Park Authority

June is Women’s Golf Month and Fairfax County Park Authority’s courses are celebrating with activities and discounts just for the ladies. Golf Fairfax is committed to the development of women in the game of golf and to building a community of women golfers.

Join the par-tee! The number of women golfers is on the rise, both nationally and locally. Golf is an excellent way to socialize, exercise, and get outside to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with friends and family. Learn how to get involved with women’s league play.

Practice makes parfect! Whether you need to shave a few strokes off your game or just want to get out and have fun, hit up one of our award-winning, double-decker ranges at Burke Lake and Oak Marr Golf. Buy any size bucket and get one free (small) bucket of balls all month long. Twin Lakes is also showing its appreciation with one free large bucket, Fridays after noon.

Dress for success! Women will enjoy discounts on apparel in the pro shops at Burke Lake, Laurel Hill, Oak Marr, Pinecrest and Twin Lakes.

Learn from a pro! New to the sport or want to up your game? Golf Fairfax offers ladies-only and co-ed small group classes and private and semi-private lessons at various locations.

For more information on activities and discounts for Women’s Golf Month, please visit the Women and Golf webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin the work of resurfacing the tennis courts at Rutherford Park. To complete the work, the courts will be closed from approximately May 29 through June 12.

The project will include pressure washing the three tennis courts, cleaning and filling existing cracks, resurfacing, color coating and lining for tennis, and installing new net posts. Rutherford Park is not a candidate for pickleball courts and will not receive any pickleball lining. The cost of this project is $38,000 and is funded with monies allocated within the FY 2023 budget.

To locate alternative nearby park facilities with tennis courts during the construction period, please use the online Park Locator tool.

Rutherford Park is located at 4710 Guinea Road, Fairfax. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

This summer kids of all skill levels can feel the adrenaline of running the bases, hear the satisfying “crack” of the bat and experience the rush of chasing down a flyball during the Fairfax County Park Authority’s youth baseball and softball camps!

The Park Authority and US9 are partnering to host weeklong camps in June, July and August. Both full-day and half-day camp options are available. Kids and teens ages 5 to 13 are invited to learn base running, pitching, fielding and hitting. Campers will get a real feel for the game by participating in daily scrimmages.

Spaces still are available in many of the full-day and half-day camp offering taking place at the following locations:

• Patriot Park North (Fairfax)
• Spring Hill Rec Center (McLean)
• Audrey Moore Rec Center (Annandale)
• Sully Community Center (Herndon)

Register for Baseball/Softball camps

Download the Baseball/Softball Camp flyer

For more information, contact camps@fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more and explore the Park Authority’s full list of camp offerings at the Camps website.

June brings with it an abundance of opportunities to connect with nature and revel in the splendor of the great outdoors. Recognized as Great Outdoors Month, this annual observance invites individuals and families to step outside and enjoy the complete spectrum of activities and experiences available in Fairfax County parks!

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and manages 420 parks on more than 23,500 acres of land and more than 335 miles of trails. Whether taking out a pedal boat at one of our waterfront parks, enjoying a light stroll or embarking on an all-day hike along our trails, or spending a night under the stars at a Park Authority campground, there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Fairfax County.

Are you ready to get started? We’ve collected details for boating, hiking, camping, fishing, geocaching and a long list of nature-based classes and activities to get you started. Visit the Park Authority’s Great Outdoors Month website and start planning your next outdoor adventure!

The Park Authority offers a variety of activities and experiences for residents of all ages, interests and abilities. The outdoors are an essential component for a healthy lifestyle and making social connections. Visiting a park is a great opportunity for families, friends and neighbors to get outside and play, so heed the call of the wild, step outside and see what adventures await you during National Great Outdoors Month.

To show our appreciation for the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces, all active-duty and veteran military personnel are eligible for discounted pricing at all Fairfax County Park Authority Golf Courses on Military Mondays.

All courses offer discounts on Mondays, with Laurel Hill extending their discounts Monday-Thursday. Current pricing is valid through October 2023.

• Greendale Golf Course, Alexandria, $39 for 18 holes (ride)
• Jefferson Golf Course, Falls Church, $21 for 9 holes (walk)
• Laurel Hill Golf Club, Lorton, Monday-Thursday, $68 for 18 holes (ride)
• Oak Marr Golf Center, Oakton, $17 for 9 holes (includes push cart)
• Pinecrest Golf Course, Alexandria, $21 for 9 holes (walk) $25 (ride)
• Twin Lakes Golf Course, Clifton, $42 for 18 holes (cart not included)

To reserve a tee time and learn more about the Park Authority’s seven municipal golf courses, classes, tournaments and special events, visit the FCPA’s Golf website.

Get ready to have fun in the sun with Fairfax County Park Authority this summer! May 27 is opening day for a wide variety of entertaining activities for families, friends and entire communities to enjoy at our local parks. From award-winning water features and waterfront parks to mini golf and amusements, there is something for everyone.

Water Park, Pool and Sprayground

Visit the Fairfax County Park Authority’s award-winning Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, the Our Special Harbor Sprayground and the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Swimming Pool. These popular destinations are fantastic options for families to come and cool off on a hot summer day.

• The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, May 27 to June 18 and Aug. 14 to Sept. 4; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, June 19 to Aug. 13.
• Our Special Harbor Spray Park (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria): 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, May 27 to June 16 and Aug. 19 to Sept. 4; open daily June 17 to Aug. 18 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays).
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool (8115 Fordson Road, Alexandria): noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, May 27 to June 16 and Aug. 22 to Sept. 4; noon to 7 p.m., daily, June 17 to Aug. 22.

Mini Golf

Hit the course with the family for a round of mini golf at four locations this summer.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station): 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., May 27 to Aug. 18 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays through September.
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 27 to Aug. 18 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and holidays through September.
• Jefferson Falls (7900 Lee Highway, Falls Church): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through May 29 and Aug. 21 to Oct. 29; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays to Fridays and10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May 30 to June 16; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, June 17 to Aug. 20.
• Oak Marr (3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton): 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Carousels

Enjoy a ride on one of the Authority’s enchanting carousels at several park locations (weather permitting).

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station): 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, May 27 through Aug. 18 and then 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays through September.
• Clemyjontri Park (6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean): 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
• Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon): 10:20 a.m. to 1:40 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10:20 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., Friday through Sunday; call 703-437-9101 to confirm.
• Franconia (6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through May 28 and Aug. 19 through Oct. 29; daily May 29 through Aug. 18 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. other weekdays; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays).
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield): 11 a.m. to 6:40 p.m., Monday through Sunday through Aug. 18 and then 11 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. on weekends and holidays through September.

Mini -Train

Take a scenic ride through the park on our mini, passenger trains.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station): 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Sunday, May 27 through Aug. 18 and then 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays through September.

Marina

Get out on the water by renting a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, pedal boat or other boat at one of our marinas. Many allow you to launch your vessels as well, check online for additional guidance and regulations.

• Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays May 27 to Aug. 18; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekends/holidays, May 27 to September 4. The park also offers guided boat tours on weekends!
• Lake Accotink (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield), kayaks: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., May 27 to Aug. 18, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weekends and holiday Aug. 19 through September 14. Pedal boats are available in addition on weekends and holidays.
• Lake Fairfax (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays, May 27 through Sept. 4.
• Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls): Marina will open in June.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has set an initial series of public meetings to begin the discussion concerning the future of the Mount Gilead property and historic house in the Sully District. The initial public meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 7 p.m., will provide a broad overview of the Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program and discuss the future uses and considerations for the Mount Gilead property as part of the program. This will be a virtual meeting hosted via Zoom.

Mount Gilead is an 18th-century vernacular-style house that was originally built as a combined residence and tavern. Several restorative changes were made to the property to preserve and rebuild the home in the mid-1930s and again during the 1950s and 1960s. The house was recorded as part of the Virginia Landmarks Survey, as well as in the 1969 Historic American Buildings Survey. The 6-acre property and historic house was purchased by the Park Authority in 1996.

In addition to the initial Zoom meeting, an in-person open house has also been planned on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the community and prospective applicants to the Resident Curator Program are welcome to visit and tour the property, ask questions and share thoughts and feedback with staff. The property is located at 5634 Mount Gilead Road in Centreville, Virginia.

The Resident Curator Program is designed to preserve Fairfax County’s historic buildings by offering long-term leases, without charge, to private citizens or organizations in exchange for their financial commitment to rehabilitate and maintain the property in accordance with established preservation standards.

For additional information about the Mount Gilead property and historic house, including access to public meetings and supplementary information and materials, please visit the Resident Curator Program website. Questions may also be directed to the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Compete for bragging rights and prizes and socialize with fellow golf lovers! Golf Fairfax is hosting a variety of tournaments at multiple Fairfax County Park Authority golf courses throughout the county.

Bring your best golf bud and participate in the Two-Person Scramble on June 10 at 8 a.m. at Oak Marr Golf Center. Teams of two ages 12 and up, compete in a 9-hole, scramble format (captain’s choice). Shotgun start. Cost is $60 per team.

Also on June 10 at 10 a.m. is the Summer Scramble at Jefferson Golf Course. Teams of two, ages 18 and up, compete in a 9-hole scramble format (captain’s choice). Cost is $70 per team.

On June 18 at 9 a.m., partner up with a PGA Pro at the Twin Lakes Grand Slam Tournament and Watch Party! Each golfer will be matched with a pro that is playing in the U.S. Open, in a stroke play format, followed by a post-round watch party. Registration is $100 and includes and breakfast, lunch. Please note PGA pros will not be on-site.

Celebrate the family on June 17 at 9 a.m. at the Parent/Child Golf Tournament at Burke Lake Golf Center! Teams of two, ages 7 and up, will compete in an 18-hole scramble format with age three divisions competing for prizes. The cost of registration is $85 per team and includes lunch.

To register for upcoming golf events, visit Park Authority Golf’s tournament webpage.

Planning your workout routine can be daunting. Jumpstart your path to wellness by hiring a personal trainer.

Did you know that Fairfax County Park Authority employs personal trainers who can support your fitness journey? Whether you are just starting out or need help fine-tuning your routine, the Park Authority’s trainers can offer guidance on the equipment to use, make sure you are doing exercises correctly, and help optimize the time you spend working out.

Personal trainers can meet you at Park Authority Rec Centers and conduct virtual sessions as well. Sign up for private sessions of 30 or 60 minutes or choose to train with a friend for an hour. Single sessions are available at $40 to $65 per session. Save 10% by purchasing a six-pack of sessions or 15% by purchasing a 12-pack of sessions. An InBody test that provides an analysis of your weight in terms of muscle, fat and water can be added to any purchase.

The Park Authority offers many different types of fitness and wellness services from personal training to nutrition counseling to private meditation. Explore these offerings and more at our Personal Training webpage.  

National Trails Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June. The observance commemorates a communitywide commitment to leaving the trails and parks better than when you found them.

Walking, jogging, biking or otherwise spending time along trails offers many benefits for sustained health and well-being. Physical benefits include building stronger muscles and bones, improving balance, improving heart health, and decreasing the risk of some respiratory issues. Mental health benefits include improved mood, reduced stress, lower risk of depression and anxiety, and improved sensory perception.

This year on National Trails Day, June 3, head out to a park and enjoy a night hike, take a bike ride, connect with nature, go on a guided hike with a naturalist, explore technology while hiking or relax with smore’s by the campfire:

• Hikes with a Naturalist
  • 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park
  • 10 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park
• History Hikes (10 a.m. and Noon at Lake Accotink Park)
• Mountain Bike Trail Tour (10 a.m. at Lake Accotink Park)
• Summer Sun Hike and Craft (2 p.m. at Burke Lake Park)
• Technology in Nature (4 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park)
• Night Hike and S’mores Campfire (7:30 to 9 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park)
• Bats Class (8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park)

Register for your Park Authority hike online. You can also plan your own adventure along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails using the Trail Buddy application.

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