Park Authority

Spring is in the air and events to welcome the season are blooming all around Fairfax County. Find something for everyone in the family — from egg hunts to wildflower walks — and celebrate spring with Fairfax County Park Authority.

• Mini Golf Egg-plorations: Saturday, March 28, with times between 12:20 and 2:50 p.m., Oakmont Rec Center
• Baskets and Bunnies: Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)
• Baskets and Bunnies Egg Hunt with Sensory Friendly Times: Saturday, April 4, with times between 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m., Burke Lake Park
• Bubbles & Bunnies: Saturday, April 4, with times between 9 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., Cub Run Rec Center (4630 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly)
• Sensory Friendly Bubbles & Bunnies: Saturday, April 4, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Cub Run Rec Center
• Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4. with times between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Colvin Run Mill (10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls)
• Bluebells at the Bend: Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls)
• Eggsperiments: Saturday, April 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Hidden Oaks Nature Center (7701 Royce Street, Annandale)

Keep the celebrations going at Family Skate and Dance Nights at Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria) with themes celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 21 and Enchanted Forest on Saturday, April 18. 

Stay up to date on all the exciting events coming your way by tuning in to the Park Authority’s event calendar.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a park activation and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Mount Vernon Woods Park on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will take place at Mount Vernon Woods Park, 4014 Fielding St. in Alexandria, and will feature activities for all ages.

Attendees can also enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the morning, including:

• Skateboard demonstrations and instruction with Fairfax Surf Shop.
• Soccer activities with Golden Boot Soccer.
• Community recreation for all ages.

"These spaces are vital to the health and vibrancy of our communities," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "Mount Vernon Woods Park reflects the Park Authority’s commitment to creating welcoming, accessible places where residents of all ages and abilities can gather, stay active and connect with nature."

To make the event accessible for nearby residents, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will provide shuttle service between Gum Springs Community Center and Mount Vernon Woods Park from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Mount Vernon Woods Park is a completely new park designed to meet the recreational and wellness needs of a growing community. The thoughtfully designed space features an expansive open lawn play field, a multisport court that supports both futsal and basketball, an all-abilities playground designed for users of all ages, and a skate park developed with input from the surrounding community. The park also includes a fitness area, picnic pavilion, drinking fountain and passive seating areas set among newly installed landscaping.

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit the Park Authority website. For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Longer days, greener fairways and more chances to play are just around the corner. Get ready for the season and save during the Golf Fairfax Spring Pass Sale, March 19 to April 3. Stock up on rounds now and enjoy savings that make it even easier to play all season.

Golfers can purchase discounted passes at Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Laurel Hill (senior rounds only), Oakmont, Pinecrest and Twin Lakes golf courses.

Spring pass deals include:

• Get 25% off 15 rounds, 20% off 10 rounds, and 10% off 5 rounds. Pass savings are based on regular greens fees.
• Senior golfers (65+), buy 15 rounds and only pay for 14 rounds.
• Passes are available for 9 or 18 holes, for both weekend or weekday rounds.
• Golf passes are valid at the course where it was purchased for two years after the date of purchase.

Visit participating golf pro shops to purchase your passes.

For more information on the Spring Golf Pass Sale, visit the Golf passes webpage.

Looking for a fun summer job where you can make a difference? The Fairfax County Park Authority is now hiring camp counselors and camp directors for camps operating from mid-June through mid-August.

Apply now to help create an unforgettable summer for local kids while gaining valuable leadership experience and earning competitive pay. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Camp staff lead activities such as sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures and games, while ensuring campers enjoy a safe, welcoming and engaging environment. It’s the perfect opportunity for people who enjoy working with children and want to be a positive role model.

Pay rates include:

• Camp Counselors: $16.87–$19.75 per hour, depending on experience, education and certifications
• Camp Directors: $20.04–$23.75 per hour, depending on experience, education and certifications

Camp directors oversee multiple camps and staff members at a single location.

Positions are available at the following locations:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center – Annandale
• Colvin Run Mill Park – Great Falls
• Franconia Rec Center – Franconia
• Frying Pan Farm Park – Herndon
• Lake Accotink Park – Springfield
• Lake Fairfax Park – Reston
• Oakmont Rec Center – Oakton
• South Run Rec Center – Springfield
• Spring Hill Rec Center – McLean
• George Washington Rec Center – Alexandria
• Huntley Meadows Rec Center – Alexandria
• Mount Vernon Rec Center – Alexandria
• Providence Rec Center – Falls Church

View full position descriptions and apply now on the Camps Job website.

For questions, contact fcpajobs@fairfaxcounty.gov.

To explore additional employment opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit the Jobs website.

Embrace the spring season with a night out all ages will enjoy at an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night. Gather the crew, whether it’s family or friends, and head out to Franconia Rec Center as its gym transforms for the night into a skate rink.

Bring your own skates or your dancing shoes to get moving to music by a guest DJ. Upcoming events set the stage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the spring season (enchanted forest theme) and the third anniversary Family Skate and Dance Night. Tickets cost $10 for everyone—purchase online now for these upcoming events:

• Saturday, March 21, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: St. Patrick’s Day
• Saturday, April 18, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Enchanted Forest
• Saturday, May 16, 5-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Third Anniversary

All ages and abilities are invited to join in and build confidence on wheels at this community event. Food, snacks and drinks are available for purchase (outside food is prohibited).

Visit the Franconia Rec Center’s website for more information and to stay up to date on future skate nights and other events at the Rec Center.

Interested in skate night? Host your very own private skate night to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions in the Franconia Rec Center gym. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841.

Earth Day Fairfax will be an unforgettable day of fun, education and community. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Earth Day Fairfax is the county’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are asking for your help. Join us as an Earth Day Fairfax volunteer.

This special event will feature games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities to help increase our understanding of and appreciation for the world around us. We expect around 7,000 people from across Fairfax County to attend. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including:

• Set-up attendants
• Check-in greeters 
• Nature and recreation activity attendants 
• Guest assistance 

 This is an ideal service opportunity for students seeking service hours or community members looking to give back. Through a variety of service activities, volunteers will impact the community and the environment while having fun throughout the day.

All volunteers must be 15 years old or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional details about individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer Fairfax website. 

The 2026 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with 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. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

Fairfax County Park Authority plans on conducting facility maintenance, cleaning and improvements at Providence Rec Center, 7525 Marc Drive, Falls Church. To ensure customer safety during this work, the Rec Center will be closed from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, April 5.

Several building maintenance projects and improvements to improve safety and enhance customer experience will be conducted simultaneously to minimize the length of the closure, including:

• Deep cleaning and painting
• HVAC work
• Repairs, cleaning and maintenance in the natatorium
• Lighting updates
• Window replacements
• Fire alarm updates begin
• Exterior entry plaza improvements
• Carpet replacement in the main office
• Updates to the guest services desk

Rec Center members and other patrons are invited to use any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s other Rec Centers including the nearby Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale), Oakmont Rec Center (3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton) or Spring Hill Rec Center (1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean).

Members who want to pause their memberships can make this request by visiting the front desk before closure begins or by submitting a request to pause membership online.

If you have any questions, please call Providence Rec Center at 703-698-1351 or send an email to FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Earth Day Fairfax is around the corner! Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day celebration will take place at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The fun and entertainment will include live music performances by the D.C. area’s own Recycling Pirates, Proverbs Reggae Band and Wildflower Revival and an appearance by WUSA-9 meteorologist Topper Shutt. Hands-on activities, games and entertainment will include outdoor discovery, interactive nature exhibits, Earth-friendly vendors, free giveaways, animals from Frying Pan Farm Park, and a giant rock-climbing wall.

The event will also include a craft beer garden and food vendors. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Stay up to date with the latest event details at Earth Day festival website.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The 2026 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with 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. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit its website or call 703-324-8582.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is now hiring hundreds of seasonal team members to support parks, recreation centers, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses and pools across the county.

With flexible schedules and meaningful, community-focused work, these roles are perfect for teens, college students, educators on break and anyone looking to make a positive impact this summer.

Seasonal opportunities include lifeguards, camp counselors and directors, park attendants, cashiers, maintenance staff, marina attendants and other leadership roles. Every team member plays an important part in creating safe, welcoming and memorable experiences for residents and visitors all season long.

Working with the Fairfax County Park Authority means gaining hands-on experience, building valuable professional skills and growing your leadership potential, all while spending your summer in an active, outdoor environment.

Apply early because positions fill quickly.

Full job descriptions, qualifications, and details on upcoming open hire sessions can be found online. Explore all Fairfax County Park Authority employment opportunities by visiting the Jobs website.

Questions? Contact us at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Historic Huntley, a 19th-century villa near the entrance to Huntley Meadows Park, has been named to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, a program of the National Park Service. The Network to Freedom works to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight.

Historic Huntley preserves the stories of three enslaved men, Bob, Sam Humphreys and Sandy, who risked everything on their journey to freedom in the 1820s and 1830s. To attain the new designation, Park Authority staff documented Huntley’s role as a plantation in Fairfax County and the lives of the enslaved men who escaped.

“We can only imagine the courage required to face an abyss of uncertainty and danger when one feels the fire of freedom in their bones,” said Nigel Fields, deputy director for planning and development at the Park Authority. “These stories continue to inspire freedom seekers today. Historic Huntley’s history contributes to the evidence of a nationwide, persistent and irrepressible resistance to chattel enslavement in the United States.”

Established through an Act of Congress in 1998, the Network to Freedom program works in collaboration with local, state and federal entities, as well as individuals and organizations to create a "network" of sites, facilities and programs with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. These sites are not limited to safehouses and may include any location that played a role in a freedom seeker’s journey.

By joining the Network to Freedom, the Park Authority, as the property owner and operator, has access to new opportunities for grant funding that may be used for preservation, restoration and interpretation of the site. This designation also allows for network sites to draw support for preservation and commemorative efforts.

Historic Huntley is the third historic Park Authority site to attain this designation. Sully Historic Site was added in 2003, and Riverbend Park joined the network in 2011.

About the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

The Network to Freedom’s mission is to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. The network advances the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression. The program is a catalyst for innovation and partnerships that share the diverse legacy of the Underground Railroad across generations. Learn more at the Park Service's Network to Freedom website.