Park Authority

See life on the farm in full swing — including the spring baby boom — at Spring Farm Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Experience hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun throughout the day.

Event highlights include:

• Sheep shearing
• Antique farm equipment demonstrations
• Milking demonstrations
• Hands-on farm activities
• Spring baby animals across the farm
• Crafts, games and wagon rides
• Pony rides (10 a.m.–1 p.m., $15 per child; limited availability)

Admission is $12 per person online through May 1 (ages 2 and up) and $15 at the door. One wagon ride is included with each paid admission.

Register for Spring Farm Day

This event is supported by the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park, a nonprofit organization that funds programs, provides farm animals, preserves agricultural heritage and enhances visitor experiences through community partnerships and fundraising.

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

Horse lovers of all ages are invited to Frying Pan Farm Park for the Annual Horse Expo, a day dedicated to celebrating the equestrian world through demonstrations, hands-on experiences and family-friendly fun.

The event takes place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frying Pan Farm Park Equestrian Center. Admission is free, and parking is $10 per vehicle (on-site payment only).

This year’s Horse Expo features a special appearance by Freedom and Liberty, the Bureau of Land Management’s 250th Wild Horse and Burro ambassador team. Freedom is an 8-year-old sorrel gelding from the Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Area near Rock Springs, Wyoming, and Liberty is a 17-year-old gray gelding from the Cibola-Trigo Herd Management Area near Yuma, Arizona.

As part of BLM’s Freedom250 campaign, “Bringing Freedom and Liberty Across America,” these mustangs travel the country as living symbols of America’s public lands, helping share how wild horses and burros have shaped our nation’s history — from exploration and travel to building industries such as mining and agriculture — and why BLM manages and protects these animals for future generations.

At the Horse Expo, visitors can watch Freedom and Liberty in the Parade of Breeds at 11:30 a.m. and see a training and handling demonstration at 1 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.

Then, guests can take part in a Q&A session to learn more about the horses and BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. Freedom and Liberty will also be stabled in barn one for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities.

With more than 50 years of equestrian history, Frying Pan Farm Park offers a unique setting to explore horseback riding and learn from experienced professionals. Visitors can watch additional live demonstrations, hear from expert speakers and connect with local businesses offering horse-related products and services.

Families can enjoy food trucks, interactive activities and the popular Friends of Frying Pan Pony Ride Experience, with rides available for $10 per rider. Step into the equestrian world and enjoy demonstrations, activities and experiences designed for riders of all levels.

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

Step outside, look up and rediscover the night. During International Dark Sky Week, April 13–20, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to experience the beauty of dark skies and take simple steps to protect them.

Excessive artificial light washes out the stars, disrupts wildlife and impacts human health. Fairfax County’s parks play a critical role in preserving natural darkness across urban and suburban landscapes, offering opportunities for stargazing, education and conservation.

Take action this week and help protect the night:

• Use responsible outdoor lighting practices at home.
• Dim lights at night to support migrating birds.
• Reduce glare and light trespass in your neighborhood.
• Report your dark sky lighting on the Watch the Green Grow website.
• Explore astronomy programs and night-sky experiences at county parks.
• Borrow a Dark Skies Kit through Fairfax County Public Library to measure light levels in your community.

Small changes make a lasting impact. Protect wildlife, improve energy efficiency and help bring the stars back to Fairfax County skies.

Learn more by visiting the Dark Skies webpage.

This spring, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to roll up their sleeves and support native plants and habitats during hands-on volunteer events across the county.

As part of the 20th anniversary of the Invasive Management Area IMA Volunteer Program, volunteers can help remove invasive plants, restore native habitats and protect Fairfax County’s forests — no experience required. Participants will receive a free “Take Back the Forest” T-shirt while supplies last.

Since its launch in 2006, the IMA program has grown into one of the region’s most impactful volunteer conservation efforts, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year working alongside trained site leaders to restore parklands, improve water quality and protect wildlife habitats.

"The Park Authority is grateful to have the support of volunteers to care for the natural areas,” said Patricia Greenberg, invasive plant management program manager at Fairfax County Park Authority. “It’s incredible to see how enthusiastic volunteers get when they remove invasive plants and see how quickly they give native plants a chance to thrive.”

Volunteer events will take place throughout April and May at parks across Fairfax County, with flexible opportunities ranging from 90 minutes to three hours.

Be part of the next chapter. Join the movement, make a difference and help shape the future of Fairfax County’s natural spaces.

To learn more and sign up, visit the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program website.

The Invasive Management Area Program 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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the second year in a row as a 2026 Top Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. This recognition highlights FCPA’s dedication to providing meaningful work-based learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders.

FCPA internships provide students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience that supports both their career goals and the Park Authority’s mission to serve the Fairfax County community. Interns contribute to real projects and initiatives across areas, such as park operations, recreation programs, environmental stewardship, communications, business operations, engineering and golf enterprises, gaining practical experience while making a meaningful impact.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized again this year," said Jeff Rosenblum, FCPA’s human resources manager. "Interns are an important part of our workforce and our future talent pipeline. We take great pride in creating an environment for interns to feel supported, challenged and valued, while providing them the opportunities to build the skills they need for their careers."

FCPA encourages students, emerging professionals, career changers and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in one of our operational areas, to explore upcoming internship opportunities by visiting the Internship Opportunities website.

View the certificate of recognition

For more information on the 2026 Top Employers for Interns, please read the official news release on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s website.

Bring the whole family to Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration. Since 1970, Earth Day has highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources, and this festival offers fun, hands-on ways to learn simple things you can do at home to help the environment.

Here are a few things you can learn at this year’s event:

• Summer camp opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority.
• Golf options for kids and adults.
• Strategies to grow bigger, better plants.
• Tree and shrub planting Guidelines.
• Information for identifying and getting rid of invasive plants.
• Ways insects help the environment.
• Effects of erosion on archaeology.
• History through activities.
• Composting.
• Water recreation spots in Fairfax County.

With live music, food and beverage, the popular touch-a-truck exhibit and more, this is a learning experience you don’t want to miss. Admission to the event is free, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. 

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

Spring comes alive along the Potomac River as Bluebells at the Bend returns to Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate one of Northern Virginia’s most anticipated traditions with a day of nature, discovery and family-friendly fun.

Stroll through vibrant fields of blooming bluebells and experience the beauty of the season with guided wildflower walks offered throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy live music, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with local environmental organizations.

Event highlights include:

• Guided wildflower walks offered every 30 minutes.
• Live music by Andrew McKnight.
• Meet live animals, including reptiles and birds of prey.
• Puppet shows and family activities throughout the day.
• Bald eagle mascot meet-and-greet.
• Exhibitors and nature-focused organizations.
• Food trucks and vendor tents.

Guests can visit the Nature Center to see live owls presented by the Maryland Raptor Conservancy and explore hands-on discovery stations, such as the fur and bones touch table. A free shuttle runs throughout the event between the Visitor Center and Nature Center to make getting around easy.

Bluebells are a fragile natural resource. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails and help preserve the beauty of Riverbend Park.

Register for Bluebells at the Bend

Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills St. in Great Falls. For more information, visit the Riverbend Park website or call 703-324-8563.

With an award-winning system of 424 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.

The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers. Online nominations are open for the following awards:

Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award – These awards honor Ellamae “Elly” Doyle’s many years of service and accomplishments as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board. During her tenure, Fairfax County’s park system expanded significantly, adding open space, new recreational facilities, and a strong commitment to preserving local natural and cultural resources. This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers for their outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks.

The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award – Recognizes outstanding teamwork and cooperation in providing state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County parks, honoring the service and contributions of retired Park Board member Harold L. Strickland.

The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award – Honors historian, volunteer, and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz by recognizing exceptional contributions to FCPA cultural preservation efforts.

The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award – Recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of Sally B. Ormsby’s dedication to environmental stewardship and education about local natural resources.

The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award – Recognizes significant, tangible contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses that enhance diversity systemwide and foster a culture of inclusion within parks and the surrounding community.

Nominations are due by Friday, May 22, 2026. The nomination form is available online at the 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Nominations website. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the general public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers.

Award recipients will be honored later this fall. Additional details will be posted on the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards webpage.

For more information or alternative formats of the application, please contact the Public Information Office via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a special informational meeting about the highly anticipated construction of a new Audrey Moore Rec Center. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. at Wakefield Forest Elementary School, locate at 4011 Iva Lane in Fairfax, in the cafeteria. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about the proposed updates and opportunities coming to this beloved community facility.

The meeting will provide residents with details about the renovation, including:

• Introduction to the project and Rec Center team.
• Overall renovation concept.
• Construction and reopening timeline.
• Overview of amenities and programmatic areas.
• Pottery considerations.

Community members who would like to participate in the public meeting in a language other than English may request interpretation services by emailing parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov by Friday, April 10.

Following the public meeting on May 2, FCPA will accept public comments on the proposed renovation plans for the facility online via the Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation webpage for 30 days. All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5.

The Audrey Moore Rec Center was the first rec center constructed by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1977 and has been a cornerstone of the community for almost 50 years. The 76,000-square-foot facility is undergoing a transformative renovation. The project scope includes an expanded fitness area and programing space; a warm water pool to serve people with disabilities, seniors and children; an Olympic-size competition pool; a child care center; and an expanded senior center in partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2028, with an estimated completion in 2031.

For ongoing updates about the project and to access related materials, visit the Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation webpage.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the future of the Audrey Moore Rec Center and how it will continue to serve as a vital resource for Fairfax County residents for years to come.

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

This summer, junior golfers across Fairfax County will have a new opportunity to compete, improve and shine with the launch of the Golf Fairfax Junior Tournament Series, or GFJTS. Designed for players ages 10–18, the series offers structured competition and an opportunity to qualify and compete in a season-ending Series Championship.

GFJTS Series Details:

• Nine tournaments across six Fairfax County golf courses.
• Each player competes in five events.
• Divisions: ages 10–12, 13–15 and 16–18.
• Points are earned at each event and contribute to overall standings.
• Format modeled after the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup.
• Top performers qualify for the Series Championship.

Players will earn points based on their finishes in each tournament, with cumulative totals determining advancement to the Series Championship held at Laurel Hill Golf Club. Top finishers at each event will receive awards, and division champions will be recognized as the top junior golfers in Fairfax County, with their names etched on a perpetual trophy.

"We wanted to create an opportunity for junior golfers to experience competitive play in a fun, structured and affordable way," said Michael Mauk, PGA Professional at Pinecrest Golf Course and GFJTS co-director.

The series also helps players prepare for school competition, especially those planning to try out for middle or high school teams in the fall.

"High school golf is more than just playing for a team," said Tim Sample, GFJTS co-director, Golf Fairfax instructor and Head Varsity Golf Coach at Meridian High School. "It’s about building technical skills while learning to manage the pressure of competition week-to-week. Players in this series will enter tryouts more prepared and confident."

Registration for the Golf Fairfax Junior Tournament Series opened April 1 and runs through May 31, with participation capped at 200 players. The first tournament tees off June 23 at 10 a.m. at Jefferson District Golf Course.

For the full schedule, to learn more and to register, visit the Junior Tournament Series webpage.