Park Authority

If you’re looking for a seasonal job that gets you out from behind a desk and lets you work in a beautiful setting while building real-world skills, this is it. Spend your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations!

Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Information Center will be held Feb. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, so 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
• Office Attendant
• Train Attendant
• Mini Golf Attendant
• Camp Store Attendant
• Maintenance Positions

Why work at Burke Lake Park?

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

Can’t make it to the drop-in interviews? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions at the Burke Lake jobs website. To view all employment opportunities with FCPA, visit the Park Authority's 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 in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website at w or call 703-323-6600.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin evaluating applications for curatorship of the historic Dranesville Tavern, located in the Dranesville District at 11919 Leesburg Pike, Herndon.

The evaluation process will include multiple livestreamed work sessions, a public meeting and a public comment period to receive public input and questions for consideration of the applicants. Details pertaining to the proposed curator application and opportunities for submitting public comments are now available online at on the Dranesville Tavern project website.

The Park Authority Evaluation Team will convene at its initial work session on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be livestreamed via the Dranesville Tavern project website and a recording will be made available following the meeting. Public comments will be accepted online through the Dranesville Tavern project website and via mail starting Feb. 24 through March 25 at 5 p.m.

The Park Authority will also host an in-person public meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at the McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. The meeting will include an overview of the Resident Curator Program, presentations by curator applicants for the Dranesville Tavern and an opportunity for community members to ask questions.

At least one subsequent session will be held at 10 a.m. on March 31. While the work sessions on Feb. 24 and March 31 will be viewable by the public, they will not include a public comment period.

Dranesville Tavern is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Virginia inn or ordinary. Located at the intersection of two major roads (Georgetown Pike and Alexandria Leesburg Pike), it served travelers moving through the region. Built in 1823 by Stanford Cockerille, it originally consisted of two two-story log structures. 

The inn changed hands over the years with various owners adding onto the original structure. The tavern remained open to the public until 1946 and to boarders until 1968. In the 1970s, the tavern was threatened by the expansion of Route 7 until the Park Authority purchased it and moved it 135 feet away from its original location. 

Dranesville Tavern has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as on the Fairfax Inventory of Historic Sites for its association with the turnpike trade in Virginia.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

Learn more by visiting the Resident Curator Program website. For additional questions, contact Stephanie Langton, manager of the Resident Curator Program, at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Beginning on Monday, Feb. 16, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve will be closed for an urgent sewer project to renew and rehabilitate the Scott's Run Siphon wastewater facility. Contractors for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will complete this work, which is expected to take approximately three months to complete, depending on weather conditions.

This infrastructure enables the transportation of wastewater across the Potomac River, through Carderock National Park and connects to D.C. Water’s Potomac Interceptor in Maryland. This project is essential to maintaining uninterrupted service and preventing potential wastewater overflow into the Potomac River.

To ensure public safety and protect natural resources, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, including the east and west parking areas and all trails, will be closed for the duration of the emergency work. Residents are encouraged to use the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator and Trail Buddy to identify alternate parks and trails during this closure. The public will be notified when the park reopens.

Updates regarding project progress and any changes to the timeline will be available online at the Scott’s Run Siphon Rehabilitation project webpage.

For more information about the project, please email Sara Ferrance, Engineer V Fairfax County Wastewater Collection Division at sara.ferrance@fairfaxcounty.gov. Questions related to the park closure may be directed to the Park Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Scott's Run Nature Preserve is located at 7400 Georgetown Pike in McLean. For more information, visit the Scott's Run Nature Preserve website or call 703-759-9018. 
 

Honor Black history through meaningful programs that explore African American history, culture and lived experiences across Fairfax County. Throughout February and beyond, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers engaging events, exhibits and interpretive programs for all ages that highlight the essential role Black individuals and communities have played in shaping the county’s past and present.

From stories of resilience and labor to traditions, skills and community life, these programs invite visitors to learn, reflect and connect with history at park and historic sites across the county.

Programs and Events

Black History Month at the Meeting House

Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 7  (canceled) or Feb. 21, noon–2 p.m. Free

Remembrance: Enslaved Lives at Sully

Sully Historic Site, Feb. 8 or Feb. 21, 1–2 p.m. $10

Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery

Historic Huntley, Feb. 19, 1–2:30 p.m. $12

Grit and Grain: African American Millers

Colvin Run Mill, Feb. 28, 2–3 p.m. $10

To explore additional resources, exhibits and programs that highlight Black history and culture across Fairfax County Parks, visit the Black History Month webpage.

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.