Park Authority

The trails at Random Hills Park reopened last week following the completion of a major improvement project. The work was part of the Transform 66 effort to create a continuous shared-use trail along the Interstate 66 corridor, providing more than 34 miles of connectivity from Gallows Road in Dunn Loring to Bull Run Regional Park.

Improvements within Random Hills Park were designed to support increased use and enhance connections to nearby communities, such as Random Hills Road, Post Forest and the Fair Lakes area. Under a long-standing partnership established in 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority led design and permitting for the project with oversight from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Construction began in January 2026 and concluded in September 2026.

The completed project includes approximately 900 feet of new 10-foot-wide asphalt trail and drainage improvements throughout the park. A follow up Virginia Department of Transportation crosswalk project on Random Hills Road will begin soon, adding a wider crossing, refuge island and rapid flashing beacons to further improve trail connectivity.

Random Hills Park is located at 11550 Random Hills Road in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Step into three days of farm fun, fall traditions and family favorites, Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Farm Harvest Fest and Carnival features hands-on activities and demonstrations, Big Truck Night and a full carnival.

Big Truck Night kicks things off Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., giving families an up-close look at large trucks and specialty vehicles.

On Saturday and Sunday, Farm Harvest Days run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience the season through farm activities and demonstrations inspired by traditional harvest work, from apples and crops to livestock and historic farm skills.

The Fall Carnival runs throughout the weekend:

• Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unlimited ride wristbands are available in advance for $23.25 through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Get your carnival wristband

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.

Watch some of the highlights below:

Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore Royal Lake. The Fairfax County Park Authority has completed a series of trail improvements surrounding the lake, and the community is invited to celebrate the project’s completion on Friday, Nov. 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. with an evening of family-friendly activities and seasonal fun.

The celebration will feature the Wonder Wagon and a naturalist-led festive fall nature walk around Royal Lake. With Halloween just around the corner, participants can enjoy a seasonal adventure through the park while looking for signs of autumn, discovering the wildlife that calls Royal Lake home and exploring the woodlands. Families also can explore the improved trails on foot or by bike and enjoy the changing fall scenery. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park.

The Park Authority worked closely with the Royal Lake community to develop the project scope and secure funding for the improvements. The completed improvements include:

• Royal Lake Bridge Replacement – Replaced the pedestrian bridge over Rabbit Branch on the north side of Royal Lake.
• Royal Lake to Commonwealth Boulevard Trail – Constructed a new stream valley trail connecting an existing asphalt trail north of Lakeside Park to Commonwealth Boulevard.
• Richardson Court to Lakeside Park – Repaved the park entrance trail connecting Richardson Court to the soccer and baseball fields at Lakeside Park.
• Royal Lake Dam to Lakepointe Drive – Paved the natural-surface trail connecting the asphalt trail atop the dam to the Royal Lake Loop Trail.
• Shade Structure at Lakeside Park – Installed a new fabric shade structure and picnic equipment at the existing picnic area near the playground.

Royal Lake Park is located at 5216 Pommeroy Drive in Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more about the Park Authority.
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to attend a public meeting on Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m. to learn about the proposed improvements for Oakton Community Park. The meeting will be held at the historic Oakton Schoolhouse, located at 2841 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton.

Oakton Community Park has served the community since 2001, guided by a master plan developed in partnership with local residents. Several features—including a playground, natural surface trails and a parking area—have already been completed.

As the park’s use has expanded through collaboration with the Greater Oakton Community Association, the need for the next set of amenities has become increasingly clear. To support this growth, a phased conceptual development plan was created to outline future improvements.

Phase 1 of the development plan will focus on essential upgrades designed to better support current community use. Planned improvements include:

• A new picnic pavilion with visitor furnishings
• Walkway enhancements to improve accessibility
• A hose bib for improved utility access

Construction for Phase 1 is expected to begin in Spring 2027 and be completed by the end of Summer 2027.

Phase 2 of the project includes several larger enhancements including a restroom facility with kitchenette, a renovated playground, expanded parking, a community trail loop and new interpretive signage. These elements do not yet have a construction timeline, as they will be dependent on funding secured through donations.

Funding is secured for Phase 1 of the improvement project at Oakton Community Park. However, the project is designed to be scalable, meaning community contributions can help add additional amenities and enhanced features that elevate the park experience for all visitors.

More information about how community members can help enrich and expand Oakton Community Park during Phase 2 of the project is coming soon. Community support will make it possible to bring added elements to the park.

Public Meeting and Comment Period

At the October 19 meeting, attendees will learn about the Phase 1 design vision, hear how they can participate in shaping Phase 2, and have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the project team.

Following the meeting, the Park Authority welcomes public comments on the proposed Phase 1 improvements. Community members may submit feedback online through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20. A separate public comment period will be offered once funding is secured and planning begins for Phase 2.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and contribute to the future of Oakton Community Park—whether by sharing feedback, learning about the planned improvements, or supporting the next phase of the park’s development through financial contributions.

Learn more about the proposed improvements for Oakton Community Park by visiting the project’s PublicInput page. Questions may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more about the Park Authority.

About the Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities and services.  
 

A free Hispanic Heritage Month celebration featuring salsa dancing, cultural activities, environmental education and free vegetarian meals is coming to Alabama Drive Park in Herndon on Friday, Oct. 2. Salsa in the Park will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1100 Alabama Drive. The event is open to all, and no registration is required.

Highlights include a salsa dancing workshop, salsa tasting and pollinator-friendly gardening activities, nature exploration with the Wonder Wagon, gardening information from Fairfax County Master Gardeners, face painting and arts and crafts. Free vegetarian meals will also be provided by SevaTruck.

The event is presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors – Dranesville District, Defensores de la Cuenca, Opportunity Neighborhoods Herndon, Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, Clean Fairfax, Fairfax County Master Gardeners, SevaTruck, Wonder Wagon and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Visit the Salsa in the Park event webpage for more information.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to approve a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program grant totaling $8,000 to support the design and installation of a mural on the surface of the athletic court practice wall at John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park. The total estimated cost for this improvement project is $16,000.

In May 2025, the Park Authority repaired and repainted the practice wall at the athletic court in John Mastenbrook–Greenway Downs Park. The Greenway Downs Citizens’ Association (GDCA), a longtime partner in caring for the park, proposes adding a community mural to the wall facing the basketball court. This prominent recreational area is a popular gathering spot for residents of all ages.

The mural will reflect the natural beauty and historic character of Greenway Downs. GDCA will work with a local professional artist experienced in large scale public art to develop the design, with community input gathered through an engagement session with the artist.

The project aims to encourage community use of the park and foster stewardship. Residents will be invited to participate in the design process, help prepare the site, support a community unveiling event, and volunteer for ongoing mural care. The effort aligns with the goals of the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Funds Grant program by combining financial support and volunteer engagement to enhance the park.

$8,000 from the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Funds Grant Program will provide the funds sufficient to complete the project when combined with GDCA’s $6,000 cash donation and $2,000 in-kind contribution of volunteer services from GDCA. The total project budget is $16,000, including the in-kind value of GDCA’s volunteer services to be contributed toward the project.

John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park is located at 2858 Woodlawn Ave. in Falls Church.

The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private partnerships that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.6 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters, and athletic field improvements.

For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website or call 703-324-8740.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is embarking on an exciting new chapter for one of the region’s most beloved playgrounds. After two decades of heavy use, much of the original play equipment at Clemyjontri Park have reached or exceeded their anticipated service life. Although the Park Authority has continued to maintain the playground and replace individual components as needed, a comprehensive renovation is necessary.

Rather than simply replacing aging equipment, the Park Authority is reimagining the entire playground for a new generation of visitors. The vision builds on Clemyjontri’s legacy of inclusive play, while creating new opportunities for children, families, caregivers and visitors of all ages and abilities to play, explore, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.

The project is guided by the theme "Where Every Child Can Play" and seeks to expand Clemyjontri’s original vision of inclusive play.

The Park Authority has selected landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt to lead the design of the revitalized playground. The emerging universal design will explore new play experiences, landscapes and amenities inspired by the diversity of Northern Virginia’s people and places, while preserving the spirit that has made Clemyjontri such a special destination.

Now, the community has an opportunity to help shape what comes next.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a public meeting to learn more about the plans for reimagining Clemyjontri Park on Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of Langley High School located at 6520 Georgetown Pike in McLean. The meeting will offer residents and park users a first look at the initial design vision and an opportunity to share feedback that will help inform the next phase of design.

Community members will be invited to provide input at stations exploring:

• How to honor Clemyjontri’s legacy while shaping its future
• What inclusive play means today and how the park can expand opportunities for children of all abilities
• Design inspiration drawn from Fairfax County’s ecology, culture, history and communities
• Preferred types of play experiences and structures
• Park aesthetics, including landscaping, materials, textures and sensory elements
• Ways to create a park experience that brings together visitors of all ages and abilities

The Nov. 5 public meeting is one of several opportunities for the community to help inform the project. Public comments will also be accepted online following the meeting through 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7.

Residents and park users are encouraged to share their ideas, experiences and priorities for the future of Clemyjontri as the design continues to develop.
Community members who plan to attend the Nov. 5 public meeting and need meeting materials in a language other than English should contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov by Oct. 22.

Funding from the 2026 Bond Referendum will support the base design for the reimagined Clemyjontri Park. The project is being designed to be scalable, allowing community contributions to help add amenities and enhanced features that elevate the experience for all visitors. The Fairfax County Park Foundation will soon begin accepting donations to help enrich and expand the reimagined park and further strengthen Clemyjontri’s legacy of inclusive, joyful play.

To learn more about the proposed plans for Clemyjontri Park and how you can make your voice heard, visit the Clemyjontri Park PublicInput page.

Questions can be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About the Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities and services. 

The 2026 Summer Entertainment Series delivered powerful live performances for thousands of attendees across Fairfax County. The free series, presented by Fairfax County Park Authority, featured concerts by renowned musical groups, children’s entertainment, international cultural showcases and outdoor movies.

From June through August, the outdoor performances brought the community together to enjoy entertainment with families and friends. As the 2026 summer season comes to a close, FCPA looks back on another year filled with community and entertainment. This year featured:

• 128 free, live performances
• 3 outdoor drive-in movies
• 10 local series
• 22,500 estimated attendees
• 400+ volunteer hours

The Summer Entertainment Series comes to the Fairfax community through a partnership between FCPA, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series. The free performances and movies are possible thanks to the many private donations and sponsorships, which pay performers' fees.

FCPA and FCPF would like to acknowledge the support of the 2025 and 2026 Summer Entertainment Series by the following sponsors:

• Arrowbrook Centre LLC
• Canterbury Woods Civic Association
• Dominion Energy
• EYA LLC
• Family & Friends of Bob Lydick
• Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park
• Great American Restaurants
• Hilltop Sand and Gravel
• Interstate Moving|Relocation|Logistics
• Kings Park West Civic Association
• Lerner Enterprises
• McGuireWoods
• Mosaic
• National Endowment for the Arts
• NOVEC
• Pediatric Associates of Alexandria
• Pohanka Automotive Group
• Pulte Homes
• Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust
• RZ Foundation
• School of Rock
• Sheehy Auto Group
• 66 Express Outside the Beltway
• Supporters of Mason District Park
• The Adler Foundation
• The Scott A. & Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation
• Transurban-495/95/395 Express Lanes
• Tysons Corner Center
• Virginia Commission for the Arts
• Walsh, Colucci, Lubley & Walsh PC
• Wegmans
• Westfields Business Owners Association
• West Springfield Car Care
• Woodleigh Chase/Erickson Living
• Workhouse Arts Center
• Anonymous Donors

Explore these sponsors as well as the ways you can join in supporting the Summer Entertainment Series for 2027 by visiting the Park Foundation’s Summer Entertainment Series website.

Stay tuned for details about next year’s series that will be released in spring 2027 by visiting the Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series website.

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.

Step into a Halloween season packed with thrills, treats and traditions across Fairfax County parks. Ghostly golf, costumed parades, harvest festivals and family-friendly haunts fill the calendar with festive fun. Create memories with loved ones, explore new adventures and celebrate the magic of fall at Fairfax County Park Authority events designed for every ghost, ghoul and goblin.

Goblin Golf

Burke Lake Park, Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, Choose times between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grab your Halloween costume (not required) and join us at Burke Lake Park for Halloween-themed mini golf, treats and family fun! Cost is $12 per person. Register today.

Farm Harvest Festival – Big Trucks, Carnival Rides and Fall Fun!

Frying Pan Farm Park, Oct. 16-18

Celebrate fall with carnival rides and games, farm animals, hands-on activities, food vendors and more. Big Truck Night is Friday from 5-7 p.m., Farm Harvest Days run Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the carnival continues throughout the weekend. Purchase unlimited ride wristbands in advance and save by Oct. 16. Individual ride credits are also available on site. Parking is $10 per vehicle. 

Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat

Clemjyjontri Park, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween in a calm, inclusive, sensory-friendly way at Clemjyjontri Park. Enjoy a variety of fun and accessible activities, including the carousel, train, arts and crafts, and themed treat stations throughout the playground, all with reduced noise and sensory support. Costumes are welcome but not required. Tickets cost $20 per person. 

Halloween on the Farm 

Frying Pan Farm Park, Oct. 23-24

Celebrate Halloween with farm animals, trick-or-treating, crafts, games and a tour of the decorated farmhouse. Choose a one-hour time slot Friday between 5 and 7 p.m. or Saturday between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is $12 per person through Oct. 22. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Haunted Mini Golf

Oakmont Rec Center, Oct. 23-24, 4-9 p.m.

All werewolves, vampires and goblins (and their families) are invited for a fun night of mini golf. Trick-or-treat and win various goodies at Oakmont Mini Golf. Trick-or-treat and get various goodies at every mini golf hole. Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy family fun! Cost is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Please note that the mini golf course closes at 9:30 p.m. 

Ghost Town

Burke Lake Park; Oct. 24-25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Put on your costume and enjoy a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration with train and carousel rides, mini golf, crafts, trick-or-treat houses and family activities throughout the park. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Free for children younger than 2 with a paying adult. 

Spooktacular Halloween Runs

South Run Rec Center, Oct. 24, beginning at 3 p.m.

Hustle down to the South Run Rec Center to join in some Halloween fitness fun featuring the Monster Mash 5K Dash, Halloween Fun Run 1-Mile and Spooktacular Tiny Tot Trot. Come in your best costume to enjoy the spooktacular atmosphere with your community. Cost is $25 for the 5K and $15 for other runs. 

Halloween Costume Party: Family Skate and Dance Night

Franconia Rec Center, Oct. 24, 5-9 p.m.

Calling all gliding ghouls and goblins — our spooky Family Skate and Dance Night will be skele-fun for the entire family. Gather your favorite spooky crew and head out for this thrilling family-friendly event, with tunes sure to bring you back from the dead. Cost is $10 per person. 

House of Reptiles

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Visitor Center and Amphitheater - Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m.

Amazing reptiles call Ellanor C. Lawrence Park home. Play games, test your courage at a touch table and meet these fascinating creatures up close. Then, calm your nerves by roasting s’mores around a campfire while listening to stories before taking a stroll through the darkening autumn woods

Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and step into a month of Halloween adventures across Fairfax County parks by visiting our Events Calendar website.

Get moving, improve wellness and connect with community at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers.

Visit any of the Park Authority’s nine Rec Centers for an Open House event on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Sign up for a free, 7-day trial or purchase a 30 days for $30 pass to receive admission and try out all the amenities these facilities have to offer.

Bring your friends and family to see what membership can offer. Come out from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 to learn more about membership, try fitness demonstrations/sample classes and enjoy other exciting activities depending on the location. In addition to a membership table, fitness orientations and various sample classes (get full schedules online), you will find the following:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center: Ice cream, snacks/drinks, table tennis open play and esports demo until 7 p.m.
• Cub Run Rec Center: Popcorn, face painting, snow cones, free InBody assessments, inflatable axe throwing and bubbles.
• Franconia Rec Center: Popcorn, free carousel rides, raffle, arts and crafts and ask a personal trainer 5:30-7 p.m.
• George Washington Rec Center: Cornhole, mini golf, splash pad, festive floats and esports.
• Mount Vernon Rec Center: Fishing for rubber duckies, Pokémon demo, ice skating demo and skating level evaluations, open rock wall climbing and photo with the ice resurfacer.
• Oakmont Rec Center: Face stickers, bobbing for donuts, pumpkin craft and campfires with s’mores.
• Providence Rec Center: Swim with a mermaid, photo booth and bring gently used sneaker donations.
• South Run Rec Center: Popcorn and giveaways.
• Spring Hill Rec Center: Popcorn, community gardening starter kit giveaway and esports tournament.

In addition to the fun activities happening at the Mount Vernon Rec Center Open House, FCPA will hold a special lifeguard open-hire event. Candidates can complete an application, take a swim test and interview with Park Authority staff, all in one location. This is a great opportunity to learn more about lifeguard positions at Mount Vernon Rec Center and take the next step toward joining the team.

Level up your commitment to wellness this fall by purchasing Rec Center annual membership — at a 15% discount — throughout September. Members gain access to a variety of tools to help meet personal goals:

• Access all nine Rec Centers.
• Enjoy pools, spas and saunas.
• Workout in Fitness Centers (with free orientations).
• Join drop-in group exercise classes.
• Get moving on sports courts, in gyms and on tracks.
• Take advantage of discounts for drop-in childcare (where available).

Purchase membership online or in person at any of the Rec Centers. Check out how to join, connect and get active by visiting the Rec Centers website.