Park Authority

Spring into action with Fairfax County Park Authority classes. Learn a skill, pick up a new hobby, dive into a favorite pastime and get active with a range of fitness and recreation opportunities in and around your local parks.

Whether it’s learning essential life skills (like swimming), connecting with nature, tapping into your inner artist or enhancing strength and cardiovascular health, the Park Authority offers a wide range of ways to be healthy, learn new things and connect with friends and neighbors. Classes can be found for all ages and abilities. Find a class for the entire family that fits your schedule. Explore offerings in the following categories:

• Adapted Recreation Services
• Aquatics
• Children’s Corner
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Exercise and Physical Fitness
• Fine Arts and Crafts
• Gardening
• Golf
• History
• Ice Skating
• Martial Arts and Self-Defense
• Nature
• Outdoor Recreation
• Performing Arts
• Pets
• Science and Technology
• Sports and Leagues
• Xtras

Save $8 when you register by Feb. 21. Flip through the Parktakes magazine to see class offerings and more. Make this spring one to remember. Questions about classes and registration may be directed to PTOnline@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to preserve the Peake Family Cemetery located in the Mount Vernon District. This project is part of the Park Authority’s ongoing work to preserve and restore historic cemeteries in Fairfax County.

The restoration of the Peake Family Cemetery, expected to begin by spring 2025, will be overseen by archaeologists with specialized training in cemetery care and will include little to no ground disturbance with the only exception being the resetting of headstones. Work on the site will include gravestone cleaning, setting and repair, addressing landscape issues and conducting a ground-penetrating radar survey of the site to identify potential unmarked burials.

In addition to site restoration, the Park Authority is planning to update the existing interpretive signs at the cemetery and is requesting assistance from the surrounding community and historical organizations. The archaeology team seeks historic records, photographs, and/or family histories, which may help in identifying unmarked graves and contribute to the interpretive history of the site. Potential burials could include members of the Ford, Javins, Brown, Bigsby and Fisher families.

Historic records, photos and histories may be submitted online at the Peake Family Cemetery project website. All materials received will be reviewed by the archaeology team. The researched histories and the results of the ground-penetrating radar survey of the site will inform the narrative and design of interpretive signs later in the year.

For additional project background and information, including a recorded project overview, visit the Peake Family Cemetery project website. The Peake Family Cemetery is located adjacent to Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the Gum Springs Community Center at 8115 Fordson Road in Alexandria.

For additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Fairfax County, the Park Authority is exploring ways to enhance recreational offerings and provide additional facilities. The Park Authority is now inviting community feedback on the proposed addition of a dedicated pickleball court at Mason District Park. Public comments will be accepted online and U.S. Mail for a period of 30 days.

The proposal includes the placement of one new pickleball court adjacent to the tennis courts at the southwestern corner of the park. The proposed location is outside the minimum-required 250-foot buffer from the nearest home and would allow for existing tennis court lighting to be retrofitted to light the pickleball court as well. The project would require the modification of an existing trail, and relocation of existing utility lines.

Additional project background and information is available on the county’s community engagement platform Public Input. Comments may be submitted on the Public Input website or sent via U.S. Mail to the Park Authority Public Information Office at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 925, Fairfax, VA 22035.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2025.

Mason District Park is located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. For further details or inquiries, please contact the project manager Kelly Davis at kelly.davis@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Ready to dig in and grow your own fresh produce this season? Secure your spot in the Hogge Park Community Garden and experience the joy of growing your own food, connecting with nature and joining an active gardening community! Hogge Park is one of the Garden Plot Rental locations in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s community garden rental program.

Rental garden plots are available for one growing season that runs from February to November. Plot rentals include a 6-feet-by-9-feet raised garden bed, soil, a community hose, shed access for tool storage and waste collection. All plots are accessible by wheelchair.

Don’t wait. Spaces are limited so secure your spot today! Boyd A. and Charlotte M. Hogge Park is located at 3139 Glen Carlyn Road in Falls Church.

For more information, please visit the Community Garden Plot Rental Program website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), in partnership with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), was presented with a 2024 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technology Award for successfully applied innovative building design, incorporating high standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality. FCPA was recognized for the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESCO) Phase 1 Project at Cub Run Rec Center in Chantilly, which took first prize in regional competition in August 2024. CMTA, Fairfax County’s contracted ESCO, was responsible for the design and construction of the project. Funding for the project was provided through OEEC.

The upgrades at Cub Run Rec Center included:

• Pool heat recovery system enhancements, which improved system efficiency to heat water more effectively; and
• Building automation system upgrades to optimize energy use and reduce peak electricity demand

The improvements at Cub Run Rec Center significantly reduced the facility’s energy consumption, resulting in a 60% reduction in total energy usage and approximately $316,000 in avoided energy costs during the first year of operation.

The FCPA has, thus far, participated in four phases of energy improvement projects with CMTA focused on major building HVAC and mechanical systems at the Cub Run, Spring Hill, Oakmont, Franconia, and Providence Rec Centers. In addition to the first FCPA rooftop solar array and largest geothermal system in the county at Spring Hill, these projects have upgraded 15 rooftop air handlers, 12 boilers, nine pool dehumidification units, and four building automation systems. These projects account for over $375,000 annual guaranteed utility savings, $90,000 annual operational savings, and feature a 20-year performance guarantee.

“These projects are a testament to the Park Authority’s commitment to sustainability,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “As stewards of public spaces, we prioritize energy efficiency not only to reduce environmental impact but also to ensure long-term operational savings. This national recognition reinforces the importance of these investments.”

FCPA is dedicated to enhancing sustainability across its facilities. The Cub Run project exemplifies this commitment, aligning with the Fairfax County Operational Energy Strategy to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. FCPA continues to advance its energy efficiency initiatives through pursuing ESCO projects at the Spring Hill, Oakmont, Franconia, and Providence Rec Centers.

 For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

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About ASHRAE

ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from more than 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world. Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education. Its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.
 

Does your child light up whenever it’s time to tap into their creative side? Have they always wanted to try out a new instrument or learn about computers and coding? Does your youngster gravitate toward animals or do they want to try out a new sport? Park Authority camps offer experiences for children to enjoy all these activities and more. Registration is now open for all spring and summer offerings and there are still spaces available! 

When schools close for student holidays and spring break, Park Authority camps are in session! This year, spring camps will be held: 

• Sunday, March 9 
• Monday, March 31 to Tuesday, April 1 
• Sunday, April 13 
• Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18 

Summer camps kick off on June 16 with opportunities running through the end of August at many locations across Fairfax County. 

The Park Authority offers numerous resources to help make parents’ search and registration for spring and summer camps easier:

• Browse offerings in the 2025 Camp Guide 
• Use the Camp Spreadsheet to find camps with openings and filter them by age, date, type of camp and the location 
• Get organized and make notes about your top camp picks with the Camp Planner. 

Don’t wait, secure your child’s spot in spring and summer camps today! Stay tuned for more details on the Camps website and join the Park Authority’s conversation about camps on social media using #CampTuesdays. 

For more information or assistance, please email camps@fairfaxcounty.gov. 
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to announce open hire events for the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center, which is reopening in May 2025 and looking to fill over 290 part-time positions across multiple departments.

Local job seekers are encouraged to attend these walk-in hiring events, where they can learn about job opportunities, apply, interview, and even complete hire paperwork on the spot if selected.

Open Hire Event Details

• Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Belle View Elementary
• Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Belle View Elementary
• Sunday, March 23, noon to 3 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
• Wednesday, April 16, 4 to 6 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
• Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
• Monday, April 21, 5 to 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library

Attendees should bring a resume (if available), an original photo ID and Social Security card, and bank account routing information to facilitate the hiring process if selected.

The Park Authority is hiring in the following exciting areas:

• Aquatics – Head Guards, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors
• Fitness – Trainers, Class Instructors, Fitness Attendants
• Rock Wall – Climbing Manager, Climbing Attendants
• Ice Rink – Ice Instructors, Ice Rink Drivers, Ice Rink Guards
• Recreation Programs – Program Instructors, Camp & Child Care Staff
• Operations – Maintenance, Managers on Duty
• Customer Service – Front Desk, Front Desk Supervisor

FCPA offers a flexible work environment with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth through training and development programs. Employees enjoy a fun and dynamic team atmosphere, where they play a vital role in bringing the community together. Team members also receive free use of the Rec Center where they work, making it a great opportunity for those who love recreation and fitness. Whether you're looking to gain valuable experience or be part of an energetic team, FCPA provides an engaging workplace where you can make a difference.

Mount Vernon Rec Center is located at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria. To learn more about the open positions at Mount Vernon Rec Center and to submit an application online, visit the Mount Vernon Rec Center jobs webpage.

For questions, contact FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of #TeamFCPA and work at Fairfax County’s premier recreation center!
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority has received and accepted an unsolicited proposal under the provisions of the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) for the redevelopment of the barn at Grist Mill Park in the Mount Vernon District.

Under the provisions of the PPEA and in accordance with the procedure adopted by Fairfax County, the Park Authority has issued a request for competing proposals for simultaneous consideration. Both the unsolicited proposal and the newly release RFP are available on the Department of Procurement and Material Management website. The deadline for all proposal submissions is 2 p.m. on Friday, April 25.

“During our master plan process for Grist Mill Park, we heard the community’s strong desire to find new and creative uses for the barn,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “The Park Authority has long used public-private partnerships as a means of bringing high-value, high-impact amenities to our community parks. They expand creativity, opportunities for innovation and leverage outside resources for the benefit of our more than 16 million visitors each year.”

Grist Mill Park – located at 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Alexandria – provides more than 75 acres of playing fields, garden plots, an off-leash dog area, playground, historic barn, trails and woodlands.

For more information, please contact the public information office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Burke Lake Golf Center and Oakmont Golf Center have been recognized as two of the top 50 public golf ranges in the country by Golf Range Magazine. This magazine is published by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) and the Professional Golf Association (PGA).

Oakmont Golf Center, with its 78 lighted stations including 30 covered and heated ones, has received this honor for the third year in a row. Burke Lake Golf Center has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year for its fully renovated facilities. Both golf centers are managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The GRAA awards these recognitions annually to the best public, private, and stand-alone golf ranges, highlighting those that introduce golf to new players and keep current players engaged through various programs and community activities.

"Golf Fairfax is firmly committed to continuous improvement at our ranges and courses. This year, we’ve focused on enhancing the player experience with new technology and innovative programs to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone," said Ryan Carmen, director of Golf Fairfax for the Park Authority.

The Burke Lake and Oakmont ranges were praised for their:

• Modern facilities that allow for year-round play.
• Dispensing over 8-10 million range balls annually.
• Installation of SelectPi technology to improve customer experience and enhance range operations.
• Custom club fitting services, supported by PGA and LPGA professionals.
• Advertising campaigns for promotions, like Family Golf Month and the Orange Tee Club.
• Programs to welcome new, casual and experienced golfers.
• Comprehensive golf academies for all skill levels, families, women and juniors.

Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Oakmont Golf Center is at 3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton. For more details, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority's Golf website. All driving ranges include putting and chipping greens and are open year-round.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Rick Healy has been appointed by Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez to represent his district on the Park Authority Board. Healy will fill the seat vacated by former member Ron Kendall, who has served with distinction as the Mason District representative on the board for nearly eight years.

Healy, a former staffer for the U.S. House of Representatives, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board. During a distinguished 35-year career in public service, he has held several senior staff positions, serving the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Appropriations Committee’s Interior Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee. During his service, he oversaw legislation and government policies for our national parks and forests, natural resources, environmental conservation and matters pertaining to public lands.

Healy’s dedicated public service has also extended to many volunteer positions within our local community as well. His service has included leadership positions with the Northern Virginia Swimming League, Camelot Civic Association, the Falls Church High School Parent Teacher Association and most recently as the Mason District representative to the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

Healy will be up for reappointment in December 2026.