Park Authority

On March 1, athletes gathered at Oakmont Rec Center to put their skills to the test at the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Adapted Swim Meet. FCPA Special Olympic swim teams gathered at this event to showcase their skills, gain confidence and prepare for upcoming competitions. This time trial is more than just a qualifier, it’s a celebration of perseverance and teamwork.

“The season's start at Oakmont Rec Center is a testament to the power of community support and the extraordinary spirit of the athletes,” said Lucia Valentino, FCPA Adapted Aquatics Instructor and Special Olympics Swim Coach. “The Fairfax County Park Authority's Special Olympic swim teams are a shining example of community and dedication, comprising 150 athletes from five local Rec Centers. These teams provide athletes with disabilities with the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and competitive environment.”

This program promotes inclusion and physical fitness, while showcasing the boundless potential of the athletes. FCPA Special Olympic swim teams will continue competing through the season.

Teams are part of FCPA’s Adapted Aquatics program that provide individualized swimming and water activities for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Anyone interested in signing up for adapted swim programs can learn more by visiting the Adapted Programs website.

“Learning to swim is such an important skill for anyone to have. We provide training and shadowing opportunities,” said Linda Crone, volunteer manager for Adapted Aquatics.

The Adapted Swim Meet and the entire Adapted Aquatics program depend on a dedicated team of volunteers. Fairfax County Park Authority has the largest Adapted Aquatics program in Northern Virginia, with more than 150 volunteers who range in age from 14 to 80 years old. Anyone age 14 and older can volunteer. Sign up at by visiting the Volunteer Fairfax website.

As summer approaches, prepare for the season with water safety in mind. Fairfax County Park Authority hosts many classes and educational opportunities that prepare people of all ages to be safe in and around the water.

All year, the Park Authority offers hundreds of swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult. The following six-week class sessions build skills and increase your suite of swim skills:

• Baby & Me (6 months-18 months)
• Toddler & Me (19 months-3 years)
• Pee Wee Paddler (age 3-7)
• Swimming for Children (age 6-12)
• Stroke Mechanics (age 6-18)

Children motivated to learn with a little competition can sign up for a team in FCPA’s Summer Swim League. Those ages 6 to 14 who know the basics can level up their skills with weekly practices and put these new skills to the test in the league’s swim meets.

Register for a Swim class by the June 16 deadline

Those looking for focused, private and semi-private swim lessons can sign up for One on One Swim Lessons or Small Group Swim Lessons. These opportunities help students improve aquatic proficiency, gain confidence and build skills in the pool with the guidance of the FCPA’s talented instructors.

FCPA does not stop there, our talented staff are taking water safety education into classrooms around Fairfax County this spring. Through June, aquatics staff are hosting Get Set, Get W.E.T. (Water Education Training) to educate thousands of local preschoolers about lifeguards’ role in keeping swimmers safe and the essential rules everyone should follow to ensure safety at the pool. The program features an interactive, short presentation designed for small groups of children. Sessions are packed with engaging stories and games that make learning about water safety both fun and memorable. Children get introduced to various water safety props, such as life jackets and rescue tubes, and receive coloring sheets that reinforce key water safety messages.

“A comprehensive water safety program such as Get Set, Get W.E.T. is essential in promoting accident prevention by equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in and around water. Through engaging education, practical demonstration and interactive activities, these programs instill a deep understanding of water hazards, the importance of supervision, and lifesaving techniques, ultimately reducing the risk of water-related accidents and fostering a culture of safety," said Sarah Barrack, Lifeguard Training Coordinator for FCPA.

FCPA is committed to equipping everyone in the community with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy water safely this summer. Learn more by visiting the Swimming webpage.

Earth Day Fairfax is happening on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic site in Chantilly, Virginia. Earth Day Fairfax is the County’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are seeking volunteer support to make this annual event a success!

Join us for a daylong event featuring games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities geared toward increasing our understanding and enjoyment of the world around us. The event attracts nearly 5,000 people from across Fairfax County annually. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including: 

• Set-up attendants
• Check-in greeters 
• Nature and recreation activity attendants 
• Guest assistance  

This is a fantastic service opportunity for students seeking service hours or community members looking to give back. Through a variety of service activities, volunteers will impact community and planetary health while having fun throughout the day!

All volunteers must be 15 years old or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional detail in individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer Fairfax website .

The 2025 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with 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. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit its website or call 703-324-8582.

On March 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Greater Oakton Community Association officially finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to support the historic Oakton Schoolhouse in Oakton, Virginia. To mark the occasion, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy and several members of GOCA joined FCPA for a special celebration on Friday afternoon.

Originally built in 1897 by carpenter James Thompson, the Oakton Schoolhouse was the third school constructed in the Oakton community. Over the years, it became a vital hub, hosting fundraisers, religious gatherings and student talent shows. In 1944, businessman Irvin Payne purchased the building, repurposing it as a hardware store and garden shop. The schoolhouse changed hands several times before FCPA acquired it in 2003 to preserve its historical significance.

GOCA, established in 2019, is dedicated to fostering community connections and preserving Oakton’s historic and environmental assets. The organization shares local information, collaborates with HOAs and other groups, and develops programs that enrich the community.

Under the MOA, GOCA will use the Oakton Schoolhouse for events, meetings, rentals, historical presentations, classes, theater productions and educational programs. This partnership strengthens the connection between the community and Park Authority-owned historic sites, ensuring continued outreach, engagement, and growth.

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

With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.

The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers. Online nominations are open for the following awards:

• Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award – These awards honor Ellamae “Elly” Doyle’s many years of service and accomplishments as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board. During her tenure, Fairfax County’s park system expanded significantly, adding open space, new recreational facilities, and a strong commitment to preserving local natural and cultural resources. This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers for their outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks.
• The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award – Recognizes outstanding teamwork and cooperation in providing state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County parks, honoring the service and contributions of retired Park Board member Harold L. Strickland.
• The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award – Honors historian, volunteer, and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz by recognizing exceptional contributions to FCPA cultural preservation efforts.
• The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award – Recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of Sally B. Ormsby’s dedication to environmental stewardship and education about local natural resources.
• The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award – Recognizes significant, tangible contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses that enhance diversity systemwide and foster a culture of inclusion within parks and the surrounding community.

Nominations are due by Friday, May 2, 2025. The nomination form is available on the nominations page. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the general public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers.

Award recipients will be honored later this fall. For additional details, visit the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards webpage.

For more information or alternative formats of the application, please contact the Public Information Office via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin revitalization work at Hybla Valley Park. Contractors will mobilize on site and active construction is scheduled to begin the first week of March. Weather depending, active construction is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025.

Residents should expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting Lockheed Boulevard. During the duration of construction, the entire park will be closed to the public.

FCPA presented multiple park renovation concepts to the community at Hybla Valley Elementary School in September 2024. The community feedback received during that meeting and the subsequent comment period confirmed that the community desired a substantial playground, a futsal court, a basketball court, and more places to sit within the park. The following illustrative below depicts the final renovation concept.

The project scope includes the following:

• Transforming the tennis courts into a dedicated futsal court and basketball court
• Converting the practice tennis court into a playground suitable for all ages and all abilities
• Parking lot renovations
• New site furnishings

Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative sites to utilize during the closure at Hybla Valley Park.

Hybla Valley Park is located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information about the project, please visit the Hybla Valley Park construction website or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a public meeting to discuss the Olander and Margaret Banks Neighborhood Park. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20, from 1-2 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library (7250 Commerce St., Springfield) in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2.

Located at 7400 Old Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Banks Park is a 10-acre green space in the Franconia District, adjacent to the Kingstowne community.

During the meeting, FCPA will present an overview of the park’s current conditions and discuss key considerations for future improvements. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback directly with the project team.

In addition to the meeting, beginning March 20, community members can submit comments online via PublicInput until April 20, 2025. After the public input period closes, FCPA will review all feedback and develop a concept plan for public review.

For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Spring is around the corner and Earth Day Fairfax is almost underway! Mark your calendar for Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day extravaganza at the Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 26. Celebrate our world with a day filled with games, entertainment, food and hands-on crafts, exhibits and activities. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

There’s more than enough fun to go around with an appearance by WUSA-9 meteorologist Topper Shutt and live performances by the D.C. area’s own Recycling Pirates, 2nd Sole and Proverbs Reggae Band. Meet our farmland friends from Frying Pan Farm Park and learn about local plants and wildlife. Enjoy fun experiments that will enhance your understanding of the water cycle and other natural processes going on around us. Channel your outdoor adventure side with a giant rock wall, Nerf archery, ax throwing and camping tips. Participate in a wide variety of fitness demonstrations, such as yoga, Zumba, Body Combat and an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink.

Don’t miss the vendor marketplace, touch-a-truck exhibit, food trucks and a craft beer garden featuring Ono Brewing Company.

With so much to do, learn and experience, it’s an event you’re not going to want to miss. Stay up to date with the latest event details at Earth Day festival website.

Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, in Chantilly, Virginia. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The 2025 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with 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. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit its website or call 703-324-8582.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is launching the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. We want to hear from you! Your feedback will help guide improvements to amenities, facilities and programs for the next five years.

The study will utilize research, trends analysis, community input and surveys to help FCPA meet the diverse park and recreation needs of everyone in Fairfax County. Along with the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy (PROSA), the 2026 Needs Assessment will help shape decision-making for park investments and improvements, including the 2026 park bond.

Your voice matters! Help shape the future of our parks by attending one of our upcoming public meetings. A virtual public meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This online session is a convenient way to learn more about the project, share your thoughts and ask questions—all from the comfort of your home.

For a more interactive experience, join us at the In-Person Workshop on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Franconia Rec Center. This open house-style, family-friendly event will feature a guided nature walk, activities with the Wonder Wagon, a sensory-friendly area for children and a Rec Center pass promotion. Come engage in hands-on activities and discussions to help shape the future of our parks.

If you can’t attend a meeting, you can still make your voice heard by participating in the 2026 Needs Assessment survey launching soon! A randomly selected group of residents will receive a mailed survey, but anyone can provide input through an online survey hosted on PublicInput.

Visit the Parks Count! Our Parks, Our Future webpage for the latest updates, to register for the upcoming events and to learn more about participating in the 2026 Needs Assessment survey. For questions, contact parkscount@publicinput.com.

Beginning March 17, the Cross County Trail in Pohick Stream Valley Park between Cliff Forest Drive and Wadebrook Terrace will be temporarily closed while the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services undertakes a major rehabilitation project on the Pohick Interceptor. This project involves the renewal of approximately 6,500 linear feet of large-diameter sanitary sewer pipe and associated maintenance hole structures to ensure continued safe and reliable wastewater service for Fairfax County residents.

During the construction phase, there will be an initial three-month closure of the Cross County Trail within the project area. Once work at the northern end of the project area is complete, a detour along Pohick Road will be in effect for approximately 12 to 15 months, while the remaining rehabilitation is completed. Depending on weather conditions, construction is expected to conclude in winter 2026. Trail closure and project signs will be posted in Pohick Stream Valley Park to guide residents.

The rehabilitation work, utilizing a trenchless Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) method, is a cost-effective and minimally invasive approach that extends the service life of the infrastructure by approximately 50 years. In addition to proactively maintaining the sewer system, this project will reduce the risk of emergency repairs, protect public health and minimize environmental impacts.

For alternate park locations and trails to explore during this temporary closure, residents are encouraged to use the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator and Trail Buddy tools. Project updates and additional information can be found online by visiting the Pohick Interceptor Rehabilitation project webpage.