Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority announces an extension to the current Rec Center membership sale through Tuesday, Feb. 10. With recent winter weather closures, the Park Authority wanted to provide ample time for those interested to secure their 15% discounts on annual membership purchases. Purchase your discounted annual membership online by visiting the Rec Center Passes webpage, or in person at your neighborhood Rec Center.

Make a commitment today to your health at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. Membership provides access to all Fairfax County Rec Centers and their Fitness Centers, pools, drop-in group fitness classes and other amenities depending on location. The variety of options to help you achieve your health goals range from traditional cardio and weight training to swimming or water walking to group activities, such as drop-in exercise like cycle, yoga, Pilates and BODYPUMPTM; or sports activities, such as basketball, pickleball and racquetball.

Purchase your pass

Members also enjoy discounts on drop-in child care, as well as the ability to use other amenities based on location, such as the indoor tracks at Spring Hill Rec Center and Mount Vernon Rec Center and public ice skating rinks or indoor rock climbing at Mount Vernon Rec Center.

View the Membership flyer

Bring a friend to your local Rec Center and make your commitment to fitness that much stronger. Additional discounts are offered for those that live in the same household with proof of residency. Stop by a Rec Center today to learn more. For more information, please contact FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Oakmont Golf Center range was recognized as one of America’s Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine. Golf Range magazine is a publication of the Golf Range Association of America and the Professional Golf Association.

Oakmont has earned this distinction four years in a row. The range is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Oakmont Golf Center range features 78 lighted stations, with 30 stations that are also covered and heated.

Each year, GRAA highlights ranges that go above and beyond, introducing new golfers to the game, keeping regulars engaged and creating fun, welcoming experiences for all.

“We are proud to have Oakmont recognized again as one of the nation’s top public ranges,” General Manager Joey Sinclair said. “Our goal is to offer a friendly, family-oriented environment, where golfers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game."

Oakmont was recognized for:

• Year-round play with state-of-the-art facilities
• Community partnerships with schools and local groups to grow the game
• Promotions and events, such as Family Golf Month
• A welcoming atmosphere for new, social and experienced golfers

The Oakmont Golf Center is located at 3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton. Visit the Oakmont Golf Center website for more information or call 703-255-5390.

All driving ranges are accompanied by putting and chipping greens for short game work and are open year-round.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with an evening of traditional music and dance, hands-on cultural activities, and Asian-inspired cuisine on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Course. 

This family-friendly celebration introduces Lunar New Year traditions to people of all ages through live performances, interactive activities and cuisine inspired by cultures across Asia. Guests are invited to explore, participate and learn, all while honoring a holiday rooted in renewal, community connection and good fortune.

Attendees can enjoy live music, dance and martial arts demonstrations that highlight the rich history and symbolism of Lunar New Year. Interactive craft stations and cultural games will be available, giving children and adults hands-on opportunities to experience time-honored customs.

The Year of the Horse represents energy, resilience and forward momentum —qualities woven throughout the celebration as the community comes together to mark the start of the lunar calendar.

Admission Details:

• Admission is $10 per person for ages 3 and older.
• Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
• Advance registration is encouraged by Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:59 p.m.

Register for Lunar New Year Celebration

Visit the Lunar New Year event webpage for additional information.

View the Lunar New Year flyer

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more information, visit the Twin Lakes Golf Course website or call 703-631-9099. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Observatory Park at Turner Farm has been designated an International Dark Sky Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International. The designation recognizes the park’s commitment to protecting the night sky through responsible outdoor lighting, community partnerships and public education.

Observatory Park at Turner Farm is one of only a few locations near Washington, D.C., where visitors can experience a relatively dark night sky. The designation highlights the park’s role as a regional resource for astronomy education and light pollution awareness.

"This designation reflects the Fairfax County Park Authority’s commitment to protecting natural resources that directly support the health and well-being of our community," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "By reducing light pollution, we are supporting wildlife, conserving energy and creating spaces where people can slow down, look up and feel connected to something bigger. That experience matters, and it is core to the mission of our parks."

To mark the designation, FCPA will host a Dark Sky education and celebration event on Friday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. at Observatory Park at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. The event will include remarks from project partners, educational activities and opportunities to observe the night sky at this unique facility. In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved to Colvin Run Mill Education Center at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls.

Located about 16 miles west of Washington, D.C., the park benefits from lower surrounding light levels than much of the region. Its history includes use as a former U.S. Army Map Service and Defense Mapping Agency site, which contributed to early global positioning system development.

"Urban Night Sky Places like Observatory Park at Turner Farm demonstrate that meaningful night sky protection is possible even near major metropolitan areas," said Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places program manager for DarkSky International. "This designation reflects strong community support and long-term commitment to responsible lighting and public education."

Earning the Designation

To earn the Urban Night Sky Place designation, FCPA and its partners completed several key actions, including:

• Implementing a Lighting Management Plan focused on targeted, low-level and warm-spectrum lighting.
• Securing approval of a special lighting ordinance for a half-mile perimeter around the observatory in November 2023.
• Retrofitting park lighting with DarkSky-compliant fixtures and 2,700K bulbs.
• Expanding education and outreach programs related to astronomy and light pollution.

The park is operated in partnership with the Analemma Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering science education through astronomy. Since the roll top Observatory opened in 2016, nearly 23,000 visitors have participated in public programs, viewings and classes.

Visiting Observatory Park at Turner Farm

The park, equipped with a playground and picnic pavilion, is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Observatory access is available through public viewing nights, registered FCPA programs and permitted events. Visitors attending evening programs are encouraged to use red-light flashlights or device settings to protect night vision and wildlife.

About the International Dark Sky Places Program

Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a voluntary program that encourages communities, parks and protected areas to preserve dark skies through effective lighting policies and public education. Observatory Park at Turner Farm now joins more than 250 International Dark Sky Places worldwide working to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky.

Learn more by visiting the Dark Sky website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce Nathan Kennedy as the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest. His captivating photo, taken at Huntley Meadows Park, received the highest number of online votes submitted by residents from across the county. 

As the winner, Kennedy will receive a $100 gift card, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest invited park enthusiasts of all ages to kick off the new year by exploring local parks and capturing their adventures through photography. The contest was a tremendous success, with more than 250 photo submissions and more than 500 residents participating in the People’s Choice Award voting.

This year’s inspiring First Hike submissions showcased the diverse landscapes, wildlife and recreational opportunities found throughout the Fairfax County park system, as well as precious moments that captured the enjoyment of both people and pets as they visited our parks. To view a full collection of this year’s photo submissions, visit the First Hike Fairfax 2026 Flickr album.

Thank you to all our participants for their enthusiastic support of this year’s First Hike event. We encourage everyone to continue exploring and enjoying our parks throughout 2026. Whether you’re hiking a scenic trail, observing wildlife or simply enjoying a moment of peace in nature, there’s always something new to discover.

First Hike Fairfax is sponsored in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation. For a complete list of winners, visit the First Hike Fairfax website.

About Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet community needs for park land, facilities and services. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website.

Join us for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration!

The annual event, which draws thousands of visitors, will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Applications are now being accepted at the Earth Day Festival Vendor/Exhibitor Information webpage for vendors and exhibitors to participate.

All applications must be received by Monday, Feb. 23, and rolling notifications of acceptance will be made through March 2. The application process for food vendors only, however, has already closed.

In the spirit of Earth Day and the Park Authority’s dedication to preserving our natural resources and encouraging positive stewardship practices, we request that all food vendors, merchandise vendors and exhibitors plan to provide Earth-friendly utensils, handouts and giveaways.

For more information and about the event, hosting a booth and to submit your application, visit the Earth Day Festival Vendor/Exhibitor website.

Don’t miss out on an enjoyable night out for the entire family — roll out to an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night at Franconia Rec Center. These family friendly events feature fun themes every month in the Rec Center’s gym.

Enjoy music by the guest DJ and themes reflected in the festive decorations. Food, snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Grab your favorite people and bring your own wheels (quad or inline skates) or dancing shoes and come out to enjoy this community event.

Skaters of all ages can join in the fun and build confidence on wheels. Tickets for everyone including skaters, dancers, spectators and chaperones cost $10 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Check out the exciting lineup and plan your outfits accordingly:

• Saturday, Jan. 17, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Sports Jersey Night
• Saturday, Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: Disco Blast Back to the '70s
• Saturday, March 21, 6-9 p.m., Family Skate and Dance Night: St. Patrick’s Day

Register for a Family Skate Night

Visit the Franconia Rec Center’s website for more information and to stay up to date on future skate nights and other events at the Rec Center.

Interested in skate night? Host your very own private skate night to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions in the Franconia Rec Center gym. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841. 

The new year brings opportunities to start fresh and on the right track. Make a resolution to improve your health and wellness at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. Get a 15% discount when you purchase annual membership online, or in person at our Rec Centers throughout January.

Membership provides access to all Fairfax County Rec Centers and their Fitness Centers, pools, drop-in group fitness classes, and other amenities depending on location. The variety of options to help you achieve your health goals range from traditional cardio and weight training to swimming or water walking to group activities, such as drop-in exercise including cycle, yoga, Pilates and BODYPUMPTM; or sports activities, such as basketball, pickleball and racquetball.

Members also enjoy discounts on drop-in child care, as well as the ability to use other amenities based on location, such as the indoor tracks at Spring Hill Rec Center and Mount Vernon Rec Center and public ice skating sessions or indoor rock climbing at Mount Vernon Rec Center.

View the membership sale flyer

Bring a friend to your local Rec Center and make your commitment to fitness that much stronger. Additional discounts are offered for those that live in the same household with proof of residency. Stop by a Rec Center today to learn more. For more information, please contact FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Prepare for laughter, learning and memories that last a lifetime with Fairfax County Park Authority camps. Back by popular demand, split registration for 2026 spring and summer camps returns. 

Watch the Camps video below:

The opening date for camp registration depends on the location where the camps take place:

• Green location camps — Register starting Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. (add to calendar)
• Blue location camps — Register starting Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. (add to calendar)

This strategy helps prevent our online platform from being overwhelmed by the number of devices logging into the system at the same time and supports an efficient registration process for all users.

The Park Authority has prepared several resources for helping families prepare for the upcoming spring and summer camp registration, including:

• 2026 Camp Guide: Explore the full suite of spring and summer camp offerings.
• My Summer Camp Planner: Download to make notes of registration codes and open registration dates to track your top choices.
• Camp Spreadsheet: Sort and filter available camps and Extended Care offerings for children by their age, the week, the type of camp and the location.
• Location Map: Review the location map and note if your location is #TeamGreen or #TeamBlue.
• House Account: Create or update/recover your house account to make sure you are ready in advance of registration opening.
• Subscribe to E-News: Make sure you are on the list to get email updates.
• Camp Search: Use this online system to search for camps and register when the time comes.

The Park Authority offers camp experiences for any interest. From outdoor adventures and sports, to arts, acting and music, to STEM and chess, explore our extensive list of exciting camps opportunities for all ages. Make those wish lists, set your clocks and get ready to register in February!

Stay tuned to the Camps website for the most current camp information. Review the Summer Camp Registration FAQs section for more details about the registration split and follow the camp conversation on social media with #FCPACamps.

Please note that waitlists open on the following dates:

• Green location Spring camps: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4
• Blue location Spring camps: 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6
• All Summer camps: 10 a.m. on Friday, May 1

If you have any questions, please contact FCPA Camps team at camps@fairfaxcounty.gov. Media inquiries may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Braving the cold, Fairfax County residents welcomed 2026 by getting outside. Hundreds of participants of all ages explored the Fairfax County Park Authority’s more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails, capturing moments from their first hikes of the year for the 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest.

The annual First Hike Fairfax photo contest is jointly sponsored by the Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation as a way for residents to begin a new year with fitness and outdoor activity, while enjoying the experience with friends, neighbors and family. This year, more than 250 contestants submitted photos. The results are spectacular! See the complete collection of submissions on the First Hike Fairfax 2026 photo album Flickr page.

The contest received entries in four categories: Scenery and Landscapes, People, Wildlife, and Pets. A “Best in Show” prize was awarded in each category. Two at-large awards – the Director’s Choice and the Judges’ Choice – were selected by Park Authority leadership. 

The following winners will receive gift cards to the Fairfax County Park Authority provided by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The prizes are redeemable toward the cost of most Park Authority programs or Rec Center Memberships.

Director’s Choice Award

Judges’ Choice Award 

Best in Show (Nature and Landscapes) 

Best in Show (People)

Best in Show (Wildlife)

Best in Show (Pets)

A committee reviewed submissions and selected finalists for the 2026 People’s Choice Award; this award will be selected by popular vote.

Voting is now open! Cast your vote by visiting the voting webpage. Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 15 and will receive a $100 Park Authority gift card.

"Starting the year outdoors sets a positive tone for the months ahead," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. "Our parks provide welcoming spaces where people can move, reflect and build a deeper connection to nature all year long."

For more information about the photo contest, visit the First Hike Fairfax webpage. For questions, contact 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 by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority website.

About Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet community needs for park land, facilities and services. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website.