Park Authority

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) was selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program. This grant award is the result of a Starbucks partner (employee) nomination. This is the third Neighborhood Grant awarded to FLAP over the last four years in recognition of its work to protect the natural and cultural resources and support the projects and programmatic opportunities at Lake Accotink Park.

“The Friends of Lake Accotink Park play a vital role in supporting the recreational and educational programs we offer at Lake Accotink Park,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Through their advocacy, fundraising and volunteer efforts, they help deliver a one-of-a-kind experience enjoyed by thousands of park guests each year from throughout the region.”

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park is an all-volunteer community-based organization with the mission to protect, restore and preserve the natural, historical and cultural resources of the park, promote educational and recreational opportunities and promote community use and stewardship of the park. All FLAP funds go directly to supporting projects, initiatives and programs to benefit the park.

“Whether it’s organizing and conducting cleanups, maintaining the 11 dog waste stations throughout the park, tending the pollinator garden or helping plan large community events and activities, this is absolutely a labor of love for our volunteers,” said FLAP President Mary Keeser. “From the woods to the waterfront, it’s a privilege to work in partnership with the Park Authority in bringing the community together to enjoy the wonderful experiences and opportunities available at Lake Accotink Park.”

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park was among 2,800 community organizations to be awarded the Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities. Since 2019, more than 13,000 grants have been awarded to local organizations, amounting to more than $20 million.

“Our partners (employees) know their communities best and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods, from supporting youth and families to fighting hunger and promoting environmental stewardship,” said Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our latest round of Neighborhood Grants, we’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.”

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to encourage an active interest in promoting cultural and natural resource stewardship, activities and projects, as well as to promote recreational opportunities at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia. For more information, please visit the FLAP website.

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. Learn more by visiting the Starbucks Foundation website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin repairing tennis courts #1 and #2 at Woodley Hills Park and #1 and #2 at Country Club View Park. The tennis court improvements at both locations will include crack filling, bird bath leveling, the installation of new fencing and a complete level construction repair. Contractors are scheduled to mobilize onsite in early August weather permitting, and active construction is anticipated to be completed by mid-September 2024.

Both parks will remain open during the construction. However, residents should be aware of the following impact:

• Woodley Hills Park: Intermittent construction traffic in the parking lot and around the main park entrance. The basketball courts and playground will not be impacted.
• Country Club View Park: The parking lot, basketball court and tennis courts at the Henrico Street entrance will be closed. The park trails and playground will be available and can be accessed via the trail connection at Portsmouth Road.

Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative courts to utilize during the construction.

Woodley Hills Park is located at 8710 Old Mt. Vernon Road, Mount Vernon. Country Club View Park is located at 10609 Henrico St., Fairfax.

Questions regarding this project can be directed to the project manager Marcos Suarez at 571-595-2762 or via Marcos.Suarez@fairfax.county.gov or to the Public Information Office at 703-324-8700 or via ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority continues to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the historic Ash Grove house located at 8881 Ashgrove House Lane in Vienna. A new submission deadline has been set for Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 by 5 p.m.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases provide rent-free living accommodations in exchange for the financial investment and time necessary to carry out an approved rehabilitation plan for the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

Ash Grove is one of the few standing 18th-century Virginia houses. The original portion of the house was constructed in 1790. The house sits on approximately one acre of land between the densely wooded Old Courthouse Spring Branch stream valley and the Westwood Village townhouse subdivision.

To identify potential lessees in the Resident Curator Program, FCPA is seeking proposals for the rehabilitation of the Ash Grove house in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Curators will be determined through an open and competitive process, based on several criteria, including a formal proposal, demonstrated experience and competency in historic preservation techniques, financial capabilities and the incorporation of public benefits.

Complete application forms and additional information about the property are available at Resident Curator Program website.

For more information, contact Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program manager, at 703-324-8791 or by email at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

At its July 16 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of July as Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County. The county joins jurisdictions from across the nation in commemorating National Park and Recreation Month, celebrating the role of parks and recreation in building strong, vibrant and resilient communities and recognizing park and recreation professionals that serve our community.

Representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the McLean Community Center and Reston Community Center were in attendance to accept the proclamation hallmarking Fairfax County’s collaborative approach to providing exceptional experiences for individuals and families at every stage of their lives. Collectively and in their own unique and creative ways, these organizations combine to provide facilities, amenities, services and programs to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual wellbeing and access to cultural, natural and historical experiences throughout the county.

“Parks and recreation play a vital role in our community – impacting nearly every area of our individual and collective prosperity,” said Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “I am proud to be joined today by a host of Fairfax County professionals who dedicate every day of their careers to bringing enjoyment, adventure and fun to residents of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests.”

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Where You Belong.” Whether you’re visiting a park, nature center, rec center, community center, teen center, center, golf course or any of the county’s open spaces, staff work to foster a culture of welcome and belonging. Throughout the month, each of these agencies extends the invitation for residents to come and explore the wealth of enriching experiences and opportunities that are available.

Visit the National Park and Recreation Month website for more information about how the Fairfax County Park Authority is marking the month. 

Twin Lakes Golf Course is pleased to announce an upcoming enhancement project that will bring significant improvements to the driving range. From July 15 to July 26, the driving range will be closed to undergo renovations focused on upgrading the grass tees. The putting green and chipping area will remain open to golfers during this time.

The renovation includes replacing the current bentgrass with Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is renowned for its durability and ability to endure heat, ensuring a superior practice surface that will benefit golfers throughout the year. With the installation of the Bermuda grass, Twin Lakes anticipates offering grass tees to golfers up to five days a week, weather permitting.

“We are excited for this renovation as it will allow our customers greater access to grass tees in the coming years,” said Will Harrison, assistant general manager at Twin Lakes Golf Course. “Golfers understand the importance of real practice conditions, and offering a highly desired practice surface more often will add significant value in separating Twin Lakes from other daily fee courses.”

Currently, the driving range and practice areas are operational daily, opening at dawn and closing 30 minutes before sunset. Please note that the range is closed Monday afternoons through Tuesday mornings for maintenance.

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more information, please contact the Twin Lakes Pro Shop at 703-631-9099 or email FCPATwinLakesGC@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors has elected officers to lead the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026 at its annual meeting on May 21.

Laura Eakin Erlacher was elected as the Chair. She is the Director of Government Affairs & Policy for GE Vernova. Erlacher was the first member to represent the Eakin Family, donor of the first land that became a Park Authority park. She continues the family tradition through voluntary contributions, including active board service.

"I’m honored to join fellow Park Foundation board officers and directors to enrich Fairfax County’s 420 parks, which are critical to the physical and mental health of our community,” stated Chair Erlacher. “Donations help fund the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center; Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center; Summer Entertainment Series, access to Park Authority camps and classes, and programs which align with the One Fairfax Policy affirming that all deserve an equal opportunity to participate and succeed. Appreciation is extended to the immediate past Foundation Board Secretary, Robin Walker, whose service continues as a Board Director.” 

Anita Herrera will be the Vice Chair. Herrera is the General Counsel Emerita for Nodal Exchange, LLC and has more than 30 years of legal experience in financial transactions. Herrera is a golf enthusiast, who enjoys the Fairfax County golf courses with fond memories of rounds with her father at Jefferson District.

Rich Harpe, CPA, will be the Treasurer of the Board. He is a Principal at Matthews, Carter & Boyce CPAs and Advisors, with more than 30 years of diversified experience in tax consulting and compliance engagements. His expertise has helped the Park Foundation to establish long-term investments to endow future Park Authority parks. Harpe lives in Oak Hill with his family and they enjoy biking and visits to Frying Pan Farm Park. 

Michael Gailliot was elected as Secretary and also serves as the Foundation’s Compliance Officer.  He is a real estate professional with Century 21 New Millennium in Alexandria, Virginia. Gailliot supports Franconia District Park through his family business Hilltop Sand & Gravel Company, as it has for several generations. His areas of interest include woodworking and family.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the 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, outreach programs and services. Visit the Park Foundation website, or call 703-324-8582 for additional information. 

Enjoy an evening of golf and local craft beer at Pinecrest Golf Course. The Tap Takeover event will take place on Friday, July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., when Fair Winds Brewing Company takes over our taps and brings its craft beer to the course!

Fair Winds Brewing Company, an award-winning local brewery, will be providing their top brews and a variety of fresh, local and flavorful craft beers for guests to sample and enjoy. Golfers can also compete in a longest drive contest on our TrackMan4 golf simulator and in a putting contest on our practice green to win exciting prizes.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and include four tasting tickets, two full-sized beer tickets and snacks. Attendees must be 21 or older with a valid ID. Registration is nontransferable, and the event will take place rain or shine. To register, visit the Pinecrest pro shop or call 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.

View the Tap Takeover flyer

At its meeting on July 10, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 23 individuals as outstanding volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system:

• Kate Anderson, Farmers Market Volunteer at Green Spring Gardens
• Kenneth Braswell, Golf Course Maintenance Assistant at Greendale Golf Course
• Dave Cox, Play Assistant Manager at Twin Lakes Golf Course
• Elizabeth Eisenberg, General Support Assistant at Oakmont Rec Center
• Howard Eisinger, Gardener at Sully Historic Site
• Yuki Ellis, Horticulturalist and Extraordinary Planer and Gardener at Burke Lake Golf Center
• Marijke Gate, Nature Program Volunteer at Riverbend Park
• Geri Herai, Gardening and Landscaping Volunteer at Spring Hill Rec Center
• Steven Johnson, Fitness Room Monitor at Audrey Moore Rec Center
• Karin Lehnigk, IMA Site Leader at Oakton Community Park
• Wayne Lynch, Golf Course Marshal at Pinecrest Golf Course
• Peggy Martz, Front Desk Associate at South Run Rec Center
• Kim Munshower, Assistant Program Leader at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
• Sue Myracle, Adapted Aquatics Assistant at South Run Rec Center
• Sam Nehman, General Support Assistant at Providence Rec Center
• Bob Ochs, Roving Naturalist and Duck Box Monitor at Huntley Meadows Park
• Nicholas Pece, General Support Assistant at George Washington Rec Center
• Robin Rueger, Trail Volunteer at Franconia Rec Center and Park
• Irma Ruiz, Front Desk Associate at Cub Run Rec Center
• Kate Scheuer, Tea Host and Flower Arranger at Green Spring Gardens and Historic House
• Christine Seigo, Assistant Park Educator at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
• Vijay Singh, Golf Course Starter and Marshal at Laurel Hill Golf Club
• Maureen Wolford, Native Plan Gardening Park Volunteer Team Leader at Hidden Pond Park and Nature Center

More than 9,700 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2024. They contributed 110,777 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.7 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our efforts to create a more just, and accessible park system, making important changes in the field, through programs and outreach as opportunities arise. We ask a lot of our volunteers, and they gladly deliver,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole.

The Park Authority, joined by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, will honor all of its amazing volunteers with a special evening of music and celebration at the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Night taking place on Thursday, July 18 as part of the Government Center’s Evenings on the Ellipse Summer Concert Series. The evening will kick off at 5:20 p.m. with a welcome and words of appreciation for our Outstanding Volunteers from McKay and Cole. Following the opening remarks, enjoy a memorable performance by The United States 257th Army Band.

The Evenings on the Ellipse series takes place on the lawn in the ellipse area directly behind the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax). The venue is outdoors on a grassy area, so attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs to comfortably enjoy the performance.

If there is any concern regarding weather on the night of the concert, please call the Park Authority’s hotline at 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the start of the concert for a status update.

Bring the heat at upcoming golf tournaments hosted by Golf Fairfax this July.

Celebrate the patriotic vibes and light up the greens to celebrate July Fourth at two Red, White and Blue Tournaments:

• Burke Lake Golf Center (Saturday, July 6 at 8 a.m.): Teams of two ages 7 and up compete in an 18-hole scramble format using alternating red, white and blue tees. Wear your best spirit wear for a chance to win the Best Dressed Golfer (team) award. Prizes for first, second and third place teams and closest to the pin. Cost is $90 per team, includes lunch, complimentary range balls and pushcart.
• Pinecrest Golf Course (Sunday, July 7, at 8 a.m.): Two-player teams play a 9-hole scramble, playing from different tees on every hole in three divisions: adults 18 and up; adult/junior 7-12; and adult/junior 13-17. Prizes will be awarded to all divisions and closest to the pin. Lunch and prizes following the tournament. Cost is $110 per team, lunch and carts included. Rain date July 14.

The Junior Club Championship takes place July 13 at 8 a.m. at Oakmont Golf Center. Players 17 years and younger compete in a 9-hole stroke play tournament within their age division, 12 and under, and 13-17. Prizes awarded for first, second and closest to the pin in each division, with the Junior Club Champion title awarded to the lowest overall score. Cost is $30. Rain date July 20.

Also on July 13, at 10 a.m. is the Modified Stableford at Jefferson Golf Course. Open to golfers aged 18 and up, this 9-hole stroke play competition uses the Modified Stableford scoring system. Golfers earn points for achieving scores better than par, such as double eagles, eagles and birdies, and deductions for scores worse than par, bogeys and double bogeys. The golfer with the most points at the end of the tournament wins. Cost $40. Rain date July 20.

For more information about all upcoming golf events and to register for these summer tournaments, visit the Golf website.

For nearly 40 years, America has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July as a way to promote strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. In Fairfax County, this month is dedicated to celebrating the more than 1,000 full-time park employees – along with the thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers – who maintain our 420 parks, more than 334 miles of trails, rec centers, nature centers, hundreds of athletic courts and fields, historic and cultural sites, and who provide thousands of camps, classes and special events within our community.

This year’s theme – “Where You Belong” – celebrates the dynamic and enriching impact that our park system has on individuals, families and communities every day of the week. Some benefits include:

• Promoting active lifestyles
• Encouraging social connections
• Providing connection to nature
• Providing an outlet for stress relief
• Advancing environmental conservation and stewardship
• Enhancing economic growth

“Parks play an essential role in enriching the quality of life we all enjoy – from mental and physical health and wellbeing to strengthening our social connections within families and communities – and we serve more than 18 million visitors every year,” said Fairfax County Park Authority Director, Jai Cole. “This month, we invite everyone – newcomers and returning guests - to explore the wealth of experiences that await you in the park.”

Begin exploring our Fairfax County park system with tools, such as the Park Amenity Locator, and our online class catalog and registration system – Parktakes. We also invite individuals and families to explore a wide variety of free and inclusive experiences, including:

• Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series
• Park Authority Wonder Wagon Activation Series (Mobile Nature Center)
• Fairfax County Libraries Summer Reading Program
• Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt

For additional information, please visit the Park and Recreation Month website.