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!

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 county.

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

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax Couty 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 Park

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

• Hands-On Local Habitat (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.

Make strides toward your wellness goals this fall with an annual membership to Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers — get a 15% discount throughout September. Infuse fun into your fitness routine with group exercise classes, such as Zumba, Pilates and yoga. Get stronger every day with free weights, strength equipment and cardio machines. Dive into low-impact exercise with lap swimming and water walking in our pools. Give your muscles a break with a visit to our spas and saunas.

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 skate and climbing wall sessions
• Discounts on drop-in child care

*Space permitting, amenities vary by location .

Take 15% off an annual membership when you sign up from Sept. 1-30. Purchase in-person at Rec Centers or online through Parktakes. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers' website.

Still undecided? Experience all these amenities during the Rec Center Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Sign up for a free, seven-day trial membership or purchase of a 30-day for $30 pass to enjoy free admission all day. Explore the building, test out the Fitness Center or dip your toes in the pool. Visit from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for fun activities, such as sample exercise classes, giveaways, games and food.

For additional information, please contact FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.