Park Authority

Come out to our golf courses for a tee-rific Family Golf Month this August. Make special memories with young golfers in your family and join them to dream and swing big. Our deals make it easier than ever to get out on the green together.

Junior golfers enjoy free play at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens ages 5-17 play free at participating courses when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Valid Monday through Friday all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Limit one child per paying adult.
• Valid at participating courses: Burke Lake Golf Center, Jefferson Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center and Pinecrest Golf Course.

More ways to play and save:

• Junior golfers ages 5-17 buy any-sized bucket and get one small bucket free at Burke Lake and Oakmont golf centers; limit one per day.
• Build friendships and embrace your competitive side at a Club Championship Aug. 15 at Jefferson or for juniors on Aug. 15 at Burke Lake.
• Par-sue happiness at one of our four marvelous mini golf courses at Burke Lake Park, Jefferson Falls, Lake Accotink and Oakmont.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates eight golf courses in seven locations throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage.

A signature summer tradition kicks off at Frying Pan Farm Park starting on Thursday, July 30. The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair includes rides, games, farm animals, exhibits and hands-on activities that highlight local agriculture, STEM learning and displays of youth achievement. The event continues through Sunday, Aug. 2.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presents this celebration in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

What to Expect This Year

Visitors will find carnival rides and games, classic fair food, agricultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Big Truck Night returns Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The 4‑H Fair runs Saturday and Sunday and features youth exhibits, competitions and demonstrations in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 30

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Carnival Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m.

Friday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demonstrations): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demonstrations): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Parking and Tickets

A $10 parking fee applies Friday through Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets. Visitors may purchase individual ride credits or buy unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday. Wristbands cost $25 online through July 30 and $30 on site between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are valid for one day.

Voices From the Community

"At its heart, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is about bringing people together," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "Families come here to make memories, explore hands-on activities and celebrate the creativity and hard work of our youth."

"The Fairfax County 4-H Fair is where agriculture, learning and community come together to create something truly extraordinary," said India Pearson, Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Fairfax County 4-H Agent. "For more than 75 years, our fair has celebrated Fairfax County's agricultural heritage while showcasing the incredible talents, creativity and dedication of our youth. Whether they are raising livestock, growing plants, creating works of art, exploring science and technology, or serving their communities, every project represents a young person gaining the skills and confidence to become Beyond Ready."

There is something magical about watching youth discover new passions, embrace challenges and realize just how much they are capable of. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the achievements of our 4-H members and the bright future they are helping to build.

4-H Fair information and event schedule

Plan Your Visit

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. Event details and updates are available on the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair webpage.

For 4 H Fair schedules, visit the 2026 Fairfax County 4 H Fair Digital Guide.

The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is provided through a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin construction on accessibility improvements at the off-leash dog area at Westgrove Park on Monday, Aug. 3. Work is expected to be completed by early September.

During construction, half of the dog park will be temporarily closed to allow for the installation of new amenities. The remainder of the dog park will remain open.

The project includes the installation of ADA-compliant surfacing and picnic tables. The improvements will enhance accessibility, durability and the visitor experience.

The improvements are funded through the Fairfax County Park Authority's Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program, which awarded partial funding to the Westgrove Pumphouse Association for Canine Kindness, or Westgrove P.A.C.K. The grant is matched by the volunteer organization.

Established as an interim-use off-leash dog area in 2012 and designated as a permanent feature in the Westgrove Park Master Plan in 2013, the Westgrove Park dog park has experienced heavy use over the years. The new engineered wood fiber surfacing will provide a more accessible, maintainable and resilient surface than the existing conditions, while the addition of accessible picnic tables will improve the experience for park visitors.

The project is being managed by Park Authority staff from the Park Operations and Development Divisions. The Westgrove P.A.C.K. volunteer organization will provide ongoing maintenance and repairs to the dog park.

Westgrove Park is located at 6801 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria.

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

On Thursday, July 16, the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse came alive with music, gratitude, and community spirit during the Evening on the Ellipse celebration recognizing the 2026 Park Authority Outstanding Volunteers.

The event honored 21 individuals named 2026 Outstanding Volunteers, who were recognized for their exceptional service to the Fairfax County Park Authority. These volunteers contribute in a variety of ways, from leading nature programs and managing golf course play to removing invasives, supporting park events and maintaining trails. Their dedication represents the backbone of Fairfax County’s robust park system. 

Read about this year's honorees

"The park volunteer force multiplies the reach and the impact of the Park Authority’s professional staff in a meaningful way, and we simply could not function without it," said Park Authority Board Chairman Tim Hackman. "Park volunteers make our community more vibrant, more connected and more resilient. You bring expertise, creativity, compassion and leadership, often quietly, behind the scenes and without expecting recognition. Thank you for caring so deeply for our parks and for the people who enjoy them."

More than 10,770 volunteers contributed their time and talents to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in fiscal year 2026. Together, they gave 115,718 hours of service. The value of that labor is more than $3.98 million.

To find a volunteer opportunity near you, visit the Volunteer website.

For questions or more information, contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job that gets you out from behind a desk, builds real-world skills, and lets you work in a beautiful setting, this is it. Spend the rest of your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Positions are available to start immediately and continue through the end of the season in October.

Drop-in interviews will be held at the Burke Lake Park Information Center on July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot, all in one visit.

Seasonal opportunities include:

• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Marina Attendant
• Campground Attendant

Why work at Burke Lake Park?

• Work outdoors in a scenic environment.
• Build customer service, leadership and teamwork skills.
• Be part of a fun and supportive team.
• Gain experience and transferable skills that look great on a resume.

Can’t make it to the drop-in interviews? View job ads and apply for open positions by visiting the Burke Lake Jobs webpage. To view all employment opportunities with FCPA, visit the Jobs website. For more information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. For more information, call 703-323-6600 or visit the Burke Lake Park website. 

Four Fairfax County Park Authority staff members were recognized on July 16 with lifesaving awards from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for their extraordinary actions during a water emergency at Providence Recreation Center earlier this year.

In May, lifeguards Michaela Zawadzki, Juliet Raimando and Anna Parker, along with Manager on Duty Jeremy Alexander, responded immediately after a swimmer became unresponsive in the pool. Following their emergency action plan, staff quickly removed the individual from the water, cleared the pool, initiated CPR and chest compressions and deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) before Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on scene.

"This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of rigorous training, teamwork and preparedness," said Fairfax County Park Authority Deputy Director Sara Baldwin. "Michaela, Juliet, Anna and Jeremy remained calm under pressure and put their lifesaving skills into action when every second mattered. We are incredibly proud of the work our aquatics staff do every day to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community."

Upon the arrival of Fire and Rescue crews, the swimmer began to recover. The swift actions, professionalism and training demonstrated by the recreation center staff played a critical role in the successful outcome.

Fairfax County Park Authority lifeguards undergo extensive training in water rescue, CPR, first aid and emergency response to ensure they are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to aquatic emergencies. Their commitment helps provide a safe environment for the millions of guests who visit Park Authority aquatic facilities each year.

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

Come out to Sully Historic Site in August to enjoy an evening of movies under the stars at the Starlight Cinema. This series of movies returns with a lineup that the entire family will enjoy.

Grab your crew and head out to 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, to sit back, relax and watch movies “drive-in” style — view and listen from your car or bring chairs and blankets to watch from the lawn. Pack a basket for a moonlit picnic or try a new treat from one of our food truck partners and enjoy free entertainment that comes to you as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. 

Starlight Cinema brings the community together for wholesome family entertainment with a feature film that begins at dark. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., so come early to get a good spot. Mark your calendars for:

• Aug. 1: "Tangled"
• Aug. 8: "Zootopia 2"
• Aug. 15: "Finding Nemo"
• Aug. 22: "Cars"

The rain date for movies will be Aug. 29. For more details, visit the Summer Entertainment Series' Starlight Cinema webpage.

All performances are held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home. Cancellations are updated online and via hotline one hour before showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers that contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

Fairfax County Park Foundation

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.

At its July 14 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of July as Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County. The county joins jurisdictions from across the nation in commemorating National Park and Recreation Month, celebrating the role of parks and recreation and recognizing the role of park and recreation professionals in building vibrant communities. This year’s Park and Recreation Month celebrates "The Power of..." parks and recreation, and the people who make it possible.

"Each year, we’re reminded of the tremendous impact parks and recreation have on daily life in Fairfax County," said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. "Parks offer endless opportunities for connection – connection with nature, with history and culture, with recreational experiences, and with one another. This is made possible by the dedication of park and recreation professionals and their commitment to serving Fairfax County."

Representatives from the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the McLean Community Center and Reston Community Center were in attendance to accept the proclamation hallmarking Fairfax County’s collaborative approach to providing exceptional experiences for individuals and families at every stage of their lives. These organizations provide facilities, amenities, services and programs to promote wellbeing and access to cultural, natural and historical experiences throughout the county.

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s observance of National Park and Recreation Month, visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage.

The votes are in, and Laurel Hill Golf Club has been named the second best golf course in Fairfax County in the 2026 FFXnow Readers’ Choice rankings.

Laurel Hill is the largest of the Fairfax County Park Authority's seven golf facilities. Nestled in Lorton's rolling terrain, the award-winning course offers scenic landscapes, a rich historical backdrop and a memorable golf experience. The championship 18-hole layout features dramatic elevation changes and strategically designed holes, along with a 9,400-square-foot clubhouse, the Tower Grill restaurant, a full-service practice facility and performance center, making Laurel Hill a premier destination for golfers of all skill levels.

Twin Lakes Golf Course also earned recognition as one of FFXnow's "Other Notable Spots," recognizing the quality and variety of golf experiences that are available through Golf Fairfax.

Located in Clifton, Twin Lakes Golf Course offers two 18-hole championship courses, driving range, practice green, cafe and clubhouse. The clubhouse features a 3,300-square-foot Oaks Room perfect for golf outings, meetings, weddings and other special events. Twin Lakes is a favorite destination for golfers of all skill levels throughout the year.

These reader selected honors reflect the dedication of Golf Fairfax staff and the continued support of the golfers who play, practice and connect at our courses. View the complete results by visiting the FFXnow Readers' Choice rankings website.

About Golf Fairfax

Golf Fairfax owns and operates eight public golf courses throughout Fairfax County, providing affordable, accessible opportunities for golfers of all ages and skill levels. From championship courses and driving ranges to instructional programs, tournaments and special events, Golf Fairfax is committed to creating exceptional golf and recreational experiences while promoting lifelong enjoyment of the game. Learn more by visiting the Golf Fairfax website. 

Ready to dive into a rewarding job that makes a real impact in your community? The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking part-time, year-round lifeguards to join the team at all nine rec centers across the county.

Attend our Open Hire Event for a streamlined hiring experience. You'll complete your application, take a swim test, interview with our team and, if selected, register for a free Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification course—all in the same day.

Open Hire Locations and Dates

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Location: Martha Washington Library (6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria). Applicants will complete a swim test at nearby Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria) following their interview.

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, between 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Location: Oakmont Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton

Applicants should be prepared to complete a swim test and interview. Please make sure to bring appropriate swim attire, towel and a change of clothes.

The swim test consists of:

• Swimming 100 yards continuously using a front crawl or breaststroke.
• Retrieve a 10-pound dive brick from the deepest part of the facility’s pool (between 12 feet to 14 feet deep).
• Tread water without hands for one minute.

Position Details:

• Monday-Friday shift times between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.; other availability will be considered based on site need.
• Positions are part-time and year-round.
• No experience required—FCPA provides all required training after a successful job offer.

As a Fairfax County Park Authority lifeguard, you'll enjoy free access to the Rec Center where you work, while gaining valuable experience for future careers in public safety, healthcare or the military. With flexible schedules, opportunities to advance to Lifeguard II and Head Lifeguard, and paid lifeguard certification for qualified candidates, this is an ideal opportunity for college students, veterans, retirees and active older adults looking for meaningful, rewarding work.

Candidates must be at least 15 years old at the start of the course, and employment is contingent upon successful course completion and satisfactory results on a background check.

Sign up for swim test and interview

Or, simply walk in ready to go!

Can’t attend the open hire or looking for more information? View the job ad and apply by visiting the Aquatic Certification and Jobs webpage.

For more information, please reach out to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.