear prescription glasses and glasses designed for red-green and blue-yellow color vision deficiencies.

The glasses are designed to increase color contrast for many people with color vision deficiencies. At Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, visitors may notice differences in features, such as wildflowers, fall foliage, butterflies and other elements of the natural landscape.

Visitors may borrow the glasses for the duration of their park visit. Some pairs may be reserved in advance, with others available on a first-come, first-served basis during visitor center hours.

Individual experiences vary depending on the type and degree of color vision deficiency.

The park also offers online comparison images showing how selected scenes may appear with and without EnChroma glasses.

For borrowing information, comparison images and frequently asked questions, visit the ECLP’s EnChroma Glasses webpage. To reserve a pair, call the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Visitor Center at 703-631-0013 or email FCPAECLawrence@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 Aug. 26-28, as well as Sept. 2-4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 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
• Maintenance Workers

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? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions at the Burke Lake Park employment webpage.

View all employment opportunities with FCPA by visiting the Jobs website.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792. Visit the Burke Lake Park website. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, by volunteering in a park, helping care for Fairfax County’s natural and cultural resources and joining a special event honoring the legacy of a longtime public servant, the late Gerry Connolly.

In partnership with Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), the Park Authority has developed new trail signage along the Cross County Trail honoring Connolly’s legacy and contributions to Fairfax County. The community is invited to attend an unveiling of the new signage at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lake Accotink Park McLaren-Sargent Pavilion.

Residents can also celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in volunteer service opportunities throughout Fairfax County. Activities include invasive plant removal, litter pickup, pollinator garden maintenance and other projects that help preserve and improve the county’s parks for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Full details and volunteer registration information are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. Residents who are unable to participate on Sept. 26 can find additional opportunities to volunteer in Fairfax County parks throughout the year through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has brought together volunteers across the country to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. The annual event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to give back to the places that provide opportunities for recreation, connection with nature, learning and community.

"Fairfax County’s parks are places where people come together to experience nature, explore our history and build connections with their communities," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “National Public Lands Day is a wonderful reminder that caring for these shared spaces is a community effort. Whether you spend a few hours removing invasive plants, picking up litter or simply joining us to celebrate the legacy of Gerry Connolly, every contribution helps strengthen the parks we all enjoy.”

For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovating playgrounds at seven parks throughout the county this fall, including updated, accessible play spaces and exciting new amenities. The projects are part of the Park Authority’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its park facilities and provide safe, engaging spaces for children and families to enjoy.

Construction is expected to begin as early as September 2026, with projects continuing into 2027. Playgrounds will be closed for the duration of each renovation project. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and stay out of construction areas while work is underway.

Playground Renovation Projects

*Projects funded in whole or in part by voter-approved bond dollars.

Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather, site conditions and other factors. The Park Authority will provide updates as projects progress.

While a playground is closed for renovation, families can find other nearby places to play using the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator. Search for playgrounds and other amenities throughout the county to find an alternative destination during construction.

Visitors can also monitor Park Alerts for updates about construction, temporary closures and other impacts at parks throughout the county.

Please follow all posted signage and stay clear of active construction areas to help ensure the safety of park visitors and construction crews.

The Park Authority looks forward to welcoming the community back to these refreshed playgrounds as each project is completed. New playgrounds mean new places to climb, swing, slide, explore and make memories—and there’s plenty to look forward to across Fairfax County!

For additional information or questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Ray Foote has been appointed by Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer to represent the Braddock District on the Park Authority Board. Foote has deep roots in the Fairfax County community he has called home for 38 years and brings decades of nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and conservation experience to his new role.

Foote has extensive expertise in nonprofit development and has served national environmental and conservation organizations throughout his career. He has held senior positions at National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association and Scenic America, among other organizations. He currently leads the conservation and environment practice for The Compass Group, a fundraising consulting firm based in Baltimore.

He is active in Fairfax County civic life, serving on the Environmental Quality Advisory Council and on multiple nonprofit boards. He and his wife, Diana, raised their four children in Fairfax, all graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools.

Foote will be up for reappointment in December 2026.

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

Take a step inside one of Fairfax County’s oldest homes during the annual Oak Hill Open House on Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can explore historic Oak Hill Manor and gardens and discover the people, stories and craftsmanship that shaped this remarkable piece of Fairfax County history.

New this year, timed-entry tickets will be required for all visitors wishing to tour the interior of the historic home. To provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests, 50 tickets will be available for each half-hour entry period, beginning at 4 p.m., with the final entry at 6:30 p.m.

Tours of the historic boxwood gardens, an outdoor docent-led talk highlighting the history of Oak Hill and the stories typically shared during the house tour, and other on-site activities are free and open to the public. No ticket is required to enjoy these outdoor experiences.

Learn more about the event and reserve tour tickets by visiting the Oak Hill website.

Located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale, Oak Hill is a private residence and is only open to the public during this annual event. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and use parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of Northern Virginia’s earliest land-grant holders, Oak Hill was constructed in the late Georgian style. The home was renovated in the Colonial Revival style during the 1940s by renowned restoration architect Walter M. Macomber.

In 2004, Seville Homes, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established a historic and conservation easement to preserve the property, including its approximately 200-year-old boxwoods.

The Oak Hill Open House is made possible through a partnership with the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office, Fairfax County Park Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

For more information about Oak Hill and this year’s open house, visit the Oak Hill website.

Editor's note: The Banks Community Park public meeting, originally scheduled for Sept. 16, has been cancelled.
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority will share next steps on the development of the Olander Banks Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks Community Park this fall. A public meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, has been cancelled.

Located at 7400 Old Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Banks Community Park is a 10-acre green space in the Franconia District, adjacent to the Kingstowne community. The proposed plans for park development were informed by community feedback received during a public comment period held in the Spring 2025.

For more information about the project, visit the Banks Community Park PublicInput page. Questions may be directed to the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., this free event will feature tables showcasing community resources and opportunities for hands-on nature experiences at the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center. Upon entry, all visitors will receive a ticket to ride the trackless train and the carousel, and to enjoy popcorn and cotton candy and an arts and crafts activity. Registration is not required. Parking is limited, but shuttle service will be available from Cooper Middle School, located at 977 Balls Hill Road, McLean.

Clemyjontri Park — a 2-acre all abilities playground — features ramps for access to elevated play components, play equipment with wide openings for easier access, swings with high backs and arm rests, rubber surfacing for wheelchair accessibility, lowered monkey bars for easy access, equipment to provide all children with a sensory-rich experience and a communications board that helps individuals express their wants, needs and feelings through visual supports.

Explore the programs, services and events that are helping make parks and recreation available to everyone at the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website. The Park Authority offers many classes for those with disabilities throughout the year. Search the adapted classes lineup for fall to find everything from ice skating to dance to swimming to sports and more. Return to Clemyjontri Park this fall for the Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Embrace the Halloween spirit at this festive event and get tickets online for all of your trick-or-treaters.

For more information, please visit the Access and Inclusion website or contact our staff at fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Clemyjontri Park Open House flyer

Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the Fairfax County Park Authority will begin a major renovation of the tennis courts at Jefferson District Park. The project is expected to take approximately 10 weeks, weather permitting.

The project includes the complete replacement of tennis courts #1-8 with new post-tension concrete courts, marking the first project of this scale in Fairfax County. Work will be completed by Field Turf USA.

During construction, the entire tennis complex, as well as the playground, will be closed. The basketball courts will remain open and available for play. In addition, contractors will utilize the majority of the lower parking lot near the golf maintenance shop for staging and construction activities. Visitors may experience increased construction traffic and noise and should use caution when visiting the park.

Park visitors looking for alternative places to play tennis or playgrounds to enjoy during the closure are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to find nearby Park Authority facilities.

For questions about this project, please contact project manager Marcos Suarez at marcos.suarez@fairfaxcounty.gov.