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!

Golf Fairfax is pleased to share details about the upcoming Dogue Creek Stream Restoration Project at Greendale Golf Course, an initiative led by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in collaboration with Fairfax County Park Authority.

The project is scheduled to begin on Nov. 3 and continue through March 2027. The restoration will include stream and pond dredging, streambank stabilization and stormwater infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are designed to enhance water quality, control erosion and sediment, reduce flooding risk, and improve the long-term sustainability of the golf course.

"This project represents a shared commitment to protecting natural resources and maintaining high-quality park facilities," said Carmen Giannini, Golf Fairfax Director of Agronomy. "These improvements will benefit both the environment and the playing experience for our golfers."

Temporary Course Impact

To complete the restoration work, several areas of the course will be temporarily affected:

• Hole 5 will be closed from November 2025 to March 2026.
• Hole 6 will be closed from November 2025 to March 2027.
• Hole 7 will temporarily play as a Par 3 between November 2025 and March 2026.

While two holes are closed, Greendale Golf Course will offer a 20% discount on regular-priced greens fees. Golfers may experience temporary cart path detours, tee box adjustments and construction-related noise near Holes 16 and 17. For safety, players are asked not to retrieve golf balls from construction zones.

Once completed, the project will enhance both the playability and appearance of the course, creating a more resilient and sustainable facility that reflects Fairfax County’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Project updates and additional information will be posted online as they become available at the Dogue Creek Stream Restoration website. 

Greendale Golf Course is located at 6700 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Visit the Greendale Golf Course website for more information.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the proposed 2026 Park Authority Fee Schedule for consideration at the Oct. 22 meeting of the Park Authority Board, kicking off an essential community engagement process. The Park Authority Board considers fee adjustments on an annual basis, with the goal of balancing user impact with the financial stability of park programs and services. Pending adoption, the 2026 Fee Schedule will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Park fees support the operation and maintenance of Fairfax County’s park system, including rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, camps, classes, water parks, amusements, park programs and amenities. These facilities and amenities provide enjoyment and memorable experiences for millions of park visitors each year.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Park Authority Board is actively seeking public feedback on the 2026 Fee Schedule to ensure that they reflect the priorities of Fairfax County residents. The Park Authority invites community members to share their thoughts and comments through one of the following channels by 5 p.m. on Nov. 26:

Online Submission: Feedback can be submitted via PublicInput

Via U.S. Mail. Written comments may be sent to:

Park Authority Public Information Office

Attn: 2024 Fee Schedule Comments

12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 925

Fairfax, VA 22035

Residents are encouraged to participate in this critical discussion to shape how Fairfax County parks and recreational facilities will operate for years to come. For more details about the proposed fee schedule, please visit our PublicInput webpage or contact the Park Authority at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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.

Take the plunge into aquatic fitness with Fairfax County Park Authority’s Aqua Flex pass and annual event this fall.

As the weather cools, the Park Authority is amping up the opportunities to stay active in our Rec Centers with our Aqua Flex pass and event. Throughout November, purchase a 20-visit pass for a 10% discount and a 30-visit pass for a 15% discount. Use the pass for drop-in entry to any aquatics fitness class happening at Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County. Explore the full schedule drop-in water exercise classes by visiting the Rec Center Schedule webpage.

Get the Aqua FLEX pass

Getting active with fitness classes in the pool offers numerous benefits — improving cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength, all while reducing strain on joints, helping reduce stress and contributing to weight loss. Joining an aqua fitness class also can be incredibly fun, providing an opportunity to socialize and connect with others. These connections will help you stick to a fitness routine, poolside.

For anyone still wondering whether the Park Authority’s water fitness classes are for them, sign up for the free Aqua Flex ’25 event, Saturday, Nov. 1. Try out a sampling of different styles and intensities of water fitness classes. This event occurs from 2 to 4 p.m., simultaneously at three different Rec Centers:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
• Oakmont Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton
• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria

Register for Aqua FLEX '25

Explore the Park Authority’s many aquatics classes for all ages. Learn more about all these and more opportunities to learn to swim and get active in the pool by visiting the Aquatics and Swimming webpage.

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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently built five new pickleball courts that are now open at Greenbriar Park. The park offers convenient access for nearby neighborhoods, ample parking, restroom facilities and ADA accessibility. It also has perimeter fencing, gates to allow for controlled access and shaded seating areas. 

Players may notice temporary pickleball striping on the Greenbriar courts. With the variability of sum-mer and fall weather this year, the Park Authority will paint permanent lines on the court this spring when the weather warms up. Painting the court in warmer weather will help ensure a high-quality final product that is designed to handle frequent activity at these courts.

Community members can explore tennis and pickleball facilities throughout Fairfax County using the Park Amenity Locator. Countywide, there are currently 100 pickleball courts, including dedicated and dual-use courts shared with other sports, such as tennis. 

Greenbriar Park is located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax. For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
 

WHAT: Fairfax County Park Authority will host a grand reopening event at Mount Vernon Rec Center. The free celebration will feature family-friendly activities, demonstrations in each area of the Rec Center, giveaways and games. All community members are welcome to experience the amenities this dynamic hub has to offer.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, Virginia

EXPLORE AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY: Bring your friends and family or rally the whole neighborhood to celebrate on Nov. 15. The Mount Vernon District and Fairfax County Public Schools will be accepting food donations for a holiday food drive that benefits local students and their families. Meet local leaders — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole, as well as Mount Vernon Rec Center leadership and staff.

View the Mount Vernon Rec Center Grand Opening flyer

About Mount Vernon Rec Center

Mount Vernon Rec Center is a 139,000-square-foot dynamic facility that boasts amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. The center features a world-class pool with play features and aquatic climbing wall, an expanded, two-story fitness, ice area with two National Hockey League size ice rinks, and an indoor climbing wall. The Rec Center provides many opportunities to gather, get active and form connections that benefit health and wellness. Discover and explore its amenities by visiting the Mount Vernon Rec Center website.

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 Fairfax County Park Authority website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council award in recognition of its exceptional energy efficiency improvements at the Spring Hill Rec Center. This honor highlights FCPA’s leadership in sustainability and its commitment to reducing energy consumption across its facilities.

Joshua Smith and Keith Snyder, of the Fairfax County Park Authority, accepted the award during the official presentation last week, expressing their gratitude for the recognition and sharing the importance of this landmark project.

"This award is a testament to our commitment to being stewards of Fairfax County’s natural resources," Snyder said. “Through initiatives like those at the Spring Hill Rec Center, we are not only protecting the environment for future generations but are also making smart financial decisions that benefit our community directly. This project demonstrates what is possible when we work together to integrate sustainable solutions into our parks and facilities."

The energy efficiency improvements made at the Spring Hill Rec Center reflect three key principles:

1. Environmental Stewardship: This project highlights FCPA’s role in ensuring these spaces are environmentally sustainable for generations to come. At the Rec Center campus, even unprogrammed land contributes to the building’s sustainability. Future residents and patrons will be able to recreate on the same ground that conditions the Rec Center.
2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: The project achieved a 37% reduction in energy use. Through the County’s energy services contract (ESCO), utilities savings exceeded expectations, with a utility cost avoidance of more than $116,000 annually, far surpassing the guaranteed savings of $67,118. This project allowed the Park Authority to meet Fairfax County’s 25% energy reduction goal ahead of the 2030 milestone in the County Operational Energy Strategy.
3. Collaborative Effort: The Fairfax County Office of Energy and Environmental Coordination, energy services contractor CMTA, ICF and Washington Gas all played pivotal roles in funding, design, procurement and construction phases of the improvements. This diverse team worked collaboratively to thoroughly review the existing building equipment and HVAC systems at Spring Hill Rec Center and develop this creative option that enhanced maintenance and reliability.

"The Spring Hill Recreation Center project is not only one of the largest geothermal HVAC and solar installations in the county but also a proof of concept for large-scale energy retrofits and renewable integration," Kevin Smith, division manager of OEEC said. “This effort showcases how innovations like this can help us reach our goal of carbon neutrality in government operations by 2040. Energy efficiency remains central to our climate goals, and these partnerships are key to making ambitious projects like this successful.”

Spring Hill Rec Center is located at 1239 Spring Hill Road in McLean. For more information, visit the Spring Hill Rec Center website or call 703-827-0989. 

About Virginia Energy Efficiency Council

The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council is a statewide organization that promotes energy efficiency as a path to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Council recognizes leaders who demonstrate commitment and innovation in energy efficiency practices that set benchmarks for other organizations across Virginia.

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 Fairfax County Park Authority website.

Observatory Park at Turner Farm is kicking off a new season of monthly astronomy programs and events designed to bring the night sky to life for registrants of all ages. Cool evenings in fall and winter are the perfect backdrop for stargazing, hands-on learning and unforgettable community experiences.

Program highlights:

• Astronomy Festivals – Gather with family and friends for telescope viewing, fun activities, and storytelling around the campfire.
• Night Sky Tours – Explore planets, constellations, stars and galaxies with telescopes or just your eyes.
• Planet Adventure Nights – Enjoy a lively evening of astronomy fun for all ages.
• Introduction to Astronomy – A beginner-friendly program that opens the door to stargazing.
• Scout Programs – Earn badges with specialized astronomy and space science activities for Scouts of all levels.

Winter registration starts on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Mark your calendars, spots fill quickly!

Explore the Night Sky – Free Sponsored Viewing

Join us for a free public viewing on Friday, Oct. 17, thanks to a generous sponsorship. The evening program will focus on viewing opportunities at the park and share simple ways to explore the night sky from home. Guests can also enjoy a solar system walk and Dark Sky education activities. Registration is free but required. A rain date is set for Saturday, Oct. 18.

Register for Turner Farm programs

Support the Stars

Sponsorship opportunities are available for community members, organizations and businesses that want to support these programs and expand public access with free of charge astronomy viewings in Fairfax County.

Turner Farm is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information about upcoming programs or sponsorships, visit the Turner Farm website or call 703-324-8700. 

Golf Fairfax invites golfers of all ages to Laurel Hill Golf Club for a spook-tacular celebration at the Eisman Golf Academy Student Appreciation Day, on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Eisman Golf Academy, this free event combines the fun of fall with the spirit of golf and features games, contests, prizes, food and festive activities for the whole family. Participants are encouraged to RSVP and come in costume for a chance to win a prize for Best Costume!

The event will feature:

• Longest Drive Competition: Show off your skills and compete in our Longest Drive Competition for men, women and juniors (12 and under). Prizes will be presented for the longest drive in each division.
• Delicious Food: Savor a selection of treats to keep your energy up throughout the day.
• Short Game & Flop Wall Challenge: Compete for prizes and sharpen your skills in the crowd-favorite short game events.
• Range and Putting Contests: Test your precision and win fun prizes in our range and putting contests.

Find out more about Student Appreciation Day and Register

The Eisman Golf Academy is led by instructor Jon Eisman, who is ranked Top Teacher in Virginia by Golf Digest. The academy offers a variety of lessons, classes and camps at Laurel Hill Golf Club. The EGA Performance Lab located at Laurel Hill Golf Club is a state-of-the-art facility designed for golfers of all levels who are serious about improving their game. The EGA Performance lab features cutting-edge technology and equipment that provides detailed analysis and feedback, allowing coaches to tailor instruction to specific golfer needs.

The Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive in Lorton. For more information, visit the Laurel Hill Golf Club website or call 703-493-8849.