Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to approve a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program grant totaling $12,928 to support enhancements at Chantilly Park Field 1. The total estimated cost for this improvement project is $25,856.

The Chantilly Youth Association sought to enhance Chantilly Park Field 1 by replacing aging outfield fencing with taller, higher-quality fencing to improve both aesthetics and playability. The existing fencing had exceeded its expected lifecycle and no longer met the standards for competitive play.

The project replaced the previous 4-foot outfield fencing with new 10-foot fencing, and the left field section with 20-foot fencing to align the field with FCPA standards for diamond fields. These upgrades not only improve the visual appeal of the park, but also enhance safety and functionality, reducing the potential for balls to leave the field and allowing for play by older age groups and a wider range of competitive levels. The improvements will maximize field usage and provide an impressive backdrop for tournaments and local league events.

The total project cost of $25,856 was shared equally between the Chantilly Youth Association and the Park Authority through the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program. The work was coordinated by the Park Operations Division and completed using the county’s fencing contractor, which had recently upgraded other fencing at the field’s backstop, wings and dugouts. The grant was approved on Sept. 24, 2025, and the project has been completed.

Chantilly Park is located at 4521 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly.

The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private partnerships that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.6 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.

For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website or call 703-324-8740. Applications are available at the Mastenbrook Grants website.

Parks across Fairfax County abounded with lively entertainment and overjoyed audiences with the return of the Summer Entertainment Series for 2025. The free, live performances brought to the community by Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation featured concerts by renowned musical groups, children’s entertainment, international cultural showcases and outdoor movies.

The popular outdoor performances brought the community together from June through August to enjoy entertainment with families and friends. As the 2025 summer season ended, FCPA looked back on the year filled with community and entertainment. This year featured:

• 189 free, live performances
• 4 outdoor movies
• 10 local series
• 14 venues
• 35,141 estimated attendees

The Summer Entertainment Series comes to the Fairfax County community through a partnership with FCPA, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and FCPF, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series. The free performances and movies are possible thanks to the many private donations and sponsorships, which pay performer’s fees.

FCPA and FCPF would like to acknowledge the support of the 2025 Summer Entertainment Series by the following sponsors:

• Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust
• Arrowbrook Centre LLC
• Dominion Energy
• Interstate Moving|Relocation|Logistics
• Mosaic
• National Endowment for the Arts
• Pulte Homes
• 66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway
• Transurban-495/95/395 Express Lanes
• Virginia Commission for the Arts
• Wegmans
• Workhouse Arts Center
• RZ Foundation
• Capital One Hall
• Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home and Fairfax Memorial Park
• Family & Friends of Bob Lydick
• Lerner Enterprises
• Crabtree Family Foundation
• EYA LLC
• Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park
• Great American Restaurants
• Hilltop Sand and Gravel
• McGuireWoods
• Pohanka Automotive
• Tysons Corner Center
• The Adler Foundation
• Bunnyman Brewing
• Chaney Enterprises
• Federal Realty
• Kings Park West Civic Association
• McLean Project for the Arts
• NOVEC
• PNC
• Sheehy Auto Group
• Supporters of Mason District Park
• Vulcan
• Walsh, Colucci, Lubley & Walsh PC
• Westfield Business Owners Association
• West Springfield Car Care
• Brynmor Early Education and Preschool
• CRC Companies LLC
• Anonymous Donors
• Canterbury Woods Civic Association
• Hello Garage

Explore these sponsors, as well as the ways you can join in supporting the Summer Entertainment Series for 2026 by visiting the FCPF Summer Entertainment Series webpage.

Stay tuned for details about next year’s series that will be released in May 2026 at FCPA’s Summer Entertainment Series website.

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.

Every two years, Golf Digest surveys top instructors across the country to identify the best teachers in each state. For the 2026–2027 season, Jon Eisman has once again been honored as one of Virginia’s “Best Teachers in Every State”—an outstanding recognition that continues his nearly decadelong streak of being named among the state’s top instructors. Eisman is the director of instruction and owner of the Eisman Golf Academy at Laurel Hill Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course.

Eisman has nearly two decades of experience and remains in high demand for his expertise and leadership in golf instruction. In 2024, the Eisman Golf Academy, at Laurel Hill Golf Club, opened a 2,600-square-foot performance lab featuring two indoor-outdoor bays designed for one-on-one instruction. The performance lab has quickly become a destination for golfers of all levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to seasoned players working on refining their skills.

"I’m honored by this recognition, but even more grateful for the students, peers and colleagues who make it all possible," Eisman said. "Their support drives me to keep raising the bar and to help every golfer unlock their full potential."

The Eisman Academy’s team of professionals combines golf expertise with research-driven instruction. The Eisman Golf Performance Center at Laurel Hill features the latest technology, including Swing Catalyst and Trackman, allowing for year-round instruction. In addition to swing analysis, the Eisman Golf Academy offers camps, private lessons, nine-hole on-course instruction and junior programs at both Laurel Hill and Twin Lakes.

Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Hill Crest Drive in Lorton and is operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. For more information or to view tee times, visit the Laurel Hill Golf Club webpage.

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more information, visit the Twin Lakes Golf Course webpage.

Both golf facilities are operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Grab your sweater, your pumpkin-spiced latte, and head out for a crisp morning on the fairways, where friendly competition is calling at two of Golf Fairfax’s most festive fall tournaments. Whether you’re testing your skills with just four clubs or teaming up with a partner in a festive scramble, these fall tournaments promise friendly competition, great prizes and plenty of memories from the fairways.

Four Club Classic at Jefferson District Golf Course (Saturday, Oct. 4)

Test your skills in this unique nine-hole stroke play tournament, where each player is limited to only four clubs in their bag. Golfers ages 18 and older will compete for prizes and bragging rights in the final event of the Jefferson Cup series. Cost is $40 per player. Tee times begin at 9 a.m. Rain date is Oct. 11. To register, visit the Pro Shop or call 703-573-0444.

Jefferson District Golf Course is located at 7900 Lee Highway, Falls Church. Visit the Jefferson Golf Course website for more information.

Fall Festival Scramble at Pinecrest Golf Course (Sunday, Oct. 19)

Celebrate the season with a festive wrap-up to your golf year. Teams of two will compete in a nine-hole scramble with divisions for adults (18+), adult/junior ages 7–12, and adult/junior ages 13–17. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each division, along with closest to the pin. Entry fee is $110 per team and includes lunch, cart and prizes. The event is limited to the first 24 teams. Play begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, followed by a prize ceremony and lunch. Rain date is Oct. 26. To register, call 703-941-1061 or sign up by visiting the Fairfax Golf website.

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria. Visit the Pinecrest Golf Course website for more information.

Discover more about fall tournaments, Golf Fairfax's seven courses, golf classes, special events and more at the Park Authority Golf website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is creating courts for pickleball and tennis and looks forward to welcoming players at Greenbriar Park and Chalet Woods courts later this fall.

Due to unexpected heavy rain over the last few weeks, the timeline for court renovations has been delayed. The work to return the Chalet Woods pickleball courts to tennis courts will begin on Monday, Oct. 6. The Greenbriar Courts will be completed on Friday, Oct. 31 (pending weather conditions).

The Park Authority is committed to ensuring that both the Chalet Woods and Greenbriar courts can be completed according to standards for safe and long-term activity for all players

in the fall. Variables, such as vendor and material availability, weather and seasonality, may impact the planning process and project progress.

To learn more about this project and to stay updated on its progress, visit the Greenbriar Park Pickleball Courts Public Input project page.

Chalet Woods is located at 14912 Cranoke St. in Centreville. Greenbriar Park is located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax.

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a public meeting on a proposed meadow trail at Salona Park on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean.

The meeting will include a presentation on the Salona Park Meadow Trail concept. The proposed concept includes an approximate half-mile meadow trail loop and interpretive signage to highlight both the area’s history and natural surroundings. The project team will be available to answer questions and collect feedback from attendees.

Information about opportunities for the public to provide input on the proposed concept will be forthcoming. For additional questions, contact the Public Information Office at ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority website.

Exciting changes are coming to Reston North Park Playground, located at 11760 Stevenage Road in Reston. Beginning in October 2025, the playground will undergo a full renovation to replace aging equipment and improve accessibility for all visitors. Construction is expected to last about eight weeks, during which the playground will be closed. The parking lot will also be used for construction vehicles and materials, so visitors should plan ahead when accessing the site.

Originally installed in the 1980s and 1990s, the playground’s retaining walls, steps and equipment are at the end of their lifecycle and no longer meet current accessibility and safety standards. The upcoming renovation will create a safer, more modern and inclusive play space designed for children, families and caregivers of all abilities.

Highlights of the new playground include:

• A single-level design that eliminates steps between play areas.
• Poured-in-place surfacing for improved safety and accessibility.
• Fully accessible routes from the parking lot to both the playground and the lower diamond field.
• Modern, universal play equipment with sensory-rich experiences and activities for multiple age groups.
• Updated site features, including stormwater management and new steps to the lower diamond field.

These improvements will bring long-term benefits to the community by providing a safe, inclusive and engaging playground for families to enjoy for years to come.

While the playground is closed, residents are encouraged to use the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator to find alternative playgrounds to utilize.

For additional information about this project, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Construction continues on the Pohick Interceptor Rehabilitation Project in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Pohick Stream Valley Park. Site restoration is expected to continue through November. Once this stage is finished, that section of the Cross County Trail will reopen, and a detour along Pohick Road will be available for public use. Overall construction is anticipated to conclude in winter 2026.

The project area is a closed construction site. For the safety of both residents and crews, only authorized personnel are permitted inside the work zone. All posted trail closure and detour signs must be followed, and entry into restricted areas is prohibited. Unauthorized access creates serious hazards for the public and workers.

While this section of the Cross County Trail is closed, residents are encouraged to use the FCPA Park Amenity Locator and Trail Buddy app to find alternative parks and trails. Nearby access to the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail can be reached Southbound at Pohick Creek View and Northbound at Hooes Road trailhead parking area.

Additional project updates, including details on detours and trail reopening, can be found on the Pohick Interceptor Rehabilitation Project webpage.

For additional information about this project, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

FCPA appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we complete this important project to maintain safe, reliable wastewater service and protect the environment.

Step into a Halloween season packed with thrills, treats and traditions across Fairfax County parks. Ghostly golf, costumed parades, harvest festivals and family-friendly haunts fill the calendar with festive fun. Create memories with loved ones, explore new adventures and celebrate the magic of fall at Fairfax County Park Authority events designed for every ghost, ghoul and goblin.

Goblin Golf

Burke Lake Park, Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, Choose times between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grab your Halloween costume (not required) and join us at Burke Lake Park for Halloween-themed mini golf, treats and family fun! Cost is $10 per person. 

Farm Harvest Festival – Big Trucks, Carnival Rides and Fall Fun!

Frying Pan Farm Park, Oct. 17-19

Join us at Frying Pan Farm Park for the Farm Harvest Festival, featuring Big Truck Night, carnival rides, games and tasty fair food. Enjoy unlimited ride specials on Friday night or Sunday for $25, or grab individual tickets on Saturday for even more fall fun. Parking is just $10 per day, so bring the family and celebrate the season with us. Learn more.

Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat

Clemjyjontri Park, Oct. 19, 1-6 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween in a calm, inclusive, sensory-friendly way at Clemjyjontri Park. Enjoy a variety of fun and accessible activities, including the carousel, train, arts and crafts, sensory tent and themed treat stations throughout the playground, all with reduced noise and sensory support. Costumes are welcome but not required. Tickets cost $20 per person. Secure your ticket to the all-inclusive fun.

Halloween on the Farm 

Frying Pan Farm Park, Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m. or Oct. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Trick-or-treat at Halloween on the Farm. Enjoy trick-or-treating on the farm, visit with farm animals, make spooky crafts, play Halloween games and take a tour of the decorated farmhouse. Cost is $12 per person. Register today.

Haunted Mini Golf

Oakmont Rec Center, Oct. 24-25, 4-9 p.m.

All werewolves, vampires and goblins (and their families) are invited for a fun night of mini golf. Trick-or-treat and win various goodies at Oakmont Mini Golf. Enjoy food trucks, face painting, popcorn and games. Come dressed in your best costume! Cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Register today.

Ghost Town

Burke Lake Park; Oct. 25-26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Get ready for a full day of fun at Burke Lake Park’s Ghost Town. Enjoy themed activities, a train ride, carousel, crafts, mini golf and tons of treats — no scares, just treats. Join the fun and make it a Halloween to remember. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Ticket pickup for registrants, 3 p.m. Register today.

Halloween Bash

South Run Rec Center, Oct. 25, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Hustle down to the South Run Rec Center to join in some Halloween fitness fun featuring the Monster Mash 5K Dash, Halloween Fun Run 1-Mile and Spooktacular Tiny Tot Trot. Come in your best costume to enjoy the spooktacular atmosphere with your community. Cost is $25 for the 5K and $15 for other runs. Register today.

Family Skate Night - Halloween Costume Skate and Dance Night

Franconia Rec Center, Oct. 25, 5-10 p.m.

Ghouls and goblins beware — Halloween Family Skate and Dance Night is coming to Franconia Rec Center. Gather your favorite spooky crew and head out for this thrilling family-friendly event with tunes sure to bring you back from the dead. Cost is $10 per person. Register today.

Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and step into a month of Halloween adventures across Fairfax County parks by visiting our Events Calendar.

Find some of the season’s best outings at Franconia Rec Center’s Family Skate and Dance Night. Fairfax County Park Authority invites all ages out to enjoy these family-friendly, community events that boast exciting themes and live music.

Get festive and spend an evening taking a spin around the gym floor on wheels or dancing alongside friends and neighbors. Remember to bring your own skates (or dancing shoes). Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $10 for everyone and can be purchased online or at the door. Roll out to these upcoming events:

• Family Skate and Dance Night: Skates on the Ground (County Night), Saturday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Dust off those country boots, hats and buckles for some country night fun with music featuring line dancing, country, hip-hop and old-school favorites.
• Family Skate and Dance Halloween Costume Night, Saturday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m. Let’s get spooky! Put on your Halloween costume for a hauntingly good time at this themed skate night. 
• Thanksgiving Family Skate and Dance Night, Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving while burning off extra calories with thrilling activity. 

Save the date for the Holiday and Ugly Sweater Family Skate and Dance Night coming on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. Prepare to put your craziest holiday sweater to the test.

Register for Family Skate Night

Patrons can find Skate and Dance Night parking in the lower parking lot by driving past the front of the Rec Center and parking in the lot to the right. Enter the event by the gym doors located near the parking lot. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Skate nights now can be booked for private parties to celebrate birthdays or other events. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841.