Park Authority

By Chase Brown

The cold fall weather is finally starting to move in, and you know what that means. The Striped Bass are here. Striped Bass, or Stripers as most people call them, are a migratory fish that move up and down the East Coast of the United States. During the fall, massive schools of these fish travel up the Potomac River and into the creeks. Stripers can vary in size, the smaller ones which are generally referred to as “schoolies” are usually around 12 to 24 inches.  However, in recent years anglers have pulled out some trophy size Striped Bass from the Potomac with some reaching over 40 inches.

The typical ways to catch these fish are soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. Make sure that you use a jig head that is not too heavy or light, I recommend between a ¼ or ½ oz. depending on the current.  In my experience, Striper seemed to be really drawn to white or silver colors and especially love the movement that a long grub trail lure makes. The color of your jig head isn’t as important to Striper, but I typically go for red, white, or standard lead color. Live baitfish are an excellent choice as well for catching Stripers so if you can get hold of some bullhead minnows or shiners you should have success. I find that a 3/0 size circle hook with a ¼ oz. weight attached a foot above the hook is the best choice for fishing your live bait.

Areas such as creek mouths and deep channels are excellent places to find Stripers holding up. You can find a lot of success in areas where the Potomac meets up with a creek as the Striper are typically moving in and out of these areas on a regular basis. The best time to target these fish are on an incoming tide so make sure you go online and find a tide chart for your area. Striper tend to travel in schools so if you can catch one then you can usually catch a handful. Remember the technique you used to catch the first one and there should be more to follow. Deep channels along shallow riverbanks are another area that Striper tend to frequent since the deep water gives them some cover and allows them to pick off baitfish as they move out of the shallows. Fairfax County provides some excellent fishing spots to target Stripers around the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area. Any of the local creeks around you that feed into the Potomac are great places for you to try to target Stripers. Take a drive along the George Washington Parkway and you will be sure to find some great areas to try and land one of these amazing fish.

By Chase Brown

Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!

Here’s what you need to know on what to do before your first fishing trip this year, as well as tips and information on the fish you can expect to catch. If you have any specific questions about fishing in the area or fishing in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to our FCPA Fishing Coordinator Dan Grulke at dan.grulke@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also, be sure to go online and check out some of the fishing classes we will be offering this year at some of your favorite local parks!

Maintaining your equipment is incredibly important when it comes to fishing, and it can save you a lot of money if done properly and in a timely manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

1. Gather all your gear together including all rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and any miscellaneous lures you may have lying around.
2. Grab your rods and make sure each eye on each rod is properly secured and lines up properly.
3. Take your fishing reels and ensure that each one is cranking smoothly and that you have taken off any fishing line from last year. If your fishing reel is tough to crank and feels sort of locked up, then you may have to spray some lubricant inside the grooves to eliminate some of the rust or any gunk that may have built up inside over time. Be sure to change out your line before your first fishing trip this year if it has been on your reel for over a few months, as fishing line tends to lose its strength and become brittle after it sits on the reel for a while.
4. Make sure that you check for any bait or food in your tackle box that may have been left in it over the winter. For parents, I recommend you check your child’s tackle box for leftover food or bait every time they come home from fishing. I cannot tell you how many times I have found month-old hot dogs and bread that have led to entire tackle boxes needing to be thrown away.
5. Examine all your lures and hooks for signs of rust or wear. Use a sharpening stone on any of them that you think may need to be sharpened. If you find out that a lot of your lures or hooks have started to rust, then you most likely have an issue with water or moisture getting into your tackle box. I would try to locate any holes or breaks in your tackle box, and then think about moving it to a different, dryer location.
6. Check your fishing nets for gashes that may have been made from the previous year and examine them for rust if they are made of metal. Depending on what fish you are targeting, you may be able to get by with a few small gashes in your net, but you can make a quick fix with some thick sewing string and a needle, if you think it is necessary.

Now that you have some steps to get yourself prepared for the season, let us talk about some of the fish you may be targeting out there!

Spring is the time of year when largemouth bass begin their spawning rituals and tend to become highly aggressive. It is also a great time of the year for finding a trophy fish, since a lot of the females are pretty fattened up to prepare for spawning. Typically, you can find pairs of fish along grass beds guarding their nests from intruders and attacking anything that gets too close. In my opinion, this makes for an easy and enjoyable day of fishing, since you do not have to put too much effort into choosing the right lure. If it can fit in their mouth and you cast it close to their nesting site, you should have no problem hooking up with a bass this time of year.

Another reason that spring is a favorite time of year among anglers is the migratory species you can find in the Potomac River, such as striped bass and yellow perch. I had an article that previously talked about striped bass and their fall migration up the river , but they will also make a smaller migration down the river in the early springtime. Typically, there are not as many as there are in the fall, but these fish always seem to come back when the weather starts to warm up. The warmer waters also signal the beginning of the yellow perch migration. These fish spawn in rivers and creeks during this time of year, just like the largemouth bass. The yellow perch, not to be confused with the white perch that inhabits this area year-round, has some distinguishable features that separate it from its counterparts, including its color, which is typically greenish yellow with black bands along its sides.  

I have my best luck with yellow perch when fishing small soft plastics along areas with lots of rocks. Just like the largemouth bass, these fish are very aggressive during their spawning season and will strike at just about anything that crosses their path.

For those of you looking to experience fishing for the first time or looking to catch anything that will take your bait, panfish is the way to go.

Virginia has numerous species of panfish but the most popular three are bluegill, sunfish and crappie. They can be found in just about any body of water around the area and are a fun and easy species to catch that will be sure to brighten anyone’s fishing day.

All you need for these fish are some fishing line, a hook and bait, such as worms or crickets. Panfish typically travel in schools too, so where you find one you should be able to find a dozen.

Fishing for panfish is perfect for beginners or any angler looking for a relaxing day on the water. Although they are not the biggest fish by any means, they have some beautiful colors and patterns and a decent-sized one will put up a good fight on a lightweight fishing rod.

Good luck to all of you this fishing season, and I hope that this article helps you land that trophy catch this spring!

This month, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide recognition of the vital role of parks building strong, healthy communities. This year’s theme -- “The Power Of....” -- highlights the power of parks and recreation to bring people together, support physical and mental health, and create resilient, connected communities.

This year the Fairfax County Park Authority is celebrating 75 years of powerful parks, programs, people and stories. Explore powerful places and experiences in Fairfax County parks that resonate with your passions and interests and discover what makes our parks so special.

Connect with the Power of Parks

The possibilities are endless for connecting with nature, recreational experiences and one another in Fairfax County parks. The county parks system contains 424 parks, more than 340 miles of trails, nine rec centers, 60 staffed sites, eight golf courses, four waterfront parks, and three nature centers. In addition, the Park Authority is hosting dozens of free, live entertainment performances across the county in July for its Summer Entertainment Series.

Play All Day

Playtime in parks is a great way to enjoy the summer season and, when temperatures soar, to beat the heat. Splash at Our Special Harbor, an accessible sprayground, and enjoy the slides and water slides and fun in the sun at The Water Mine. Paddle across Burke Lake, Lake Fairfax or Lake Accotink with a boat rental, or take a dip in one of the county’s indoor pools, such as Cub Run Rec Center. Carousels, a miniature train at Burke Lake Park and mini golf at four locations, including Jefferson Falls and Lake Accotink, are among the fun activities to enjoy outdoors. With more than 230 playgrounds across the county, there are plenty of choices.

Invest in Your Wellness

The restorative experiences of walking on trails, taking an exercise class or participating in solo or team sports activities in parks offer not only physical benefits but also advance health resilience and shared community benefits. Getting out to parks to enjoy activities that provide powerful connections to others and our surroundings can improve our outlook, sense of place and purpose and appreciation for the power of parks.

Find a park, plan an activity and discover what makes Fairfax parks great. Visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage  to learn more.

Travel the world without leaving town this summer by coming out to Arts in the Parks Cultural Heritage Nights, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Audiences can witness awe-inspiring musical and dance performances by talented artists, featuring rhythms from across the globe, at Ossian Hall Park located at 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale.

Immerse yourself in spectacular performances that include:

• Saturday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.: Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night – Centro Cultural Peru
• Saturday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.: Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night – Ballet Folklorico Boliviano Nuestras Raices
• Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.: Bulgarian Cultural Heritage Night – Lyuti Chushki
• Saturday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Taiwan Cultural Heritage Night – Hai Hua Community Center
• Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.: West African Cultural Heritage Night – Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band

"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures from around the world as the Summer Entertainment Series brings this tradition back to Ossian Hall Park," said Shera L. White, Fairfax County Park Authority Events and Volunteer Manager. “This series brings the diverse traditions of Fairfax County to life and provides a platform for the community to connect in our parks.”

Come out to enjoy everything from these cultural rhythms to kids’ concerts to shows featuring various genres to outdoor movies — search the full suite of events on the Summer Entertainment Series website. Join our Summer Concert Series e-news list to get updates about the upcoming schedule.

To celebrate with us, bring a chair, sit back, and let the night sky illuminate local talent. All performances are held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home. Cancellations are updated online and via hotline one hour prior to showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers that contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

Fairfax County Park Foundation

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.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to accept the nominations of Ellen Gray, Radhika Subramanian and Jonathan Wertz as board directors of the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority Board confirmed these appointments at its June 24 board meeting. The new directors’ first term of service began on July 1 and extends through June 30, 2029.

"On behalf of the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board and Staff, I am pleased to welcome Ellen Gray, Radhika Subramanian and Jonathan Wertz to the FCPF board, " stated Laura Eakin Erlacher, FCPF Board of Directors Chair. "Their expertise and commitment as volunteer board directors will help FCPF continue to attract support for Fairfax County park improvements, outreach programs and community events."

Ellen Gray

Ellen Gray is president of Unlimited Horizons Business Services Inc., a Fairfax County small business since 1992, focusing on developing compassionate leaders/managers through leadership coaching. Gray earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Grantham University. Credentials include International Coaching Federation – Certified (ACC); Certified Gallup Clifton Strengths Coach; Certified Positive Intelligence Coach; Listening Intelligence Coach; and DISC, EQi 2.0, MBTI certified. Gray and her husband raised their two children in the North Springfield community and walks her beloved dog in Lake Accotink Park almost every day.

Radhika Subramanian

Radhika Subramanian is the deputy director of the High Performance Computing and Communications Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where she oversees the computing infrastructure that powers the nation's weather forecasting, climate modeling and environmental research missions. Subramanian holds a master’s degree in business administration from Virginia Tech, a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia, and an International Finance certificate from Oxford University. Subramanian is an active volunteer in her community and lives in Herndon, Virginia, with her husband and two children.

Jonathan Wertz

Jonathan Wertz is a senior leader with over 20 years of experience in national security, foreign policy and global operations. A retired U.S. Army officer, he served as an intelligence officer and Foreign Area Office. Wertz holds a master of arts in security studies from Georgetown University, a master of business administration from Webster University and a bachelor of science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. A longtime Northern Virginia resident, Wertz lives with his wife and two children. An avid runner and outdoors enthusiast, he enjoys hiking, camping and exploring Fairfax County parks with family and friends.

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 Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

Fairfax County’s signature Independence Day celebration launches this weekend with a first for the Fairfax County Park Authority: a drone light show over Lake Fairfax Park.

The Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration is part of Fairfax 250, the countywide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Instead of traditional fireworks, hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky with music, motion and patriotic imagery, celebrating American independence and Fairfax County’s role in the nation’s story. The show offers a lower-noise, debris-free alternative to fireworks.

The celebration also features live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Explore scenic trails, enjoy boating and fishing, relax in picnic areas or make it a weekend getaway by camping onsite and walking to the show. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole will be open during the day; admission is sold separately.

Event Details

Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, June 28
Noon-10 p.m.
Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston

The Water Mine opens at 10 a.m. Food trucks begin serving at noon, and live music starts at 2:15 p.m.

Live Music Schedule

• School of Rock: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
• The Sonic Boom: 4:15-5:15 p.m.
• The Reflex: 6:15-9:15 p.m.

Parking

• $20 per vehicle online through Saturday, June 27, at 11:59 p.m.
• $25 per vehicle at the gate, with limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Pedestrians and cyclists do not pay a parking fee

Entry begins at noon. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. for best access. The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

The celebration is hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

For parking passes and event information, visit the Lake Fairfax Park 250th Independence Day Celebration webpage.

About the Fairfax County 250th Commission

Established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021, the Fairfax County 250th Commission leads countywide efforts to honor and commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Through partnerships, public programs and community events, the Commission celebrates the people, places and stories that shaped Fairfax County and our nation. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax 250 webpage.

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 Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

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 the Park Authority. 
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to an open house at the Ash Grove Historic House on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is part of the Resident Curator Program’s ongoing efforts to provide public access to Fairfax County’s historic properties and highlight the work being done to preserve and restore these important cultural resources.

The resident curator will be on site throughout the event to welcome visitors, share information about the property and discuss ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the site. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn more about the history and continued preservation of Ash Grove.

Due to limited onsite parking, a shuttle bus service will be provided from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the public should park at Westbriar Elementary School, located at 1741 Pine Valley Drive in Vienna, where a Fastran shuttle will transport visitors to the historic site. The shuttle will run between the school and Ash Grove on the half hour. The last return trip from Ash Grove to Westbriar Elementary will depart at 1 p.m.

Ash Grove is one of the few surviving 18th-century Virginia houses and was built by the Fairfax family. Thomas Fairfax constructed the original portion of the house in 1790, and the family occupied the property until 1847. The house sits on approximately one acre of land between the densely wooded Old Courthouse Spring Branch stream valley and the Westwood Village townhouse subdivision. It is located on the edge of Tysons Corner and approximately two-thirds of a mile from the Spring Hill Metro Station. The property includes several historic structures, including the main house, an 18th-century brick kitchen and a smokehouse.

Ash Grove is a stately Federal-style, 2.5-story center-hall house with approximately 4,200 square feet of finished space. A serious fire in 1960 threatened the survival of the house; however, many original architectural elements had previously been removed, and a set of Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) drawings and photographs from the 1930s proved instrumental in guiding its restoration. Some of the original wood flooring still bears visible charring from the fire, serving as a reminder of the building’s layered history.

The Resident Curator Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements to live rent-free in historic properties located in beautiful public park settings. In return, curators agree to invest in the rehabilitation of these properties to ensure that the history of Fairfax County is preserved for future generations to experience.

For additional information visit the Resident Curator Program website. You may also contact Resident Curator Program manager, Stephanie Langton at 703-324-8791 or stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Golf Fairfax is excited to announce a major update to its free mobile app, featuring a refreshed design and powerful new tools that help golfers track their game, navigate the course and stay connected throughout every round. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the updated app delivers an even more seamless experience both on and off the course.

The Golf Fairfax App continues to offer all the features golfers already know and love. With just a few taps golfers can still:

• Book tee times quickly and easily.
• Access GPS-enabled course maps and driving range GPS.
• Keep score with an interactive digital scorecard.
• Get instant alerts through Noteefy, our tee time waitlist assistant.
• Stay linked in with Golf Fairfax news, upcoming tournaments, events and exclusive offers.

The latest adds even more ways to enhance your round. Golfers can now:

• View menus and call ahead to order food at Laurel Hill, Twin Lakes, Burke Lake and Pinecrest.
• Choose from multiple scoring formats.
• Measure shot distances directly.
• Track where your shots land.
• Review your performance trends over time with aggregated statistics and round history.
• Post eligible scores directly to Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN).
• Capture detailed round statistics with one tap.

"Our refreshed mobile app combines smart technology with effortless usability, giving golfers a smoother, faster and more engaging way to interact with our courses — anytime, anywhere." said Golf Division Director Ryan Carmen.

With approximately 10,000 downloads since its launch, the Golf Fairfax app has become an essential resource for golfers across the county. This latest update reflects Golf Fairfax's ongoing commitment to providing innovative tools and convenient technology that enhance the customer experience.

Golfers can download the app or update to the latest version today by visiting the Golf Fairfax website.

Create your own summer soundtrack with the Summer Entertainment Series. Attend free, live concerts taking place at locations all around Fairfax through August. Award-winning entertainers take the stage in this series that is set to enrich the community and promote togetherness in Fairfax County.

"Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Park Foundation, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and our other partners and supporters are excited to bring the Summer Entertainment Series back to the Fairfax County community," says Shera White, Fairfax County Park Authority events and volunteer manager. "Our free concerts create a sense of belonging and community pride. We can’t wait to see you out in our parks to connect, relax and enjoy the sounds of summer."

This season consists of 124 performances at 20 venues. Mark your calendar for some incredible performances including:

• Wednesday, July 1, 7 p.m.: Rocksteady Project, Franconia District Park
• Thursday, July 2, 5:30 p.m.: U.S. 257th Army Band, Fairfax County Government Center
• Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.: Gayle Harrod Band, Lake Accotink Park
• Wednesday, July 15, 7:00 p.m.: SoHo Down, Burke Lake Park
• Saturday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.: No BS! Brass Band, Workhouse Arts Center
• Friday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.: City of Falls Church Concert Band, Mason District Park
• Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.: Lover: The Unofficial Eras Tour, Arrowbrook Centre Park
• Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Roberta Lea and the First Take Band, Arrowbrook Centre Park
• Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.: Junkyard Band, Franconia District Park
• Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: Brookhouse, Frying Pan Farm Park
• Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Pat McGee, Mason District Park
• Thursday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Alexandria A Cappella Collective, Nottoway Park

Whatever your favorite genre — R&B, classic rock, classical and jazz, blues, choral, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, ska/soul, Latin Rock, country and best hits — find it in the parks this summer.

Performances take place outdoors, so be sure to pack a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for an unforgettable night. Find the full list of performances and the full list of locations by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website.

All performances are held outdoors. Lawn chairs are welcome. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home. Cancellations are updated online and via hotline one hour prior to the showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers that contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

Fairfax County Park Foundation

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.

As the summer weather heats up, cool off at Fairfax County Park Authority’s water parks and splash pads. Spend the day cooling off and enjoy water play features sure to add enjoyment to the season:

The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): Twist and splash your way through slides, sprays and the lazy river.

Open weekends; daily hours begin June 20. Enjoy an extra hour on weekends with the park opening at 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, June 20 to Aug. 23.

Bonus: Choose from a variety of spaces to rent — from "Funbrellas" to cabanas to bungalows — at this popular destination. Secure your spot in the shade and a place for your group to enjoy the park this summer. Get your rental early. Please note that rental fees do not include admission, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

Our Special Harbor Spray Park (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria): An inclusive splash zone perfect for kids of all abilities.

Open weekends; open daily June 20 through Aug. 23.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool (8115 Fordson Road, Alexandria): A community pool featuring a brand-new splashpad for all ages. Come out to swim and play all summer at this community gem.  

Open weekends; open daily (except Tuesdays) June 20-Aug. 23.

Find park hours, seasonal openings and operating schedules by visiting the Operational Hours website.

The Park Authority also welcomes individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input to attend a sensory friendly time at our water parks. Experience limited capacity, reduced sounds with louder water features turned off, and staff trained to respond to children with special needs. Come out to enjoy the following sensory friendly hours this summer. Regular entry fees apply.

The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole

• Tuesday, June 23, 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 21, 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 18, 10-11 a.m.

Our Special Harbor Spray Park

• Wednesdays, June 24-Aug. 19, 10-11 a.m.

Cub Run Rec Center Indoor Water Park

• Friday, July 17, 9-10 a.m.
• Friday, July 31, 9-10 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 14, 9-10 a.m.