Park Authority

Embrace the spring season with a night out all ages will enjoy at an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night. Gather the crew, whether it’s family or friends, and head out to Franconia Rec Center as its gym transforms for the night into a skate rink.

Bring your own skates or your dancing shoes to get moving to music by a guest DJ. Upcoming events set the stage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the spring season (enchanted forest theme) and the third anniversary Family Skate and Dance Night. Tickets cost $10 for everyone—purchase online now for these upcoming events:

• Saturday, March 21, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: St. Patrick’s Day
• Saturday, April 18, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Enchanted Forest
• Saturday, May 16, 5-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Third Anniversary

All ages and abilities are invited to join in and build confidence on wheels at this community event. Food, snacks and drinks are available for purchase (outside food is prohibited).

Visit the Franconia Rec Center’s website for more information and to stay up to date on future skate nights and other events at the Rec Center.

Interested in skate night? Host your very own private skate night to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions in the Franconia Rec Center gym. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

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

Earth Day Fairfax will be an unforgettable day of fun, education and community. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Earth Day Fairfax is the county’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are asking for your help. Join us as an Earth Day Fairfax volunteer.

This special event will feature games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities to help increase our understanding of and appreciation for the world around us. We expect around 7,000 people from across Fairfax County to attend. 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 an ideal service opportunity for students seeking service hours or community members looking to give back. Through a variety of service activities, volunteers will impact the community and the environment 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 details about individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer Fairfax website. 

The 2026 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 the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

Fairfax County Park Authority plans on conducting facility maintenance, cleaning and improvements at Providence Rec Center, 7525 Marc Drive, Falls Church. To ensure customer safety during this work, the Rec Center will be closed from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, April 5.

Several building maintenance projects and improvements to improve safety and enhance customer experience will be conducted simultaneously to minimize the length of the closure, including:

• Deep cleaning and painting
• HVAC work
• Repairs, cleaning and maintenance in the natatorium
• Lighting updates
• Window replacements
• Fire alarm updates begin
• Exterior entry plaza improvements
• Carpet replacement in the main office
• Updates to the guest services desk

Rec Center members and other patrons are invited to use any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s other Rec Centers including the nearby Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale), Oakmont Rec Center (3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton) or Spring Hill Rec Center (1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean).

Members who want to pause their memberships can make this request by visiting the front desk before closure begins or by submitting a request to pause membership online.

If you have any questions, please call Providence Rec Center at 703-698-1351 or send an email to FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Earth Day Fairfax is around the corner! Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day celebration will take place at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The fun and entertainment will include live music performances by the D.C. area’s own Recycling Pirates, Proverbs Reggae Band and Wildflower Revival and an appearance by WUSA-9 meteorologist Topper Shutt. Hands-on activities, games and entertainment will include outdoor discovery, interactive nature exhibits, Earth-friendly vendors, free giveaways, animals from Frying Pan Farm Park, and a giant rock-climbing wall.

The event will also include a craft beer garden and food vendors. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Stay up to date with the latest event details at Earth Day festival website.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The 2026 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 now hiring hundreds of seasonal team members to support parks, recreation centers, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses and pools across the county.

With flexible schedules and meaningful, community-focused work, these roles are perfect for teens, college students, educators on break and anyone looking to make a positive impact this summer.

Seasonal opportunities include lifeguards, camp counselors and directors, park attendants, cashiers, maintenance staff, marina attendants and other leadership roles. Every team member plays an important part in creating safe, welcoming and memorable experiences for residents and visitors all season long.

Working with the Fairfax County Park Authority means gaining hands-on experience, building valuable professional skills and growing your leadership potential, all while spending your summer in an active, outdoor environment.

Apply early because positions fill quickly.

Full job descriptions, qualifications, and details on upcoming open hire sessions can be found online. Explore all Fairfax County Park Authority employment opportunities by visiting the Jobs website.

Questions? Contact us at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Historic Huntley, a 19th-century villa near the entrance to Huntley Meadows Park, has been named to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, a program of the National Park Service. The Network to Freedom works to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight.

Historic Huntley preserves the stories of three enslaved men, Bob, Sam Humphreys and Sandy, who risked everything on their journey to freedom in the 1820s and 1830s. To attain the new designation, Park Authority staff documented Huntley’s role as a plantation in Fairfax County and the lives of the enslaved men who escaped.

“We can only imagine the courage required to face an abyss of uncertainty and danger when one feels the fire of freedom in their bones,” said Nigel Fields, deputy director for planning and development at the Park Authority. “These stories continue to inspire freedom seekers today. Historic Huntley’s history contributes to the evidence of a nationwide, persistent and irrepressible resistance to chattel enslavement in the United States.”

Established through an Act of Congress in 1998, the Network to Freedom program works in collaboration with local, state and federal entities, as well as individuals and organizations to create a "network" of sites, facilities and programs with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. These sites are not limited to safehouses and may include any location that played a role in a freedom seeker’s journey.

By joining the Network to Freedom, the Park Authority, as the property owner and operator, has access to new opportunities for grant funding that may be used for preservation, restoration and interpretation of the site. This designation also allows for network sites to draw support for preservation and commemorative efforts.

Historic Huntley is the third historic Park Authority site to attain this designation. Sully Historic Site was added in 2003, and Riverbend Park joined the network in 2011.

About the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

The Network to Freedom’s mission is to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. The network advances the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression. The program is a catalyst for innovation and partnerships that share the diverse legacy of the Underground Railroad across generations. Learn more at the Park Service's Network to Freedom website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that Patriot Park North has been recognized as the best All-Star Outdoor Venue by SportsEvents Media Group in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor celebrates outstanding outdoor facilities that consistently deliver top-tier amenities, service and playability for athletes and event organizers alike.

Patriot Park North is a dynamic sports complex for competitive baseball and softball. Since opening in 2023, the park has been buzzing with tournaments, camps, exhibitions and other events. It has welcomed players, coaches and fans for 91 tournaments and will host 38 more from March through November 2026. Last year, Patriot Park North generated nearly $500,000 in income and $5.75 million in economic activity in Fairfax County.

“This award reflects the Fairfax County Park Authority’s commitment to recreational excellence in every aspect of our park system,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Patriot Park North is more than a sports complex. It’s a gathering place that supports tourism and economic vitality and showcases the gold standard of athletic facilities and service in Fairfax County. I want to thank the Park Authority Board and staff, our county leaders, and all who have helped make Patriot Park a regional destination for unforgettable events and experiences.”

“I am thrilled that Patriot Park North has been recognized with the SportsEvents magazine Readers’ Choice Award for All-Star Outdoor Venue,” said Jeff McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “This facility reflects the county’s commitment to high-quality recreational opportunities and the Park Authority’s excellent work in creating spaces that bring our community together.”

“Patriot Park North’s success is just the tip of the iceberg of Fairfax County’s potential in the sports tourism market,” said Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, chairman of the Fairfax County Sports Tourism Task Force.

“Not only has the facility elevated Fairfax County’s reputation as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports but indeed contributes greatly to the local economy through direct economic impact,” said Barry H. Biggar, president and CEO of Visit Fairfax. “Each tournament brings families, athletes and visitors to our destination, who in turn support our local businesses, which create lasting benefits well beyond the playing fields.”

For more information about Patriot Park North and to take a virtual 360 tour of the facility, visit the Patriot Park North webpage. Additional inquires can be directed to 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 about our parks, rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, and historic sites by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority website.

About Patriot Park North

Patriot Park North is an athletic facility in Fairfax, Virginia, for baseball and softball that features six lighted, synthetic turf fields. Designed with both performance and experience in mind, the facility offers on-site concessions, flexible fencing options, portable pitching mounds and generous warm-up areas to support seamless tournament operations. Players benefit from covered, fully wrapped dugouts and electronic scoreboards on every field, while spectators can take in the action from comfortable viewing areas and a press box featuring a 360-degree observation deck. A baseball- and softball-themed playground further enhances the atmosphere, creating an engaging and family-friendly environment that extends beyond the game itself.

In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, Patriot Park North is surrounded by numerous Fairfax County Park Authority parks and experiences, including scenic trails, historic sites, nature centers and recreational amenities.

For more information, visit the Patriot Park North webpage.
 

Whether you gravitate toward the light or the dark, there’s a spot for you at the finish line of the 2026 Healthy Strides Heroes vs. Villains 5K/10K. Suit up and join this thrilling community event that takes place at Burke Lake Park on Saturday, May 2.

Fairfax County Park Authority brings this annual event back with opportunities for the entire family. The event, set to upbeat, themed music, starts at 7:30 a.m. Begin with a group stretch and warm-up session. Walk, run or roll in the family friendly 5K (3.1 miles) that follows a tree-lined, paved road that is wheelchair and stroller accessible through the park. Step up to the challenge by participating in a competitive 10K that leads through a 6.2-mile wooded trail that circles the lake. Participants in the 10K must be able to maintain faster than a 17-minute mile and complete the course by 9:30 a.m. 

Take on this trek to earn a specially designed shirt and commemorative medal reflecting the race theme. The overall top finishers and top finishers in different age groups for both the 5K and 10K earn awards and bragging rights. Race participants can also register their children to participate in a Tots Dash (ages 2 to 5) and Kids Dash (ages 6 to 10) — short runs to the finish line for children of the 5K/10K participants.

Come out to cheer for the runners and enjoy the post-race refreshments and party. Please note that all race participants and spectators must wait until the race is over before leaving the park, since roadways will be closed for the runners.

A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to the Fairfax County Park Foundation to support beautiful Burke Lake Park. Opportunities to sponsor the popular 5K/10K Healthy Strides race are still available through the Fairfax County Park Foundation at Healthy Strides – Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Fairfax County Park Foundation also supports the Park Authority’s Healthy Strides program -- which offers free online fitness classes -- with monetary donations. Explore all the ways to become a partner and give support by visiting the Park Foundation's Healthy Strides website.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website or call 703-323-6600.

About 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. For more information, visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

A world of new opportunities awaits to get active, enjoy your favorite hobby, learn new skills and connect with community in Fairfax County Park Authority classes. Explore the numerous classes available for registration now in the newly released spring 2026 issue of Parktakes magazine.

Grow skills with the assistance of our trained instructors across a variety of categories:

• Adapted Recreation
• Aquatics
• Children’s Corner
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Exercise and Physical Fitness
• Farm
• Fine Arts and Crafts
• Gardening
• Golf
• History
• Ice Skating
• Martial Arts and Self-Defense
• Nature
• Outdoor Recreation
• Performing Arts
• Pets
• Science and Technology
• Sports and Leagues
• Xtras

Jump into swimming, embark on a new adventure in the outdoors, dig into gardening, put your paintbrush to canvas, perfect your golf swing, get hands-on with history, glide onto the ice, groove on the dance floor, join the game, and so much more.

Register by Friday, March 6 to save $8 on most classes. Learn more by visiting the Parktakes website.

In a milestone year for the Fairfax County Park Authority, the agency is celebrating its 75th Anniversary and the 20th Anniversary of the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program.

The IMA Volunteer Program trains and empowers community volunteers to restore parklands, protect wildlife habitats and remove invasive plants that threaten Fairfax County’s forests, meadows and waterways. What began in 2006 as a community-based effort has grown into one of the region’s most impactful, volunteer-driven conservation programs — a powerful example of community-powered stewardship in action.

The program has grown from 10 dedicated IMA volunteer site leaders guiding 400 volunteers to 56 Site Leaders steering more than 4,000 volunteers annually. Additionally, 46 tree rescuers contribute over 900 hours each year to remove invasive vines and protect mature trees. These efforts restore balance to natural ecosystems, protect biodiversity, improve water quality and create healthier habitats for people and wildlife alike.

Be Part of the Next 20 Years

The community is invited to become part of the movement! Get outdoors and meet new friends with hands-on volunteer opportunities at parks across the county. Volunteer opportunities range from 90 minutes to three hours, and anyone 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Longer term commitments are also available.

In celebration of National Invasive Species Awareness Week this week, get ahead of your garden with the "Plant This, Not That.” This helps residents identify invasive plants commonly sold in stores and offers native alternatives that support local ecosystems.

Save the dates for special volunteer events, including the Tree Rescuers Extravaganza, March 21-April 12, and Take Back the Forest events in April and May.

Visit the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program website to learn more. You can find information on guidance about how to take action, milestone highlights, anniversary storytelling and videos featuring IMA site leaders and volunteers, who are making real change in parks across Fairfax County.

The Invasive Management Area Program 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.