Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin facility renovations at Franconia Rec Center, located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria, aimed at enhancing air quality and comfort for patrons. The renovations, scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, will focus on upgrading key heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems serving the fitness center, racquetball courts and pool.

To safely complete the work, the facility will undergo temporary closures:

• Pool, Spa, Family Change Room and upper level: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6
• Racquetball Courts: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 16 
• Fitness Center: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 18 (date subject to change)
• Full Building and Parking Lot Closures:
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Aug. 21)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 3, until 4 p.m. (backup day Thursday, Sept. 4)

The fitness equipment will be moved into the gymnasium to allow patrons to continue their workouts during the upgrades. The main entrance and patron check-in will move to the gymnasium door by the parking lot.

The upcoming improvements at Franconia Rec Center will enhance both the fitness and aquatics areas. In the fitness center and racquetball courts, the air handling system will be replaced and upgraded to provide better temperature control and improved energy efficiency. In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit will be installed to improve overall air quality, along with a new low deck exhaust system to more effectively ventilate humid air and enhance the swimmer experience. Additionally, ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to promote better air circulation throughout the natatorium.

"These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” said Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these much-needed improvements."

This project follows earlier upgrades completed during the spring break 2025 window, including replacement of a rooftop pool air handling unit over the childcare area to support summer operations.

Our Special Harbor, Chessie’s Big Back Yard, the Amphitheater, volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts will not be impacted by the construction activity, even when the Rec Center is closed.

Rec Center members are invited to use any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s other Rec Centers including the nearby Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria). Franconia Rec Center 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.

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

Get ready for your dog’s favorite day of the year. Gather up your canine companions and head out to The Water Mine for a dogs-only swimming day on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For one day only, The Water Mine’s pools, sprays, showers and water playgrounds are open just to dogs to end the season on an un-fur-gettable high. Watch your furry friends dive for joy while you peruse the canine resource fair with pet-related vendors. Come out to make more dog-loving friends, entertain the whole family and have a doggone good time.

For the safety of all dogs and their humans, please observe the following rules:

• All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
• All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times.
• No female dogs in heat or puppies younger than 3 months old.
• Aggressive or unruly dogs are not permitted.
• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
• Dogs swim at owners’ risk.
• Humans are not permitted in the pool.

Entry costs $15 per dog, and all proceeds go to benefit parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Buy tickets in advance to secure your dog’s spot — purchase tickets at the door if capacity allows.

Register for Dog Daze

Learn more about FCPA’s dog-focused activities and events on the Dogs of Fairfax County website.

Dog Daze is presented by Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit The Water Mine website.

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 Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

Calling all wanderers, explorers and trailblazers — your next adventure lies along the Discovery Trail! The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that three exciting new sites have been added to the odyssey!

Discover hidden wildlife hotspots at Huntley Meadows, step into a bygone era at Grist Mill Park’s historic barn and check out Mount Vernon Rec Center’s brand-new recreation facilities.

The Discovery Trail Map invites families, friends and individuals of all ages on a free, self-guided adventure through featured parks. Explore the outdoors, learn something new and enter for the chance to win awesome prizes!

How To Participate

Pick up a free Discovery Trail Map at Park Authority Rec Centers, Nature Centers or Golf Courses or download it from the Discovery Trail Map website.

• Visit eight featured parks, answer a fun trivia question at each site and fill in the answer on the map.
• Complete the trail and turn in your map to one of five prize redemption locations by Sept. 1, 2025 to earn an amusement prize pack and be entered to win one of 25 grand prizes. Grand prizes include a backpack with binoculars, foldable frisbee, collapsible pet bowl, boat hat and first aid kit.

View the Discovery Trail Map

“The Discovery Trail map began in 2014 and has been a popular summer activity with families ever since. Each year the Discovery Trail Map has taken place, a committee of Park Authority staff has chosen a theme. As the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrates its 75th anniversary, participants will be able to explore the parks and learn of the history dating back thousands of years. Today, the Park Authority is incorporating innovative solutions at sites to preserve parks for generations to come.” – Jai Cole, Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority

Blaze the trail and discover the stories that shaped Fairfax County’s past, present and future.

The 2025 Fairfax County Park Authority Discovery Trail Program 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.

An application for curatorship has been received for the Lahey Lost Valley historic house. The Fairfax County Park Authority will continue to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the house until Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, by 5 p.m.

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.

The Lahey Lost Valley House, located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, is a mid-18th century brick hall-parlor house with a 1940s brick addition. The house is located on land granted to William Gunnell in 1730. His son Henry Gunnell, together with Henry’s wife Catherine, built a working plantation on the site by 1760. The Gunnell family were leaders in Fairfax County throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The family continued to own the property through the 1930s.

In 1940, the house and 45 acres were sold to Richard and Carlotta Lahey. The Laheys moved a wood framed kitchen addition off the brick house and used it as a freestanding artist’s studio. In its place, the Laheys constructed a two-story brick addition. Between 1990 and 1991, Carlotta Lahey arranged with FCPA a bequest to be included in her will to donate the house, furnishings and 22 acres of land. FCPA took possession of the property after Mrs. Lahey passed away in 1999.

To identify potential lessees in the Resident Curator Program, FCPA is seeking proposals for the rehabilitation of the 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 properties are available by visiting Lahey Lost Valley webpage.

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining markets across the country to celebrate National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 3-9, 2025. Join us for live music, kids' activities and free giveaways at all Park Authority Farmers Markets!

National Farmers Market Week highlights the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local food systems. For more than 30 years, the Park Authority’s farmers markets have shaped how Northern Virginia eats, shops and connects with food. Each year, the markets support more than 130 farmers and food producers, while serving both the community and the environment.

The markets offer more than fresh produce and homemade food. They also provide a free food scrap collection service to reduce landfill waste. Since 2023, the program has diverted more than 280,000 pounds of food waste from landfills, turning it into compost instead. This year, the markets went plastic bag-free. Customers can now pick up free reusable bags and washable produce bags at the market information tent.

To make fresh food accessible to everyone, five Park Authority farmers markets accept SNAP benefits. For these shoppers, benefits are doubled—up to $40—allowing them to purchase twice as much fresh produce. This program brought in $98,000 in sales last year, benefiting families and supporting local farmers. The markets also host "Nourish Your Neighbor," a fresh food drive held on the last market day of the month. Shoppers can buy extra produce and donate it on site to local food pantries that help neighbors in need.

From picking up veggies or dinner to reducing waste through composting or donating food, every visit to the farmers market makes a difference. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with us from Aug. 3-9 and see how local food strengthens communities and protects the planet!

For more information and market locations, visit the Farmers Market website.

Looking for a fun and fulfilling part-time job this fall? Spend your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Info Center will be held Aug. 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (no appointment needed!) Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot all in one visit!

Available positions include:

• Campground Attendant
• Information Center Attendant
• Lakefront Maintenance
• Marina Attendant
• Miniature Golf Attendant
• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Train Station Attendant

Can’t make it to the Drop-In interviews? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions by visiting the Burke Lake Jobs webpage.

View all employment opportunities with FCPA by visiting our Jobs website.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website or call 703-323-6600.

For more information about employment, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

Step right up! Experience good old-fashioned family fun at the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair, coming to Frying Pan Farm Park from Thursday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 3. This year’s event is bigger than ever, featuring rides and games, fair food, tractor demonstrations, 4-H exhibits, farm animals, Big Truck Night and live entertainment.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–10 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities, and farm demos): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demos): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Please note: The carnival will pause daily from 4–5 p.m.

A $10 parking fee applies on Friday (after 4 p.m.) and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets which can be purchased online or on site. Unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday are available for purchase: $21.25 per person (prepay online) or $25 per person at the gate between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are good for one day. Please note that an additional convenience fee will be applied to credit/debit transactions.

For ticketing details, visit the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair website.

The 4-H Fair takes place Saturday and Sunday. Currently in its 75th year, the event showcases Fairfax County youth achievements in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement through hands-on exhibits, competitions and interactive activities.

"We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair, honoring decades of positive youth development and accomplishments," said India Pearson, 4-H Extension Agent for Fairfax County. “This milestone is a tribute to the talent, dedication and future leadership of our youth here in Fairfax County.”

Visit the 4-H Fair Digital Guide for the full schedule of events

To learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, check out Fairfax County’s 4-H website.

“At its heart, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is about bringing people together,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Through our strong partnerships and community support, this event offers a vibrant space where families can enjoy classic fair fun, explore local resources, and build lasting memories. We’re grateful to all the sponsors and organizations who help make this annual tradition possible.”

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. For more information, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.

The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is provided through a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

Nostalgic for drive-in movies? Introduce your family to the magic of the drive-in theater this summer at Starlight Cinema, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. During the first four Saturdays in August, bask in the dreamy atmosphere of movies by starlight at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.

View the big screen from your car or bring chairs and picnic blankets to watch from the lawn. Gates open at 6 p.m., be sure to arrive early to secure an ideal viewing spot. Catch the pre-show, live children’s entertainment at 7 p.m. Then, sit back and enjoy a feature film after dark.

School supplies donations will be accepted at all Starlight Cinema events, learn more at by visiting the Starlight Cinema webpage. The rain date will be Saturday, Aug. 30. Additional details in case of cancellations can be found by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website.

This season’s Starlight Cinema brings an all-new lineup of movies:

• Saturday, Aug. 2: "Harold and the Purple Crayon" at 8 p.m. and performance by Rocknoceros at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: "Moana 2" at 8 p.m. and performance by Groovy Nate at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 16: "Wild Robot" at 8 p.m. and performance by Uncle Ty-Rone at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23: "Ratatouille" at 8 p.m. and performance by the grandsons jr. at 7 p.m.

Explore the entire 2025 Summer Entertainment Series schedule at by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Sign up for updates about the upcoming schedule by subscribing to the Summer Concert Series e-news.

Performances are held outdoors — lawn chairs welcome. In the event of inclement weather, cancellations are posted online or call the hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the invaluable 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.

Join us on the green this August for Family Golf Month! Share your love of the sport with the budding young golfers in your life and foster a hobby that will last a lifetime. At Golf Fairfax, we know that tee time is the best time to create cherished memories with family, which is why we’ve made it even easier to play with the whole family. Make the most of Golf Fairfax’s award-winning courses with these tee-rrific Family Golf Month deals:

Junior golfers can enjoy FREE PLAY at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens age 5-17 play FREE at participating courses when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Valid Monday through Friday all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Limit one child per paying adult.
• Valid at participating courses: Burke Lake Golf Center, Jefferson Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center and Pinecrest Golf Course.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! Discover more ways to play and save:

• Junior golfers ages 5-17 buy any-sized bucket and get one small bucket free at Burke Lake and Oakmont golf centers; limit one per day.
• Build friendships and embrace your competitive side, enter the Junior Club Championship Aug. 10 at Pinecrest or Aug. 16 at Burke Lake.
• Have a ball at one of our four marvelous mini golf courses at Burke Lake Park, Jefferson Falls, Lake Accotink and Oakmont.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates seven golf courses throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage.

Fall in love with your local parks — get ready to register for all the extraordinary activities being hosted by Fairfax County Park Authority. The fall edition of Parktakes magazine has hit the stands and is bursting with classes and camps to fill your calendar.

Class in Session

Capture some of the season’s finest adventures by signing up for classes. Choose from numerous opportunities for every interest at any age. A sampling of these opportunities include:

• Craft your next masterpiece, pick up a cozy needle-crafting activity
• Dance into the season, learn a new style
• Exercise your way with everything from weight training to tai chi
• Garden for the season
• Golf in the crisp air
• Revel in history with everything from teas to tours
• Commune with nature
• Join swim lessons and build life-saving skills
• Jump into sports to build teamwork and get moving

Registration for FCPA classes opens Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Don’t wait, explore the full lineup today at by visiting the Parktakes website. Register by Aug. 8 and save $8.

Fall for Camps

FCPA fall camps promise enriching experiences for kids of all ages. Whenever public school closes, parents can select from camps to keep their children engaged in everything from performing arts to outdoor exploration to scientific experimentation to cooking to sports, such as soccer, tennis, football and basketball. Fall camps will be held:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23
• Thursday, Oct. 2
• Monday, Oct. 13
• Monday, Oct.20
• Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 3-4
• Tuesday, Nov. 11

Explore a new hobby, meet friends and make memories at camp. Learn more by visiting the Camps website.