Park Authority

This fall, visit the Park Authority’s Farmers Markets and join in a fresh food drive to support your community. Help local farmers by purchasing extra fresh produce at the farmers market and donate to a Fairfax food pantry serving neighbors in need of food assistance. Donations can be dropped off at the information tent at any market location. The Farmers Market Fresh Food Drive program runs once a month through the end of November.

This September, the FCPA invites you to join the fun with our “fill a basket” produce drive. Start by grabbing a free, reusable basket at the market information tent, then fill it to the top with fresh produce as you shop. Once your basket is full, bring it back to the tent, donate the produce, and the basket is yours to keep! The event kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 29 at all market locations. Join us in supporting our community while enjoying the season’s freshest produce.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

• McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market (benefitting United Community)
• Oakmont Farmers Market (benefitting Western Fairfax Christian Ministries)
• Wakefield Farmers Market (benefitting Annandale Christian Community for Action)

Thursday, Sept. 26

• Annandale Farmers Market (benefitting Annandale Christian Community for Action)
• Herndon Farmers Market (benefitting LINK Against Hunger)

Friday, Sept. 27

• McLean Farmers Market (benefitting SHARE of McLean)
• Kingstowne Farmers Market (benefitting The Koinonia Foundation)

Saturday, Sept. 28

• Burke Farmers Market (benefitting Burke United Methodist Church)
• Reston Farmers Market (benefitting Cornerstones)

Sunday, Sept. 29

• Lorton Farmers Market (benefitting Lorton Community Action Center)

This winter’s extreme cold caused the lake to freeze over and heavy snowfall further delayed progress on the dam assessment. With improved weather conditions, we have resumed lowering the lake and are working to schedule the inspection. If conditions remain favorable and no unexpected issues arise, the inspection is expected to be completed, and the lake will begin refilling in early to mid-spring. The time required for the lake to return to its normal level will depend on regional precipitation.

Beginning on or about mid- to late- September, weather permitting, the water level in Lake Accotink will be lowered in order to conduct a planned assessment of the dam structure. The lake drawdown is expected to lower the water level by up to 5 feet depending on visible lakebed conditions. This drawdown will expose the muddy lakebed in many areas.

The Park Authority has specifically selected this timeframe to minimize any impact to lake activities. During the project, residents are reminded to keep off the exposed muddy lakebed to avoid getting stuck in the exposed mud. Warning signs will be posted along the perimeter of the lake during the project.

The evaluation of the dam is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving and water levels may to take up to two months to return to their normal levels depending on precipitation.

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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon be repairing the tennis court and basketball court at Mason Neck West Park. Weather pending, active construction is expected to conclude the second week of October 2024. The park will remain open during construction and residents should expect little to no impact to other park amenities.

The tennis court improvements will include crack repairs and resurfacing. Basketball court repairs will include crack repairs, a 2-inch asphalt overlay, new acrylic coloring and installation of new goals.

Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative tennis and basketball courts to utilize during the closure.

Mason Neck West Park is located at 10418 Old Colchester Road in Lorton. Questions about this project can be directed to Marcos Suarez at 571-595-2762 or via email at Marcos.Suarez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Mount Vernon Woods Park is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment project. In preparation for Phase 2 of the overall park renovation project, tentatively scheduled for 2025-2026, the Fairfax County Park Authority will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. on the design concept for the development of a new skate park.

Spohn Ranch, Inc. was selected as the contractor for the design and construction of the new skate park, and they have developed a technical proposal that includes a preliminary concept plan. During the virtual public meeting, Spohn Ranch, Inc. will present its concept plan and receive feedback from the public on skate park features and layout. For details on how to join the meeting and to review the initial design concept by Spohn Ranch ahead of the public meeting, visit https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/mount-vernon-woods.

Immediately following the public meeting on Sept. 26, a survey will be posted on the webpage provided above for submission of additional feedback. Comments received will be reviewed and considered for the design. A revised design plan is expected later this fall, and there will be another 30-day comment period on the revision. Construction of the skate park is anticipated to begin in fall 2025.

Mount Vernon Woods Park is located at 4014 Fielding St. in Alexandria. For more information about this project, please contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Mark your calendars for a celebration of history, discovery and hands-on learning at this year’s Arctober Fest, held at the Sully Historic Site on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of archaeology and learn about the incredible archaeological resources found in Fairfax County.

Arctober Fest visitors will engage in an array of interactive, hands-on activities guided by expert archaeologists. Here’s what you can expect:

• Learn how to handle artifacts. Discover the do’s and don’ts when encountering historical objects in nature.
• Explore Fairfax County’s rich past and learn about the diverse history hidden beneath the soil in our local parks.
• Meet the archaeologists who are digging into Northern Virginia's past and hear their stories.
• See the latest archaeological tools and technology in action.
• Learn about career opportunities in the field.

Whether you're a history buff, a student interested in archaeology or just someone curious about the past, this event is a great way to dig deep into the fascinating history of Fairfax County. For more information, visit the Archaeology Month webpage.

Register for Arctoberfest

Arctober Fest is made possible through a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology and Cultural Resources.

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 world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will be making a quick stop at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia. The Clydesdales will be available for photos during a meet-and-greet on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

From Super Bowl commercials to holiday parades, the Clydesdales have become a popular component of Americana dating back more than 80 years. Today, the team makes hundreds of appearances across the country each year, and when it comes to finding suitable accommodations for this gargantuan team of horses, Frying Pan Farm Park rates as a 5-star hotel.

Come enjoy an afternoon of fun on the farm and get a photo with these gentle giants while they’re in town!

Frying Pan Farm Park is Fairfax County’s oldest operating farm located at 2709 West Ox Road, in Herndon. For more information about the farm and the variety of activities available, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-324-5390.

Calling all bug lovers! Join us at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Bug Fest—an exciting, hands-on event that celebrates the fascinating world of insects. Whether you’re intrigued by butterflies, beetles or creepy crawlies, Bug Fest has something for everyone!

This family-friendly event offers a variety of interactive games, activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages. Here’s what’s buzzing at Bug Fest:

• Insect Safaris: Head out on a guided adventure to discover bugs in their natural habitat.
• Meet and Greet with Live Insects: Get up close and personal with real bugs.
• Insect Collections & Log Rolling: Participate in discovering hidden critters by rolling logs and finding insects underneath.
• Soil Stations & Bug Walks: Learn about the important role bugs play in our ecosystem as you explore soil and plants.
• Critter Talks: Hear from experts about your favorite insects.
• Bug Science & Crafts: Create your very own bug and dive into fun, educational activities using science and technology.

Whether you’re a budding entomologist or just curious about the world around you, Bug Fest is a fantastic way to learn, explore, and get hands-on with nature! The cost for Bug Fest is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Register for Bug Fest

Bug Fest at Lake Accotink Park will be held at the Heming entrance located at 5660 Heming Ave. in Springfield.

The Fairfax County Park Authority proudly honors the cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities during Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Conservation Week. Park enthusiasts are invited to join in celebrating the diverse traditions that have shaped our nation and local community – particularly within our parks.

It all begins with Latino Conservation Week, Sept. 14-22. Latino reflects cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean, including a wide range of heritages. Latino Conservation Week is a national initiative led by the Hispanic Access Foundation and encourages Latino engagement with outdoor activities and environmental protection through community events. During the week, the Park Authority is pleased to host numerous events, including:

Family Day at Annandale Park

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bring the whole family to Annandale Park for a day packed with fun and learning! Dive into nature with herpetology talks, where you’ll discover frogs, toads and salamanders. Enjoy delicious eats from food trucks, and even try your hand at pickleball! This event is in partnership with FACETS, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in need and promoting stable housing in Fairfax County.

Salsa in the Park: A Celebration of Nature Conservation at Alabama Drive Park

Friday, Sept. 20, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Let’s dance for a cause! Join us for an afternoon of salsa dancing with Fairfax County Park Authority, Defensores de la Cuenca, and Opportunity Neighborhoods. Celebrate the vibrant Herndon Latino community while learning about green actions and how to live a healthy, eco-friendly life. This family-friendly event promises great company, exciting educational opportunities, and plenty of fun!

Farm Tour & Animal Meet and Greet at Frying Pan Farm Park

Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-noon

Kick off your weekend with a free, Spanish-language farm tour where you can meet the animals up close! Tours are available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Learn how we care for our farm animals and explore everything Frying Pan Farm Park has to offer at our welcome tent, complete with information on park facilities, rides, events, and more!

Invasive Plant Cleanup at Lake Accotink Park

Sunday, Sept. 22, 9-11 a.m.

Roll up your sleeves and join the Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program for a morning of habitat restoration! Participate in the fight against invasive plants, connect with fellow conservation enthusiasts, and help protect Fairfax County’s natural habitats—all while getting some fresh air and exercise.

View the Latino Conservation Week flyer

The celebration doesn’t stop there as the Park Authority commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Hispanic refers to a connection to Spain or the Spanish language. In addition to these and other activities, the Park Authority will be sharing stories and reflections from the community all month long to celebrate the richness of the Hispanic Heritage that exists in our community and throughout our parks.

Visit the Mi conexión al parque website for more details!

The Fairfax County Park Authority and The Washington Capitals are bringing hockey to Lake Fairfax Park on Sept. 15 and Nov. 3. Come join the fun with The Washington Capitals’ Learn to Inline Skate and Try Hockey For Free programs. These programs provide a safe, fun and accessible environment led by The Caps Youth Hockey Development’s USA Hockey-certified coaching staff. Both programs are designed for children ages 5-17. Each clinic is limited to 60 participants and online registration is required.

Learn to Inline Skate (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

This program is designed for first-time skaters and participants will receive age-appropriate introductory instruction on the fundamentals of hockey skating and power-skating. The focus is on developing proper techniques with all instruction being conducted without a puck. Fundamentals that will be taught include basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, control on edges, and other necessary elements needed to be a successful skater. Participants will be able to borrow all necessary protective equipment (helmet, elbow pads, gloves, knee pads, and skates) for the clinic. Register at the Youth Hockey Development website.  

Try Hockey For Free (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)

This program provides free access to hockey for kids who have never participated in the sport before. Each participant will learn the basics of hockey, including stickhandling, passing and shooting. The Washington Capitals will provide a stick and a ball for each participant at the beginning of the clinic. No other hockey equipment is required. Proper laced athletic footwear is required – no Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, etc. Proper athletic attire is also required for each clinic – no jeans, skirts or other non-athletic attire. Register at the Youth Hockey Development website.

These event are a continuation of the Park Authority’s partnership with The Washington Capitals that led to the creation of the ball/inline hockey rink at Lake Fairfax Park located adjacent to the Lake Fairfax Park campground and skate park. Entry to the park is at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston.

For more information about the program or for general details about the rink, please contact the park at 703-471-5415 or visit the Lake Fairfax Park website.

Secure your access to improved health and wellness — at discounted prices — by purchasing Rec Center Annual Membership. Throughout September, get a 15% discount on annual Rec Center membership. Membership provides access to all Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers.

Being a Rec Center member gives you access to numerous opportunities to get moving and achieve your fitness goals this fall:

• Swim laps in spacious pools.
• Get moving with cardio equipment.
• Use strength equipment and free weights.
• Participate in drop-in group fitness classes.
• Join a game on our athletic courts or in the gym.

Membership includes access to spas and saunas, fitness center orientations, virtual classes, and a variety of other amenities, some of which vary by location. Most importantly, joining gives you the opportunity to find your community. Come meet an exercise buddy who makes that commitment to health and wellness easier. Work out with friends and enjoy the spa or sauna afterward. Join other locals to form your new fitness routine and stay committed to it at Rec Centers.

For more information, contact any of the Park Authority’s Rec Centers or email us at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Rec Center Membership Sale flyer