Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society and parks and recreation agencies across the state to encourage everyone to “Play All Day” in celebration of the summer solstice on June 20. You’re invited to explore new parks and participate in a variety of fun, free activities during the longest day of the year. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Stay cool! Visit Our Special Harbor Sprayground at Franconia Rec Center, a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground with fun features, including a spraying osprey nest, misting sunflowers, a lighthouse, a beach area which offers quieter fun and interactive water tables, and a computerized water maze. You can also make a splash at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pool, which features two slides and a children’s wading pool.
• Explore nature and history at one of our nature centers or historic properties. At Frying Pan Farm Park, find something for everyone with a 1920s-era carousel, country store, a farmhouse, farm animals and hiking trails. At Green Spring Gardens, explore a wooded stream valley with ponds, a naturalistic native plant garden, more than 20 thematic demonstration gardens, a greenhouse, a plant shop, two gift shops and a historic house.
• Use FCPA’s Park Amenity Locator to enjoy or find a playground, park, trail or court near you! Click the “filter” button at the bottom of the map and select the features you are looking for!
• Flex your investigative skills with our FREE Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt. In partnership with the Fairfax County Public Schools and Solving Fun, the hunt runs June to Sept. 1. Collaborate with friends and family to solve puzzles. The puzzles will be available to download and print by visiting the Solving Fun website. Enter each puzzle answer on the website. Each individual puzzle will lead you to a clue within one of our parks.

Organized by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, Play All Day VA aims to promote the importance of play for all ages, abilities and interests through local parks and free or discounted recreational programming. For more information, visit the Park Authority’s Play All Day website.

View the Play All Day Flyer

If you’re looking for the perfect summer filled with exciting attractions and excursions, look no further than Fairfax County parks! Get ready to spend warm days setting off on fun boat adventures, splashing around at numerous waterfront parks, or testing your short-game golf skills with a round of mini golf. All of these and more are guaranteed to make this summer the most memorable one yet.

Your guide to the hottest spots to check out is finally here — add these must-do activities below to your summer 2024 bucket list:

Marinas

Relax out on the water by hopping on a pedal boat, kayak, canoe or boat at a marina. Many allow you to launch your vessels as well. Check online for additional guidance and regulations.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)
• Lake Fairfax (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston)
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield)
• Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls)

Carousels

Round and round we go! Ride this fan-favorite amusement this summer, weather permitting, at a park near you.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)
• Clemyjontri Park (6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean)
• Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon)
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield)
• Franconia Family Recreation Area (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria)

Mini Golf

Hit the course with the family for a round of mini golf at four locations this summer.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)
• Jefferson Falls Mini Golf (7900 Route 29, Falls Church)
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield)
• Oakmont (3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton)

Mini Train

Take a scenic ride around your favorite park on a passenger or trackless train, weather permitting.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)

Wagon Ride

Hop on one of the daily wagon rides to get around and see Frying Pan Farm Park in a unique and entertaining way.

• Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon)

Get current information on the operational hours for these amenities available at all of our parks, golf courses and Rec Centers by visiting the Rec Center website.

In addition to these fantastic opportunities, be sure to check our waterparks or other locations with ideal picnic spots for your next summer gathering.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story.

“We have an exceptional team of financial professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that accuracy and transparency are hallmarks in our stewardship of the Park Authority’s financial resources,” said Executive Director Jai Cole. “Their financial reporting efforts have been recognized year after year and play an essential role in maintaining the Park Authority’s credibility and integrity with those we serve.”

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved matching funds in the total amount of $6,205 to support the extension of the fencing around field 6 at Pine Ridge Park.

The applicant, Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC), has committed to providing half of the funding needed to extend the existing fence to fully enclose the field. The project budget totals $12,410 with BRYC contributing $6,205 toward the improvement. The construction of this project will be undertaken by an approved county contractor and managed by the Park Authority’s Park Operations Division. Weather pending, the project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024.

The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private ventures that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. It is designed to fill a gap between limited bond funding and the community’s desire for new or improved park facilities by assisting volunteers, community and user groups in improving park facilities by matching funds and in-kind services.

Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.5 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters and athletic field improvements.

To learn more about the Mastenbrook Matching Funds Grant Program and to submit an application, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website.

Come enjoy the wonderous international performances of Spotlight by Starlight every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. from June 15 through Aug. 17. Spotlight by Starlight is hosted at Ossian Hall Park located at 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale. This series, part of the Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series, offers free performances celebrating the cultural diversity of Fairfax County and presents the community a chance to experience the heritage of friends and neighbors.

Enjoy a sampling of international dance and musical performances all summer long that reflect the rich cultures of Taiwan, Indonesia, Ireland, Korea, Bolivia, Africa, Peru, Vietnam, China and a mixture of global sounds. Performances for the 2024 season will include:

• (June 15) Taiwan Cultural Heritage Night – Hai Hua Community Center: Enjoy the exotic and diverse beauty of Taiwanese culture, dance and music.
• (June 22) Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night – Santi Budaya: A diverse group of highly trained dancers and musicians wearing lavish costumes take the stage during Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night “Santi Budaya,” a style stemming from a more than 200-year performance arts lineage directly from Java.
• (June 29) Irish Cultural Heritage Night – Whiskey Before Breakfast: Enjoy Irish music by this Irish folk instrumental group comprising seven talented musicians.
• (July 6) Korean Cultural Heritage Night Washington Sorichung: Celebrate Korean cultural heritage with dance and music.
• (July 13) Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night - Ballet Folklorico Boliviano Nuestras Raices: Celebrate Bolivian cultural heritage with dance and music.
• (July 20) West African Cultural Heritage Night - Soul in Motion: Learn about African history while dancing and moving to the drum battery from the Soul in Motion African Dancers and Drummers.
• (July 27) Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night - Centro Cultural Peru: Peru’s cultural heritage with dance and music.
• (Aug. 3) Veronneau: Experience the musical styling of this international acoustic band that performs in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and has earned acclaim in Jazz and world music.
• (Aug. 10) Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Night - Prelude Chamber Ensemble: Diverse, talented artists take the stage to play Vietnamese music that opens artistic and cultural borders.
• (Aug. 17) China Cultural Heritage Night - Hai Hua Community Center: Celebrate Chinese cultural heritage with dance and music.

Explore all performances taking place across Fairfax County by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Performances are held outdoors and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Please call 703-324-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for inclement weather updates.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by 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 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.

National Trails Day 2024 was a busy one for the Fairfax County Park Authority. Joined by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and trail users in all their varieties, the Park Authority commemorate the 10th anniversary of the naming of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail and the official opening of a new public restroom facility at the Laurel Hill Central Green.

The Cross County Trail, completed in 2005, was a hallmark achievement for Fairfax County under the leadership of then Chairman Gerry Connolly. In 2014, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to rename the 42-mile trail that crosses every magisterial district while stretching between the Occoquan River in the south with the Potomac in the north.

“For a jurisdiction as large and as densely developed as Fairfax County is, having a 42-mile stretch of trail is an astounding achievement,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. "Our trails are the most popular amenities we offer among our residents. They are a great way to encourage exercise and healthy lifestyles; to explore and stimulate creativity and thoughtfulness; and to connect neighborhoods across the county."

The event also celebrated the opening of a new restroom amenity at Laurel Hill Central Green. Having this newly installed facility will encourage residents of all ages to stay and play longer in the park and along the trails. It is also an essential feature to support the four large picnic shelters, playground, surrounding trails and disc golf course located at the Laurel Hill Central Green. The restroom will be open for public use daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Fairfax County Park Authority maintains 414 trails totaling more than 330 miles. They traverse hills, stream valleys, forests, wetlands and open meadows; run alongside ponds, lakes and rivers; connect numerous historic sites, park amenities and communities, and are home to a variety of plants, birds and wildlife. For more information, visit the Trails website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will be hosting a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, July 9, at 7 p.m., to present a proposal to enhance both pickleball and tennis opportunities at Wakefield Park. The meeting will be streamed live on the county’s Public Input platform. A call-in option is available as well by dialing 855-925-2801 and entering meeting code 6161.

Wakefield Park is currently home to nine tennis courts, two dual-use courts (two tennis courts and four pickleball courts) and two dedicated pickleball courts. Over time, the use of the dual-use courts has trended strongly toward pickleball and created fewer tennis opportunities. The new Park Authority proposal includes converting one tennis court, currently in need of repair, into four pickleball courts and returning the two dual-use courts to tennis only. The work would result in 10 dedicated tennis courts and 6 dedicated pickleball courts. A second phase of the proposal would include replacing one-half of a walled practice area with two additional dedicated pickleball courts.

Following the community meeting on July 9, the Park Authority will initiate a 30-day comment period to receive feedback from members of the community regarding the proposal. The comment period will run from July 9 through Aug. 8. Comments will be able to be submitted online via Public Input.

Should the proposal proceed, work on phase one could be completed as early as fall 2024. It is currently estimated that phase two of the project could be completed by spring 2025. Timelines are subject to change based on the timing of the proposal approval and weather conditions during the project window.

Questions about the proposal may be directed to the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Golf Fairfax is excited to celebrate Women's Golf Month in June. Women golfers of all levels are invited to participate in a variety of special events and offers designed to enhance their golfing experience and grow participation in the game.

Special Offers:

• 25% off any size range bucket Monday–Friday (limit one per day) at Laurel Hill Golf Club
• Buy one full-priced round and get one free for a friend every Tuesday in June at Jefferson Golf Course
• 10% off any single golf lesson taken in June at Greendale Golf Course
• 20% off all women’s apparel at Laurel Hill, Oakmont, Pinecrest, Burke Lake and Twin Lakes courses

Special Events:

Get involved and have fun with Women on Course events hosted by Golf Fairfax. These events provide exciting opportunities to connect and play in a variety of formats, including Sip & Swing clinics, on-course Play with a Pro, and 18- and 9-hole events. View the complete schedule of events at the Women and Golf Fairfax webpage.

"We are excited to offer these special promotions and events to support and celebrate women in our golfing community," said Kara Spain, general manager at Twin Lakes Golf Course. "Our goal is to create an inclusive and encouraging environment for women golfers to enjoy and improve their game year-round."

Golf Fairfax is committed to providing exceptional golf experiences for women golfers of all levels and offers a range of programs and events designed to foster a love for the game and build a strong golfing community. For more information on activities and discounts for Women’s Golf Month, visit the Women and Golf webpage.

Summer is getting into full swing and residents are taking advantage of the warm weather by spending more time outdoors at their local Fairfax County parks, including Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.

As future guests prepare for summer days spent at Scott’s Run, we encourage all residents to make conscious choices while at the park for the safety of the environment, yourself and others. You can do your part in making eco-friendly and safe decisions to enjoy a pleasurable experience at Scott's Run Nature Preserve by complying with the following rules and safety regulations:

• Picnics are not permitted at Scott’s Run, including coolers, grills, bags, alcohol and glass bottles. Bags will be checked at parking lot trailheads, and enforcement will be stepped up at the waterfall area to ensure safety for all. Please visit the Picnic website for more information on other parks, where you can reserve and enjoy a nice summer picnic.
• No swimming, wading or boating allowed at Scott’s Run. The waters do have whirlpools. dangerous currents, large rocks and natural debris beneath the surface. Water levels rise very quickly due to rainfall creating a serious risk. Additionally, entering the water threatens the habitats of wildlife found within the ecosystem. Fairfax County offers alternative water parks and spray grounds where you can indulge in many water activities. You can check them out by visiting the Waterparks and Spray Grounds website.
• No parking is allowed anywhere outside of the designated parking lot, including adjacent neighborhoods or along the roadway leading to the park. Towing may be enforced to any cars parked outside of the designated parking areas. Parking is limited to 50 cars.
• Dogs must be on a leash while in the park. The safety of your furry friend is just as important as yours. If you would like your dog to enjoy time off-leash, please look into one of our many off-leash dog parks, which you can search for at the Off-Leash Dog Parks website.
• The park closes at dark.
• All rules are enforced by security officers.

We appreciate our community’s continuous effort to keep the beauty of Scott’s Run Nature Preserve thriving for the entirety of the summer season!

Scott's Run Nature Preserve is located at 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia. For more information, visit the Scott's Run Nature Preserve website.

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Reston Runners for the Summer Sprint in the Park! This is a FREE family-friendly event featuring a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, June 29 at Lake Fairfax Park. The 5K race kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:15 a.m.

Participants will experience the beauty of Lake Fairfax Park as they traverse a variety of terrains, including grass, trails and open roads. Water, Gatorade and snacks will be available. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 male and female finishers. The course maps for the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run are available on Plot a Route. 

For more information or to register, please visit the Reston Runners webpage.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston.