Park Authority

Walk through the doors to any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s nine Rec Centers for free on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and find a variety of resources to improve your health and wellness. Discover the unique amenities of your neighborhood Rec Center during this Open House event.

Drop by anytime, all day to explore the Rec Center and see how it can help you meet your fitness goals. Tour the building, try out amenities, use equipment in the Fitness Center, swim a lap in the pool and more. Free entry requires signup for a free, 7-day trial membership or the purchase of a 30-day for $30 pass at the Rec Center.

The celebration kicks up a notch in the evening with special programming between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. including a membership information table, arts and crafts and giveaways

Rec Centers plan special activities during their Open House evening hours. For example, celebrate Cub Run Rec Center’s 20th anniversary during their event with a foam party, games, treats, toddler play opportunities, featured class demonstrations, and mascot meet-and-greet.

Find your nearest Rec Center and explore the Open House lineup below:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center Open House
• Cub Run Rec Center Open House
• Franconia Rec Center Open House
• George Washington Rec Center Open House
• Mount Vernon Rec Center Open House
• Oakmont Rec Center Open House
• Providence Rec Center Open House
• South Run Rec Center Open House
• Spring Hill Rec Center Open House

Make a commitment to your health by purchasing annual membership to the Park Authority’s Rec Centers. Score big with a 15% discount on annual membership when you purchase by Sept. 30.

Annual membership provides access to any of our nine Rec Centers, each with their own amenities. Enjoy flexible membership options with no initiation fees. Join today to access:*

• Pools, spas and saunas 
• Fitness centers (free orientations)
• Virtual and drop-in fitness classes
• Indoor tracks and athletic courts
• Drop-in pickleball and basketball games 
• Public ice skating and climbing wall sessions
• Discounts on drop-in child care

*Space permitting, amenities vary by location.

Purchase in-person at Rec Centers or by visiting the Rec Center passes webpage. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers website.

Celebrate the fall season with family, friends and neighbors at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park’s annual ParktoberFest! Enjoy live music, delicious food, craft brews, artisan shopping and family-friendly activities on Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to 5 p.m. on the lawn of the historic Middlegate House beside Cabell’s Mill, located at 5235 Walney Road in Centreville.

This year’s festival fun includes:

• Performances by The Walkaways, Lucas Mason and Georgia Rae Braun
• Craft brews from Ono Brewery
• Eats from Burgorilla and TacoOne food trucks
• Local artisans, makers, bakers and specialty vendors
• Tours of the new Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and the kid-friendly STREAM Loop

Bring a blanket, relax on the lawn, and enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fall fun in the park!

This event is free for all guests. Free parking is available at the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center, the lot beside Walney Pond and the Walney Visitor Center (with a short trail walk to Cabell’s Mill). Walking and biking to the site are also encouraged.

ParktoberFest is presented by the Friends of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Friends group supports the park and the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center through programs, events, fundraising and community activities.

For more information, visit the ParktoberFest webpage.

The Ellanor C. Lawrence Middlegate House is located at 5235 Walney Road in Chantilly. For more information, visit the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park website or call 703-631-0013.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has awarded the National Capital Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (NatCap PRISM) an $80,000 grant to manage invasive plants across the region. The Fairfax County Park Authority will use the funding to conserve wildlife habitat, restore natural areas and expand public education about forest health.

Through NatCap PRISM, the grant will enable FCPA to deploy a specialized strike team to control invasive species on more than 100 acres of parkland. The team’s focus will be on Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program species, which spread quickly and threaten native plants. The project also funds follow-up restoration at previously treated sites to protect recovery progress and enhances community outreach with new on-site signage, an article in the Bay Journal and repairs to boot brush stations that reduce the spread of invasive seeds. 

Get involved 

Residents play a critical role in keeping parks healthy. Learn how to spot and reduce invasive plants in your yard. Learn more about volunteering at a workday and explore native alternatives by visiting the Invasive Management Area Program website.

Invasive Management Area (IMA) funding is provided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Environmental Improve Plan in support of the board’s Environmental Vision. The County’s Environmental Vision helps to guide environmental sustainability initiatives, strategies, policies and programs. Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website for more details. 

The IMA Program is also supported in part 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 historic Dranesville Tavern. The Fairfax County Park Authority will continue to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the tavern until Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 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 a financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

The Dranesville Tavern is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Virginia inn or ordinary. Built at the intersection of two major roads (Georgetown Pike and Alexandria Leesburg Pike), it served travelers moving through the region. Built in 1823 by Stanford Cockerille, it originally consisted of two two-story log structures connected by a dogtrot. The inn changed hands over the years with various owners adding onto the original structure. The tavern remained open to the public until 1946, and to boarders until 1968. In the 1970s, the tavern was threatened by the expansion of Route 7 until FCPA purchased it and moved it 135 feet away from its original location.

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 the Resident Curator Program’s Dranesville Tavern webpage.

For more information, contact Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program manager, at 571-407-6586 or by email at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Step back in time and explore one of the oldest homes in Fairfax County during the annual Historic Oak Hill Open House on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of the first land-grant holders in Northern Virginia, Oak Hill reflects the county’s deep historic roots. Originally constructed in the late Georgian style, the home was renovated in the 1940s in the Colonial Revival style by noted restoration architect Walter M. Macomber.

In 2004, Seville Homes, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors partnered to preserve Oak Hill through a historic and conservation easement, which also protects its centuries-old boxwoods.

Important Visitor Information

Historic Oak Hill is a private residence and is only open to the public during this once-a-year event. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and use parking available along the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

Event Partners

The Historic Oak Hill Open House is made possible through the partnership of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

For more information about Oak Hill and this year’s open house, please visit the Oak Hill website.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), that provides funds, obtains grants, and creates partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet the needs of the Fairfax County parkland, facilities and services. For more information about the Foundation, visit the foundation’s website or call 703-324-8582.

Fairfax County Park Authority and EDENS are pleased to welcome the community to a celebration for the opening of Strawberry Park Playground at Mosaic District in Fairfax at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, face-painting and activities for kids.

"The Strawberry Park Playground is a wonderful addition to the community and Fairfax County Parks," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "We are grateful to EDENS for investing in this beautiful park and fun play space. Recreational spaces belong in both suburban and micro-urban areas. We appreciate EDENS’ partnership in bringing this fun play space to life in an area that has so many families, so much energy, and such a range of activity for people to enjoy."

Located at 2911 District Ave., around the corner from Jinya, the playground features a vibrant mural and an array of play features, including a climbing cube, spinner and springer rides, and outdoor drums. This public-private partnership enhances access to urban high-quality recreational experiences in the Fairfax County Park system.

"It's been an honor to work alongside Fairfax County Park Authority in bringing this new playground to life for the Mosaic community," said Bill Caldwell, chief development officer of EDENS, which owns and operates Mosaic District. "We are proud to celebrate the addition of a new park. Over more than 15 years, Mosaic has grown into a vibrant canvas for shopping, dining and genuine human connection. A new playground adds yet another dimension — a space where families and neighbors gather."

The new Strawberry Park mural, which faces the playground and features long-time Mosaic District resident, Thy Pham, was created by deaf painter and muralist Nico Cathcart, whose work creates realistic, socially informed works on walls and canvas. Her paintings can be found in the permanent collection of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and have been featured in prominent galleries across the country.

Strawberry Park will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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 FCPA website.

About EDENS

EDENS is a retail and mixed-use real estate owner, developer and steward of a nationally leading portfolio of more than 100 open-air retail and mixed-use places in high-growth markets coast to coast. The company’s purpose is to enrich community through human engagement because when people come together, they feel a part of something bigger than themselves and prosperity follows— economically, socially, culturally and soulfully.

EDENS has offices in key markets including D.C., Boston, Dallas, Columbia, South Carolina, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Houston, Denver and San Francisco. For additional information about the company and its portfolio, visit the EDENS website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is hiring at two of its most popular parks. Looking for a fun and fulfilling part-time job this fall and winter? Join the team at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon or Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station.

Appointments are not necessary, just come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot, all in one visit.

Drop-in interviews will be held at Frying Pan Farm Park on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon.

Available positions at Frying Pan Farm Park include:

• Maintenance worker
• Equestrian assistant
• Farmhand
• Country Store cashier

Burke Lake Park will also host drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Info Center on Sept. 18 and 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.

Available positions at Burke Lake Park include:

• Manager on duty (MOD)
• Maintenance

Can’t make it to the drop-in interviews? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions at the Burke Lake Jobs webpage; or at the Nature & History Jobs webpage.

View all employment opportunities by visiting the Park Authority Jobs website. To apply for any of the positions listed, email resume to: FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to join in the nationwide celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Community members are encouraged to get involved by taking part in a wide variety of service activities that help protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of our treasured park system.

With the help of partners and community organizers, the Park Authority is pleased to host volunteer opportunities in every supervisory district across Fairfax County.

Braddock District – Wakefield Recreation Center

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Trash cleanup

Dranesville District – Difficult Run Stream Valley Trail

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Trash cleanup and trimming overgrowth along trail

Franconia District – Huntley Meadows Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Watershed cleanup

Dranesville District – Colvin Run Mill Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Invasive plant pull

Hunter Mill District – Frying Pan Farm Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Site Beautification

Mason District – Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Invasive plant pull

Mount Vernon District – Laurel Hill Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Vegetation removal around historic rail boxcar feature along the Cross County Trail

Providence District – Oakmont Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Helping Our Lands Heal (HOLH) restoration project

Providence District – Eakin Community Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–noon

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) Workday

Springfield District – Twin Lakes Golf Course

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday

Sully District – Sully Historic Site

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday

Full details are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. While some opportunities already have enough volunteers, many are still accepting sign-ups. For those unable to attend on Sept. 27, additional opportunities to serve can be found year-round through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy these shared spaces. This year’s theme, "Our Home Outdoors," highlights the importance of parks as places where we connect with nature, history and each other.

"The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to be the steward of more than 23,000 acres of parkland and 334 miles of trails,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Our parks truly are ‘our home outdoors,’ places where people come together to explore, play, learn and recharge. We are deeply grateful for the thousands of volunteers whose time, energy and passion ensure these spaces continue to thrive for generations to come."

For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently announced a proposal to establish dedicated tennis and pickleball courts at Franconia Rec Center, building on improvements currently in progress and recently completed on the property. These changes would involve returning the existing dual-use pickleball/tennis court, “Tennis Court #3,” back to a tennis-only court and converting half of the existing tennis practice courts to pickleball-only. The proposed redesign would provide a total of three dedicated tennis courts, six dedicated pickleball courts and two practice courts with a stroking wall to better serve the two racquet sports.

The Park Authority is committed to meeting the diverse recreational needs of the community and invites the public to provide input on the proposal for racquet courts. In an effort to provide comparative playing opportunities for both racquet sports, the Park Authority is beginning a search for sites to provide each sport with dedicated courts by utilizing the existing court surfaces and creatively working within those spaces. To meet the growing demand for racquet facilities, the Park Authority opened dedicated racquet courts for both pickleball and tennis players at Wakefield Park in Annandale.

The proposed practice court conversion to two pickleball courts could start as early as late September. The converted courts could be open this winter with a blacktop surface, fencing, nets and playing lines available. The project’s final completion would be in spring 2026. Until the final completion of the converted pickleball courts, “Tennis Court #3” will remain a dual-use court for both pickleball and tennis, with the portable pickleball nets available. Additionally, community members are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify courts throughout the county available for play.

The public is invited to share feedback on the proposed changes at Franconia Rec Center. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2025. To submit comments online, visit the PublicInput project page.

Franconia Park is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Children form lasting memories as they learn while attending Fairfax County Park Authority preschools. FCPA runs two preschools licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services that help young children prepare for full time school:

Kids Play Preschool at:

• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
• Stone Mansion, 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria

Spring Hill Rec Center Preschool at:

• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean

FCPA’s preschools provide a welcoming space that nurtures the emotional, social and intellectual growth of young minds. Children engage in a variety of age-appropriate activities. Through outdoor play, circle time and educational activities. Children are guided by caring and dedicated educators and encouraged to explore, play and learn alongside their peers. Staff working at FCPA preschools are CPR- and First Aid-certified, complete required background checks and have prior experience working with children.

Programs range from two to five days a week and promote independence, enhance school-readiness and foster positive self-image. Make sure your child doesn’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Learn more and start the registration process by filling out the Preschool Enrollment Inquiry form.

Young children also grow and develop new skills in the many classes the Park Authority offers each season. Check out the Children’s Corner category for numerous fun classes to engage young minds this fall -- from learning dance and basic movement to building the fundamentals in gymnastics and sports to getting creative with arts, building blocks and instruments. Help children learn lifesaving skills in the water by joining children’s swimming classes: Baby & Me for ages 6 to 18 months, Toddler & Me for ages 19 months to 3 years, and Pee Wee Paddler for ages 3 to 7 years.

Children also have fun and stay engaged in our Drop-In Childcare rooms. These services cost $3 per child for Rec Center members and $10 per child for non-members. They are available on on a first-come, first-served basis at three Rec Centers: Cub Run, Oakmont and Mount Vernon.

Children ages 6 months to 10 years can enjoy arts and crafts, coloring activities, board games, books and various other activities. Fairfax County Park Authority staff who are certified in CPR and First Aid supervise the room. Parents and guardians must remain in the building and the maximum stay is two hours. Staff provide focused care for children and can contact guardians if needed.

Explore these opportunities and come out to learn and grow with the Park Authority this fall.