Park Authority

Back by popular demand! The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) will host its second-annual Beaver Boogie 5K at Lake Accotink Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. More than just another fun run, the Beaver Boogie is a great opportunity to join with family, friends and neighbors in supporting one of Fairfax County’s largest and most visited parks. The event runs through the park, creating a scenic and picture-perfect atmosphere for all runners and walkers to enjoy themselves while being active.

Registration is $25 for each participant for the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Additionally, racers may also purchase a $10 pasta dinner meal deal to be hosted at Kilroy’s on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

All proceeds from this event are used to support FLAP projects and programs that directly benefit Lake Accotink Park.

Register for Beaver Boogie 5K

Registered participants may pick up their race packets at the pasta dinner on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kilroy’s (located at 5250 A Port Royal Road, Springfield) or on Saturday morning at Lake Accotink Park beginning at 9 a.m.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. For event details and questions, please visit the Friends of Lake Accotink Park’s event website, or contact them at contact@flapaccotink.org.

The Friends of Lake Accotink (FLAP) is a certified 501(c)3 organization that is committed to protect, restore, preserve, and educate all concerning the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Lake Accotink Park. FLAP is an all-volunteer organization, and every donation directly fuels project and programs at Lake Accotink Park.

The Fairfax County Park Authority, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and members of the Woodlawn Little League community invite the public to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting for the newly completed restroom and concessions building at McNaughton Fields Park. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.

This new facility marks the realization of a long-held vision for McNaughton Fields Park since its establishment in 2016. The building includes permanent restrooms, a concessions stand and storage space built on an existing concrete pad equipped with utilities prepared for this addition.

Join the Park Authority, Supervisor Dan Storck and the Woodlawn Little League community to celebrate the completion of this long-awaited amenity.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Where: McNaughton Fields Park, 5320 Pole Road, Fort Belvoir

For questions about the event, contact the Park Authority’s Communications Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to provide locally grown produce and other food items at farmers markets at locations throughout the county. While most market locations begin to wrap things up with the turning of the season, three market locations have extended their market schedule into December. The Burke, Reston, and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon farmers market will continue to be open in December, giving the community fresh options as the weather starts to cool down.

The extended season schedule for these farmers markets can be found below.

Reston Farmers Market

• April 27 to Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to noon
• Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston

McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market

• April 17 to Dec.18, 8 a.m. to noon
• Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria

Burke Farmers Market

• April 20 – Dec. 21, 8 a.m. to noon
• VRE Parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke

For a complete schedule of remaining Park Authority Farmers Market locations this fall and winter, visit the Farmers Market website.

Be sure to visit the Burke, Reston and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon markets to support your favorite vendors through the season, and to welcome our new vendors to the Extended Season. Visit the Farmers Market website for more information regarding the extended season and market locations.

The Oakmont Rec Center has reopened after a monthlong closure during which the facility underwent an impressive list of environmental upgrades and building improvements that include mechanical and plumbing systems and many aesthetic changes throughout the facility. These upgrades have enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the center, ensuring a better experience for visitors.

Key improvements include:

• Mechanical and Plumbing Enhancements: A new exhaust system and ducts were installed in the natatorium and upper lobby, while heating boilers were replaced, and the HVAC control system was expanded. The facility also added new shutoff valves to isolate bathrooms and locker rooms when needed.
• Natatorium Upgrades: The pool received a brand-new whitecoat and deep cleaning, while tiles were replaced, and the pool’s drain system was jetted and cleaned. Other improvements included bleacher painting, diving platform repairs and structural updates.
• Locker Rooms: The locker rooms now feature new countertops, sinks, mirrors, toilet and shower partitions, and benches, along with refinished saunas. New accessories, such as soap dispensers and door push buttons in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, were also installed for added convenience and accessibility.
• Family Changing Rooms: Lockers were replaced with cubbies, and ADA push buttons were added for easier access. The rooms also received new sinks, mirrors, and accessible shower benches.
• Upper Lobby: The lobby underwent significant upgrades, including new ceiling tiles, LED lighting, electrical repairs and fresh wall and trim painting. Visitors will also enjoy the new furniture, creating a more welcoming environment.
• Upper Lobby Bathrooms: The bathrooms were refreshed with new ceiling grids, tiles and wall patches, alongside newly installed counters, sinks and mirrors. Door repairs, ADA bars, and new bathroom accessories ensure these spaces are functional and accessible for all.
• Staff Offices: The office spaces were modernized with patch and paint work, new ceiling grids and tiles, and necessary structural wall repairs to ensure the longevity and appeal of the space.
• Oak Room: The Oak Room received a much needed facelift, including the removal of old carpeted walls and the speaker box, installation of new built-in cabinets, fresh wall patches and paint to create a brighter and more functional space.
• Acorn Room: The Acorn Room also underwent extensive updates, including new ceiling grids and tiles, fresh wall patches and paint, new countertops with a sink, and built-in cabinets for storage.
• Lower Lobby: The lower lobby now features new ceiling tiles, freshly patched and painted walls, and updated LED light fixtures. Floor tiles were also repaired or replaced to maintain a clean and polished look.
• Fitness and Exercise Rooms: The fitness center and exercise rooms now boast new cubbies, fresh paint, repaired lighting and deep cleaning to offer a rejuvenated workout space for members. Exercise Room 2 also received a sanded and refinished wood floor, while the other rooms now feature new built-in cabinets and cubbies.
• Racquetball Courts: The racquetball courts were upgraded with sanded and refinished wood floors and cleaned wall tiles, providing players with an improved playing environment.
• Roof and Structural Repairs: New roofing and skylights were installed to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and waterproofing, offering long-term protection against the elements.

These changes will ensure that the facility continues to provide a safe, modern and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Whether you’re coming for a swim, workout or family fun, prepare yourself for a much improved experience at the Oakmont Rec Center.

Come visit the Oakmont Rec Center and learn about a variety of membership options! The Rec Center is located at 3200 Jermantown Road in Oakton. For additional information about the Park Authority’s Rec Centers, please email FCPARecCenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Vasilios Rajendra, a dedicated volunteer coach at Oakmont Golf Center, has been recognized as the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC’s Volunteer of the Year. Coach V, as he is known to his students, has shown commitment, passion and mentorship, making a positive impact on the lives of young golfers.

Rajendra received the Raul Colon Volunteer of the Year Award at the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Celebration held on Oct. 15 at East Potomac Golf Links. His service as a volunteer coach has been instrumental in promoting youth development and fostering leadership skills at the program at Oakmont Golf Center.

"The whole goal for my classes is for kids to come here, have a great time and associate golf with really positive memories, and at the same time pick up the skills they need to be successful," Coach V said, reflecting on his role. "Whether that’s helping the 7- to 10-year-olds learn teamwork or preparing older kids for their next step in life, it’s the curriculum and teaching these life skills that really bring it all together."

The 25th Anniversary Celebration is part of a yearlong effort to highlight the chapter’s contributions to youth development. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC has reached over 2 million young people since its founding in 1999, making it one of the leading programs nationally. Oakmont Golf Center, Twin Lakes Golf Course and Laurel Hill Golf Course are premier partners of the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC program.

Oakmont Golf Center is one of the top teaching facilities in Northern Virginia, featuring a 1,456-yard, 9-hole par-three course with holes ranging from 95 to 200 yards. The center also features a lighted, 78-station driving range with target greens and covered, heated tees, making it a prime destination for year-round practice and instruction.

For more information on Golf Fairfax junior programs and First Tee, visit Golf Fairfax junior webpage.

This winter’s extreme cold caused the lake to freeze over and heavy snowfall further delayed progress on the dam assessment. With improved weather conditions, we have resumed lowering the lake and are working to schedule the inspection. If conditions remain favorable and no unexpected issues arise, the inspection is expected to be completed, and the lake will begin refilling in early to mid-spring. The time required for the lake to return to its normal level will depend on regional precipitation.

Earlier this fall, the Fairfax County Park Authority began an assessment of the Lake Accotink dam. Regular assessments of the dam structure are conducted every few years to evaluate structural integrity and identify any potential needs for maintenance and/or repair. Lowering the water level by up to 5 feet is necessary to perform an adequate inspection of the structure.

Since Oct. 11, the water level at the lake has been lowered by approximately 2 feet, with the removal of debris along the top of the dam wall and flashboards. Unfortunately, when divers inspected the sluice gates at the base of the dam, they found that a large amount of debris had accumulated. This debris must be removed before being able to safely operate the gates to drain the remaining water and to complete the assessment. We expect the evaluation of the dam to be completed in February 2025, weather permitting.

Once the dam assessment is complete, it may take up to two months for water levels to return to their original state, depending on weather conditions. The Park Authority anticipates that the dam assessment will be completed in advance of the spring opening of the marina. Until that time, the marina and dam area will continue to be fenced with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed as a safety precaution.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, Virginia. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Park Authority is repairing the trail at Foxstone Park. The repairs will include milling and paving the existing trail, as well as culvert repair along the entire trail from Old Courthouse Road to Creek Crossing Road.

Weather permitting, the repairs are expected to be completed by Nov.8. The park will remain open during construction, but the basketball court and playground along the trail will not be accessible while the work is ongoing.

Community members are encouraged to use FCPA’s Trail Buddy App to identify alternative trails to utilize during the closure. Additionally, the Park Amenity Locator can be helpful in identifying alternate basketball courts and playgrounds nearby.

Questions about this project can be directed to the project manager Kelly Davis via email at kelly.davis@fairfaxcounty.gov or the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for Aqua Flex’24 – a showcase of the broad range of water aerobics offerings at Park Authority Rec Centers – on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. This free event will be held simultaneously at the Audrey Moore, Oakmont and Franconia rec centers. 

Instructors will lead participants through a series of aquatics exercise class demonstration for adults of all fitness levels. This is the perfect opportunity to check out a variety of fitness offerings in various styles and intensities. Enjoy this one-time free event and learn more about discounted Aqua Flex pass bundles to continue your fitness journey.

Aqua Flex passes are available in 10-visit, 20-visit and 30-visit bundles to join any aquatics exercise class at any Park Authority Rec Center, space permitting. Use these visits for drop-in water exercise classes, as well as to drop in on any water exercise class listed in Parktakes.

Throughout November, get a 15% discount when purchasing the 30-visit Aqua Flex pass or a 10% discount when purchasing the 20-visit Aqua Flex pass.

Get fit while having fun in the pool this fall! Sign up for the event and purchase your pass at the Swimming webpage.

Register for Aqua Flex

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is evaluating proposed fee adjustments for the 2025 calendar year. The proposed 2025 fee adjustments and presentation materials are available at the Proposed Park Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2025 website. The board welcomes online comments and feedback from the community on that website. Comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

More than 60% of the funds required to operate Fairfax County’s park system – from camps and classes to facility, amenity and grounds – are generated through park fees. Each year, the Park Authority reviews its fee structure with the goal of minimizing fee impacts on our visitors, while safeguarding the financial stability of our park system and the ability to provide the outstanding programs and services our community has come to expect.

Following the close of the public comment period, the Park Authority Board is expected to consider the 2025 Park Fee Adjustments at their scheduled meeting on Dec. 11, 2024. Approved fees will be made effective Jan. 1, 2025.

For more information about the Park Authority’s proposed 2025 Park Fee Adjustments and to submit comments, go to the 2025 Proposed Park Fee Adjustments website.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and urban landscapes, parks have emerged as a vital sanctuary for inspiring and nurturing creativity. The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to join with ArtsFairfax to encourage this connection through Poetry in the Parks, an initiative created by outgoing Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra. The partnership aims to showcase the unique ways in which parks can serve as a canvas for creativity, culminating in a collection of works inspired by these green spaces.

To help achieve that mission, the Park Authority and ArtsFairfax are announcing the unveiling of new interpretive signs at Riverbend Park and Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (located in the Dranesville and Sully districts respectively) on Friday, Nov. 1. In addition to connecting creativity with nature through poems specifically selected by the Fairfax County Poet Laureate for each location, the new placards contain writing prompts and an invitation for creators to submit their creative writing, poetry and illustrations to ArtsFairfax’s “Poetry in the Parks” digital collection.

Join the Park Authority, ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County Supervisors Jimmy Bierman (Dranesville District) and Kathy Smith (Sully District) to celebrate the unveiling of this new park feature dedicated to igniting the creative spirit within us all.

• When: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
• Time: 4:30 p.m.
• Where: Woodlands Stewardship Education Center; 5301 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 20151

For additional information about this upcoming event, please contact the Park Authority Communications Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.