Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director
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Park Authority Launches Summer Intern Program

PhotographyAre you looking for a fun and meaningful summer internship that will build your resume and provide you with results-oriented work experience? Apply to the Park Authority’s new structured intern program for summer 2024.

The FCPA summer internship program is designed to increase community engagement in park, recreation, natural, cultural, historical and/or business operations professions, while providing an additional pathway to hiring for individuals interested in seasonal, part-time and full-time employment at the Park Authority.

The internship program is open to high school and college students, recent graduates, individuals looking to make a career change and all others interested in gaining valuable experience with the Park Authority.

FCPA is hiring in all areas of the Park Authority including the following:

  • Marketing and communications
  • Event planning
  • History
  • Nature
  • Horticulture
  • Access and inclusion
  • Business administration (IT, HR, finance)
  • Outdoor education

FCPA offers both paid and unpaid internship opportunities. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore and apply for open internship opportunities. Visit the Internship Opportunities website to learn more about the program, available positions and how to submit an application.

If you are interested in a business area that does not currently have an internship advertised, please contact us at FCPAinternships@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Discover the Joys of Gardening with Hogge Park's Community Garden Plot Rentals

Hogge Park DedicationCalling all aspiring gardeners! Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and cultivate your own green space? Look no further than Hogge Park, where the Fairfax County Park Authority's community garden rental program offers the perfect opportunity to nurture your gardening interests.

Rental garden plots are available for one growing season, which 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 wheelchair-accessible.

Take the first step toward growing your own fresh produce, connecting with nature and joining an active community of fellow gardeners. 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.

View the Community Garden flyer

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Second-Annual Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals

LandscapingJoin the Fairfax County Park Authority, Plant NOVA Natives, Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District for the second-annual Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals. The event will be held on Friday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, located at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. The conference is free and will be spoken exclusively in Spanish.

Learn about native plants, invasive plant control, tree care and safety directly from the experts. The event will include a guest appearance by Capital Naturalist Alonso Abugattas, who will teach about wildlife you may encounter in the garden.

This is a free event open to any Spanish-speakers in the landscape profession – including lawn and landscape workers, owners, landscape designers and employees of garden centers. The event will include prizes for those in attendance. Lunch and snacks will also be provided.

For more information or to register for this event, visit the Seasonal Events in the Park website.

Ver el folleto

Ver la información de la conferencia

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Experience the Magic of Natural Darkness with the Park Authority!

Dark SkiesIn an effort to combat light pollution and preserve the beauty of our natural starry skies, Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to participate in Lights Out Fairfax and International Dark Sky Week.

Lights Out Fairfax - March 23, 2024, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

As our region has expanded, excessive light pollution has dimmed the night sky, impacting both our environment and our connection to the natural world. On March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., residents are encouraged to join the initiative by turning off outdoor lights for one hour. By enlisting family, friends and neighbors, we can collectively embrace the darkness and rediscover the beauty of the stars. Once the light goes out, be sure to allow up to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust, revealing the stellar spectacle that lies above.

International Dark Sky Week - April 2-8

Following Lights Out Fairfax, the Fairfax County Park Authority will continue its commitment to dark sky conservation by participating in International Dark Sky Week from April 2-8. This weeklong awareness campaign aims to increase understanding about the importance of preserving our dark skies and the detrimental effects of light pollution on human health, safety and the environment.

For more information about the ways you can protect the night and get involved, visit our Dark Skies webpage.

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Enjoy Egg-Cellent Spring Celebrations at Fairfax County Parks!

Egg HuntSpring is in the air and the Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for a season of family-friendly fun with all sorts of egg hunts and spring celebrations at several locations throughout the county. Enjoy festive activities for all ages in the park – the perfect setting for creating lasting spring memories:

Visit Parktakes to register for egg hunts and other spring celebrations

For more information about spring events, visit the Seasonal Events in the Park webpage and check out the Spring Events Guide menu.

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Volunteer Opportunities Available During Earth Day 2024

Earth Day volunteersCalling all volunteers! Join us for Fairfax County's largest official Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20, at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, Virginia.

Earth Day Fairfax is a daylong extravaganza featuring games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities geared toward increasing our understanding and enjoyment of the world around us. The event attracts nearly 5,000 people from across Fairfax County annually. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including:

  • Set-up attendants
  • Check-in greeters
  • Nature and recreation activity attendants
  • Guest assistance

If you are looking for volunteer hours, why not be a part of something huge! This is a great opportunity for youth and adult volunteers to earn service hours and help thousands of our neighbors have a wonderful experience at Earth Day Fairfax 2024!

All volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional detail in individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Earth Day Fairfax volunteer webpage

View the Earth Day Fairfax flyer

The Sully Historic site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. For additional details, please contact Duston.Meyers@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Journey to Infinity and Beyond at Turner Farm Park Observatory!

Astronomy ProgramsEmbark on a journey of discovery this spring at Turner Farm Park as we launch a stellar lineup of programs designed to inspire and engage visitors of all ages. Join us as we delve into the wonders of astronomy and reach for the stars with our exciting array of spring programs.

  • Stargazing with Binoculars on Tuesday, March 12, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.
  • Exploring the Moon on Monday, March 18, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.
  • Pluto: Planet or Something Else? on Wednesday, March 20, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $8.

View a list of Astronomy programs

For more information about astronomy events and programs, visit the Astronomy website.

Turner Farm Park Observatory is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information, visit Turner Farm Park or call 703-324-2820.

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Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates Women’s History Month

Women's history Banner

Happy Women’s History Month from the Fairfax County Park Authority! Throughout FCPA’s history, extraordinary women have provided the inspiration, leadership and vision that has contributed to the creation of beautiful park facilities and a diverse range of program offerings. This month, the Park Authority is pleased to celebrate the accomplishments and impact of these women on the Park Authority’s nationally recognized park and recreation system.

The Park Authority is offering a variety of women-focused programs in spring 2024, including self-defense courses, golf lessons and historic demonstrations. For a full list of offerings and to register for a program, visit the Women’s History Month webpage.

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Space Available at Park Authority Spring Camps

Baseball CampHas your child ever imagined performing on the big stage or designing that next runway look? Do you have a youngster eager to get a jump start on baseball, softball or soccer season? How about a student excited to try unique arts and crafts — everything from clay mosaics to fluorescent art? Fairfax County Park Authority has all of these activities and more covered in the upcoming spring camps.

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

  • Monday – Friday from March 25-29
  • Monday – Tuesday from April 1-2
  • Wednesday, April 10
  • Friday, May 3

The Park Authority is home to award-winning programs and camps that help youth develop their talents, discover new skills and create lifelong memories with friends. Camps are hosted all year and many spaces remain open for both spring and summer camps. Visit the Park Authority Camp website, and make use of our online resources to help search for the camp that is right for you:

Don’t wait, secure your child’s spot in a spring camp today, and don’t forget to check out our summer camp options as well!

Learn more at the Camps website. For assistance, please email camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Have Some Fun in the Sun This Summer with a Job at the Water Mine!

Life guardCome make a splash and earn some cash this summer at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole. The Water Mine is hiring more than 200 seasonal team members, including lifeguards, park attendants and security staff.

Pay is competitive, starting at $16.87 per hour for lifeguards, $13.50 per hour for park attendants, $18.87 per hour for security and $17.87 for leadership staff.

Lifeguards must be 15 years old or older to apply. No prior experience or certifications are required to apply. Lifeguard training and uniforms are provided free of charge.

The Water Mine will be holding several open-hire opportunities that job seekers are welcome to attend.

The following events include both a swim test and an interview:

The following events will be held at the Water Mine and will be interview-only:

  • Wednesday, April 10, anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 13, anytime between noon and 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 24, anytime between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 28, anytime between noon and 3 p.m.

For more information about the Water Mine’s open hire events and online application, visit the Water Mine employment webpage; or contact the Water Mine by email at FCPAWaterMine@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-246-5933.

The Water Mine is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit the Water Mine website or call 703-246-5929.

Start Your Application

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