Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority is preparing for another busy spring and summer camp registration season! To help camp families, the Park Authority is introducing some changes to support an efficient registration process for this year’s camps.

After receiving customer feedback during our 2024 camp registration period, we learned that the number of devices logging into the system can overwhelm our vendor’s online platform. We’ve worked with our vendor to correct the error that led to last year’s challenges. As an added measure to help moderate user volume on the registration system, registration for spring and summer camp will be split evenly within Fairfax County depending on the location camps take place:

• Green location camps — Register starting Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. (add to calendar)
• Blue location camps — Register starting Thursday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. (add to calendar)

The Park Authority has prepared several resources for helping parents prepare for the upcoming spring and summer camp registration, including:

• 2025 Camp Guide: Explore the complete listing of camp opportunities and other key details needed to register.
• Camp Search: Use this online system to search for camps and register when the time comes.
• FAQs: Browse these questions and answers about the registration split!
• Camp Planner Sheet: Write your top choices with their Catalog IDs and the registration date before registration opens to make the process quick and easy the morning of.
• Camp Website: Check our Camp Hub for all the latest information and the resources mentioned above.
• Color-Coded Camp Location Map: Use this to identify camp location and their Green or Blue Team designation.
• Camp Spreadsheet: Sort camps by student age, date, type of camp and location.

Please note that waitlists for all summer camps will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 1.

Children enrolled in camp will have a summer they’ll never forget, making friends, building memories, and enjoying experiences that keep their minds and bodies active. FCPA brings the wonders of the camp experience not only to children but also to preschoolers, teens, adults and people of all ages with disabilities. There’s something for everyone with FCPA’s summer camps! So set your clocks, make those wish lists and get online to register in February!

Be sure to visit the Park Authority's Camp website for the most up-to-date camp information, and keep up with the camp conversation on social media using #FCPACampTuesdays.

If you have any questions, please contact FCPA Camps team at camps@fairfaxcounty.gov. Media inquiries may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce Rena Schild as the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2025 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest. Rena’s captivating photo, taken at Huntley Meadows Park, received the highest number of online votes submitted by residents from across the county. As the winner, Rena will receive a $100 gift card, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The 2025 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest invited park enthusiasts of all ages to kick off the new year by exploring local parks and capturing their adventures through photography. The contest was a tremendous success, with more than 400 photo submissions and more than 700 residents participating in the People’s Choice Award voting.

This year’s inspiring First Hike submissions showcased the diverse landscapes, wildlife and recreational opportunities found throughout the Fairfax County park system, as well as precious moments that captured the enjoyment of both people and pets as they visited our parks. To view a full collection of this year’s photo submissions.

Visit the First Hike Fairfax 2025 Flickr album

Thank you to all our participants for their enthusiastic support of this year’s First Hike event. We encourage everyone to continue exploring and enjoying our parks throughout 2025. Whether you’re hiking a scenic trail, observing wildlife or simply enjoying a moment of peace in nature, there’s always something new to discover.

For a complete list of winners, visit the First Hike Fairfax webpage.

First Hike Fairfax is sponsored in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet community needs for park land, facilities and services. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website.

Golf Fairfax congratulates Pinecrest golf instructor, Tim Sample, on his outstanding achievement of leading the Meridian High School golf team to its first Virginia state championship in school history.

Tim Sample was recognized in the Washington Post's 2024 Fall All-Met: Golf coverage. Sample took on the role of head coach for the Meridian High School in Falls Church, just weeks before the start of the season. Leveraging his coaching expertise and passion for the game, he helped transform the team’s potential into a championship performance.

Under his guidance, the Meridian Mustangs achieved an upset victory over Kettle Run in the Virginia 3C region tournament and secured the Class 3 state team title by five strokes.

At Golf Fairfax, Tim shares his expertise with golfers of all ages and skill levels, helping to foster a love for the game while honing their skills.

“Tim’s success with the golfers at Meridian reflects the dedication and talent he brings to our program at Pinecrest,” said Tyler Tschantz, General Manager of Pinecrest Golf Course. “We are proud to have him on our team, inspiring golfers both on and off the course.”

For more information about golf instruction at Pinecrest Golf Course, please visit the
About Golf Fairfax webpage.

Come be a part of the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County!

The Fairfax County Park Authority is anticipating another stellar event with thousands of visitors gathering on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly to celebrate Earth Day. Applications are now being accepted at the Earth Day Festival Vendor/Exhibitor webpage for vendors and exhibitors to participate in this outdoor extravaganza!

All applications must be received by Monday, Feb. 10 and rolling notifications of acceptance will be made through Feb.14. In observance of Earth Day and the Park Authority’s dedication to preserving our natural resources, we request that all food vendors, merchandise vendors and exhibitors plan to provide Earth-friendly utensils, handouts and giveaways.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with thousands of Fairfax County residents as we celebrate our environment and encourage Earth-friendly stewardship practices.

For more information and about the event, hosting a booth and to submit your application, visit the Earth Day Festival Vendor/Exhibitor website.

Chilly weather didn’t deter Fairfax County residents from venturing outdoors to celebrate the start of 2025. Hundreds of people of all ages embraced the fresh new year by exploring the Park Authority’s more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails, capturing their experience for the 2025 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest.

The annual First Hike Fairfax photo contest is jointly sponsored by the Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation as a way for residents to begin a new year with fitness and outdoor activity, while enjoying the experience with friends, neighbors and family. This year, more than 400 contestants submitted photos. The results are spectacular! See the complete collection of submissions on the First Hike Fairfax 2025 photo album Flickr page.

The contest received entries in four categories: Scenery and Landscapes, People, Wildlife and Pets. A “Best in Show” prize was awarded in each category. Two at-large awards – the Director’s Choice and the Judges’ Choice – were selected by FCPA Leadership. The following winners will receive gift cards to the Fairfax County Park Authority provided by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The prizes are redeemable toward the cost of most Park Authority programs or Rec Center Memberships.

Director's Choice Award

Judges' Choice Award

Best in Show (Nature and Landscapes)

Best in Show (People)

Best in Show (Wildlife)

Best in Show (Pets)

A committee reviewed submissions and selected finalists for the 2025 People’s Choice Award; this award will be selected by popular vote.

Cast your vote on the Fairfax First Hike voting page this weekend. Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 16 and will receive a $100 Park Authority gift card.

"New Year’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of wellness," Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole said. "We’re inspired by the thousands of people who turn to our parks to celebrate the start of the year. We at the Park Authority are committed to providing spaces that promote health, connection, and a love for the outdoors year-round."

For more information about the photo, visit the First Hike Fairfax webpage. For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet community needs for park land, facilities and services. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has postponed the public meeting on the proposed pavilion at Green Spring Gardens due to inclement weather. The meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, will now take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Horticultural Center, located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.

The rescheduled meeting will include a presentation on the pavilion concept and an opportunity to visit the proposed pavilion site. The concept team will be available to answer questions and collect feedback from attendees.

Community members unable to attend in person are encouraged to share their thoughts online via PublicInput. The public comment period has been extended and will now close at 5 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2025.

The proposed pavilion is a key element of the approved Green Spring Gardens Master Plan Revision, designed to enhance outdoor educational and recreational opportunities. The pavilion would be ADA-compliant and include seating, program space, and protection from the elements. Its environmentally conscious design incorporates a unique “split roof” with rainwater harvesting features to minimize environmental impact and respect existing drainage patterns.

The Park Authority values public input and invites the community to participate in shaping the future of Green Spring Gardens. This project, a collaboration with the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS), underscores a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable recreation and education spaces.

For more information about the proposed pavilion and to submit comments online, visit the PublicInput project webpage. For additional questions, contact the Public Information Office at ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a special information meeting about the highly anticipated reopening of the Mount Vernon Rec Center. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Belle View Elementary School in the cafeteria. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about the exciting updates and opportunities coming to this beloved community facility.

The meeting will provide residents with key information about the reopening, including:

• Introduction to the project and Rec Center team
• Reopening timeline
• Details on Rec Center memberships for new and existing members
• Overview of amenities, recreational programs, and summer camps
• Information on ice rink and pool rentals
• New job opportunities available at the Rec Center

View the Information Meeting flyer

The Mount Vernon Rec Center has been a cornerstone of the community for more than 42 years. Thanks to voter-approved Park Bonds in 2008, 2016, and 2020, the facility is undergoing a transformative 75,000-square-foot expansion. The renovation includes a two-story fitness center, additional multipurpose spaces, a pool, a climbing wall, an indoor track, comprehensive building upgrades and a second NHL-sized ice rink. The newly renovated facility is on track to reopen in May 2025.

For ongoing updates about the project and to access related materials, visit the Mount Vernon Rec Center Renovation webpage.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the future of the Mount Vernon Rec Center and how it will continue to serve as a vital resource for Fairfax County residents for years to come.

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority is providing an update on the ongoing trail maintenance project in South Run Stream Valley Park. Initially slated for completion by the end of 2024, weather conditions have delayed the remaining work. The project, which includes trail repairs, culvert replacements and related improvements, aims to enhance safety and usability for all trail users.

The contractor was able to repair approximately half of the designated trail section before temperatures dropped below the recommended levels for paving. This completed portion of the trail is south of the fair-weather crossing (indicated by the area circled in blue on the map).

Unfortunately, the colder-than-anticipated December temperatures have necessitated postponing the remaining repairs until the spring, when warmer weather will allow for proper paving and completion of the work.

Trail users should note the following updates:

• Repairs will resume as soon as temperatures allow for safe and effective paving.
• Occasional trail closures may still be required during construction to ensure public safety.
• The Park Authority will notify the public once the project restarts in the spring.

South Run Stream Valley Park is located at 8299 South Run Road in Springfield. For questions or more information, please contact FCPA Project Manager Isabel Villarroel at Isabel.villarroel@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7195.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation invite you to lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera for the 2025 First Hike Photo Contest! This is your opportunity to embrace the beauty of Fairfax County’s parks, enjoy time outdoors and compete for exciting prizes.

How to Participate

1. Take a Hike: Explore any of FCPA’s 420 parks or 334 miles of trails on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
2. Capture the Moment: Snap a memorable photo during your adventure.
3. Submit Your Best Shot: Upload your photo on the First Hike Fairfax website by noon on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, for a chance to win.

This family-friendly contest is open to photographers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll, hiking with friends or capturing the perfect photo of nature, there’s something for everyone!

Generously sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, participants can win one of these incredible prizes:

• People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Director’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show – Scenery/Landscapes: $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show – People: $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show – Wildlife: $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show – Pets: $75 Park Authority Gift Card

Each participant can submit one photo in a single category: Scenery/Landscapes, People, Wildlife or Pets. Multiple family members may enter individually, making it a fun activity for the entire household.

Join the nationwide tradition of First Day Hikes and celebrate the new year by reconnecting with nature. Don’t forget to follow all park rules—photos showing rule violations will not be eligible for prizes.

For full contest details, photo submission instructions and hiking resources, visit the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.

For questions, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to share their feedback in person at an upcoming public meeting on a proposed pavilion at Green Spring Gardens. The public meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Horticultural Center’s library, located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.

The meeting will include a presentation on the pavilion concept and an opportunity to visit the proposed pavilion site. The project team will be on site and available to answer questions and collect feedback.

Community members who cannot attend the meeting in person are encouraged to share their thoughts online via PublicInput. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2025.

The proposed pavilion is a key component of the approved Green Spring Gardens Master Plan Revision and aims to enhance outdoor educational and recreational opportunities. Designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, the pavilion would be ADA-compliant and feature seating, program space and protection from the sun and weather. Its unique 30-feet-by-35-feet “split roof” design includes gutters and downspouts for rainwater harvesting, minimizing environmental impact and respecting existing drainage patterns.

The FCPA values public input and looks forward to collaborating with residents to shape the future of Green Spring Gardens. This project represents a partnership between the Park Authority and the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS), highlighting a shared commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable spaces for education and recreation.

To learn more about the proposed pavilion concept and to submit comments online, visit the PublicInput project page. For additional questions, contact the Public Information Office at ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.