Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board held its election of officers at its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The board unanimously elected Dranesville District Representative Timothy B. Hackman as chair; Hunter Mill District Representative William G. Bouie as vice chair; Franconia District Representative Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter as secretary; and At-Large Representative Dr. Abena Aidoo Hewton as treasurer.

"I’m honored by the confidence my fellow Board members have placed in me," Chairman Hackman said. "Our parks and programs are essential to the health and vitality of our community. I look forward to working with my colleagues, staff and residents to build on our momentum and continue providing outstanding experiences for everyone we serve."

Board officer positions are outlined in the Bylaws Governing the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and include chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treasurer. Officers are elected annually by the members of the Park Authority Board at the beginning of the calendar year.

Members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The 12-member board includes one representative from each of the county’s nine magisterial districts and three at-large members. This public body is responsible for setting policy and establishing priorities for the Park Authority. For more information, visit the Park Authority Board website.

Laurel Hill and Twin Lakes Golf Clubs have received the prestigious Weddy Award for Best Golf Club Venue, presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine. The 2026 Weddy Awards celebrate excellence in the wedding and event industry, recognizing businesses that deliver exceptional service, innovation and professionalism. The honor is based on real wedding experiences shared by couples and reflects both venues as trusted and well-regarded wedding and event locations in Fairfax County.

"Earning the Weddys Award is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of the couples we serve," Event Director Marisa Devon said. "Whether couples choose Laurel Hill or Twin Lakes, they can expect clear communication, attentive coordination and a team that is fully invested in making their day feel effortless and personal."

Laurel Hill attributes its continued recognition to a hospitality-forward approach centered on consistency, professionalism and attention to detail from the initial tour through the final sendoff. Twin Lakes has earned its recognition through the same commitment to service, offering couples a welcoming setting with flexible options and experienced staff that is focused on delivering thoughtful coordination throughout the planning process.

Nestled in Lorton’s rolling terrain, Laurel Hill Golf Club offers stunning views, a rich historical backdrop and a welcoming ambiance. The venue features a 9,400-square-foot clubhouse, including the Tower Grill restaurant and customizable event packages tailored to every couple’s needs. Its scenic landscapes provide picture-perfect settings for wedding photography. The event director guides families through every detail, taking pressure off parents and couples, while the culinary team delivers food that guests continue to rave about. Couples and guests consistently praise the venue’s exceptional service, clear communication and attention to detail.

Located in Clifton, Twin Lakes offers a charming and inviting setting for weddings and events. The venue features versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, along with flexible event packages to suit every celebration. The team is known for being calm, professional, and wonderful with children, creating an environment where guests can truly relax.

Brides & Weddings Magazine is Northern Virginia’s premier guide for engaged couples, offering planning advice and showcasing top wedding vendors. Winners of the Weddy Awards are selected by a panel of industry experts and are featured in the January 2026 issue of the magazine.

For more information about these venues visit the Golf Fairfax Weddings and Parties webpage.

Winter is the perfect time to reflect on your game and sharpen your skills for the upcoming season. Pinecrest Golf Course invites golfers to a one-hour, indoor clinic held in the Valis Family Learning Center on Feb. 14 or Feb. 15. Golfers will learn how to think their way around the course, make smarter decisions and manage risk to turn better choices into lower scores, all without changing their swing.

"Golf is 20% talent and 80% management," said professional golfer Ben Hogan. Poor club selection, overly aggressive shots or ignoring hazards can easily cost several strokes per round.

This clinic will teach how golf professionals approach the game to avoid costly mistakes and gain an edge on every hole. Students will also receive an electronic Course Strategy & Management instruction book to reinforce key concepts.

Clinic Details:

• Dates and Time: Feb. 14 or Feb. 15, from 4 to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $20 per golfer
• Limited to the first 20 golfers
• Location: Held indoors in the Valis Family Learning Center at Pinecrest Golf Course
• Register by contacting the Pinecrest Pro Shop at 703-941-1061

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike in Alexandria.

For more information about this and other Golf Fairfax events, please visit the Golf website.

Young children who attend Fairfax County Park Authority’s Kids Play Preschools grow, learn and play, all while building school-readiness. The Park Authority hosts preschool programs at three locations:

• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
• Stone Mansion, 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria
• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean

Kids Play Preschools feature welcoming, safe environments that nurture the emotional, social and intellectual growth of young minds. Children enrolled enjoy outdoor play, circle time and educational activities guided by caring and dedicated educators. The Park Authority’s preschool staff are CPR- and First Aid-certified, complete required background checks and have prior experience working with children. Preschool programs range from two to five days a week.

Learn more about our Kids Play Preschools and prepare for the 2026-2027 school year by attending an upcoming open house event at both Franconia Rec Center and Spring Hill Rec Center. No appointment is necessary, just drop in between 9:30 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Fairfax County Park Authority’s Kids Play Preschools at Franconia Rec Center and Spring Hill Rec Center also offer extended care opportunities for enrolled students. The extended care offerings provide a chance for additional learning and creativity, as well as fun, structured activities and playtime. Both locations have limited spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested should contact their preschool to learn more and register.

Interested in starting the registration process? Fill out the Preschool Enrollment Inquiry form by visiting the Rec Centers’ Preschool webpage.

Enjoying laughter, embarking on immersive adventures, and building connections that last a lifetime — these are the ingredients of Fairfax County Park Authority camps. And now that registration is open for all upcoming spring and summer camps, it’s time to secure your spot in an experience sure to form lasting memories.

Whether it is dancing to the latest hits (from "KPop Demon Hunters" to Taylor Swift) or delving into the world of science and technology (with engaging themes, such as "Star Wars" to Minecraft), there’s a camp for every interest. Take up an instrument, try a new sport, connect with animals, explore nature, learn acting skills, cook up something in the kitchen, craft with various mediums and much more.

The Park Authority brings back summer camps for people with disabilities:

• Adapted camps: In addition to providing different levels of accommodation whenever possible to ensure those with disabilities can enjoy camp, the Park Authority is hosting Adapted Park Explorers and Sensory Friendly LEGO® camps.
• Adult camps: The fun is not just for kids — adults can enjoy much-needed self-care and revel in the fun of camps this summer.
• Preschool camps: Kids ages 3 to 5 can join in the fun with everything from animal encounters to dance to nature exploration to sports and more. See the full list by selecting "Preschool (3-5 years)" in the Age Range category. 
• Teen camps: Teenagers can get in on action this summer with specialized camp activities from golf to fishing to fencing to paddling to table tennis to acting to gaming and coding. See the full list by selecting "(13-17 yrs)" in the Age Range category. 

Don’t miss the last set of winter camps happening Feb. 16-17:

• Get in on the ACTion!
• Draw and create
• Jump into sports
• Build with LEGOs
• Explore music
• Try science on for size
• Become a winter wildlife ranger

Save the date for the upcoming camps coming this spring — grab your spring spots before they are gone:

• March 20
• March 30-April 3
• April 6
• April 10
• May 26-27

With so many options for camps throughout the year, the Park Authority offers numerous resources to help make the process for searching and registering easier. Use the following resources:

• 2026 Camp Guide: Explore the full suite of spring and summer camp offerings.
• My Summer Camp Planner: Download to make notes of registration codes and open registration dates to track your top choices.
• Camp Spreadsheet: Use this spreadsheet to sort and filter available camps and Extended Care offerings for children by their age, the week, the type of camp and the location.
• Search and register online! 

Keep up with all the details by visiting the Park Authority's Camps website. For more information or assistance, please email camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

If you’re looking for a seasonal job that gets you out from behind a desk and lets you work in a beautiful setting while building real-world skills, this is it. Spend your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations!

Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Information Center will be held Feb. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, so 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
• Office Attendant
• Train Attendant
• Mini Golf Attendant
• Camp Store Attendant
• Maintenance Positions

Why work at Burke Lake Park?

• Work outdoors in a scenic environment.
• Build customer service, leadership and teamwork skills.
• Be part of a fun, 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 jobs website. To view all employment opportunities with FCPA, visit the Park Authority's 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 in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website at w or call 703-323-6600.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin evaluating applications for curatorship of the historic Dranesville Tavern, located in the Dranesville District at 11919 Leesburg Pike, Herndon.

The evaluation process will include multiple livestreamed work sessions, a public meeting and a public comment period to receive public input and questions for consideration of the applicants. Details pertaining to the proposed curator application and opportunities for submitting public comments are now available online at on the Dranesville Tavern project website.

The Park Authority Evaluation Team will convene at its initial work session on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be livestreamed via the Dranesville Tavern project website and a recording will be made available following the meeting. Public comments will be accepted online through the Dranesville Tavern project website and via mail starting Feb. 24 through March 25 at 5 p.m.

The Park Authority will also host an in-person public meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at the McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. The meeting will include an overview of the Resident Curator Program, presentations by curator applicants for the Dranesville Tavern and an opportunity for community members to ask questions.

At least one subsequent session will be held at 10 a.m. on March 31. While the work sessions on Feb. 24 and March 31 will be viewable by the public, they will not include a public comment period.

Dranesville Tavern is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Virginia inn or ordinary. Located at the intersection of two major roads (Georgetown Pike and Alexandria Leesburg Pike), it served travelers moving through the region. Built in 1823 by Stanford Cockerille, it originally consisted of two two-story log structures. 

The inn changed hands over the years with various owners adding onto the original structure. The tavern remained open to the public until 1946 and to boarders until 1968. In the 1970s, the tavern was threatened by the expansion of Route 7 until the Park Authority purchased it and moved it 135 feet away from its original location. 

Dranesville Tavern has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as on the Fairfax Inventory of Historic Sites for its association with the turnpike trade in Virginia.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

Learn more by visiting the Resident Curator Program website. For additional questions, contact Stephanie Langton, manager of the Resident Curator Program, at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Update: Scott's Run Nature Preserve is closed through July 4 for an urgent sewer project.

Beginning on Monday, Feb. 16, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve will be closed for an urgent sewer project to renew and rehabilitate the Scott's Run Siphon wastewater facility. Contractors for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will complete this work, which is expected to take approximately three months to complete, depending on weather conditions.

This infrastructure enables the transportation of wastewater across the Potomac River, through Carderock National Park and connects to D.C. Water’s Potomac Interceptor in Maryland. This project is essential to maintaining uninterrupted service and preventing potential wastewater overflow into the Potomac River.

To ensure public safety and protect natural resources, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, including the east and west parking areas and all trails, will be closed for the duration of the emergency work. Residents are encouraged to use the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator and Trail Buddy to identify alternate parks and trails during this closure. The public will be notified when the park reopens.

Updates regarding project progress and any changes to the timeline will be available online at the Scott’s Run Siphon Rehabilitation project webpage.

For more information about the project, please email Sara Ferrance, Engineer V Fairfax County Wastewater Collection Division at sara.ferrance@fairfaxcounty.gov. Questions related to the park closure may be directed to the Park Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Scott's Run Nature Preserve is located at 7400 Georgetown Pike in McLean. For more information, visit the Scott's Run Nature Preserve website or call 703-759-9018. 
 

Honor Black history through meaningful programs that explore African American history, culture and lived experiences across Fairfax County. Throughout February and beyond, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers engaging events, exhibits and interpretive programs for all ages that highlight the essential role Black individuals and communities have played in shaping the county’s past and present.

From stories of resilience and labor to traditions, skills and community life, these programs invite visitors to learn, reflect and connect with history at park and historic sites across the county.

Programs and Events

Black History Month at the Meeting House

Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 7  (canceled) or Feb. 21, noon–2 p.m. Free

Remembrance: Enslaved Lives at Sully

Sully Historic Site, Feb. 8 or Feb. 21, 1–2 p.m. $10

Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery

Historic Huntley, Feb. 19, 1–2:30 p.m. $12

Grit and Grain: African American Millers

Colvin Run Mill, Feb. 28, 2–3 p.m. $10

To explore additional resources, exhibits and programs that highlight Black history and culture across Fairfax County Parks, visit the Black History Month webpage.

Fairfax County Park Authority announces an extension to the current Rec Center membership sale through Tuesday, Feb. 10. With recent winter weather closures, the Park Authority wanted to provide ample time for those interested to secure their 15% discounts on annual membership purchases. Purchase your discounted annual membership online by visiting the Rec Center Passes webpage, or in person at your neighborhood Rec Center.

Make a commitment today to your health at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. Membership provides access to all Fairfax County Rec Centers and their Fitness Centers, pools, drop-in group fitness classes and other amenities depending on location. The variety of options to help you achieve your health goals range from traditional cardio and weight training to swimming or water walking to group activities, such as drop-in exercise like cycle, yoga, Pilates and BODYPUMPTM; or sports activities, such as basketball, pickleball and racquetball.

Purchase your pass

Members also enjoy discounts on drop-in child care, as well as the ability to use other amenities based on location, such as the indoor tracks at Spring Hill Rec Center and Mount Vernon Rec Center and public ice skating rinks or indoor rock climbing at Mount Vernon Rec Center.

View the Membership flyer

Bring a friend to your local Rec Center and make your commitment to fitness that much stronger. Additional discounts are offered for those that live in the same household with proof of residency. Stop by a Rec Center today to learn more. For more information, please contact FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.