Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to join in the nationwide celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Community members are encouraged to get involved by taking part in a wide variety of service activities that help protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of our treasured park system.

With the help of partners and community organizers, the Park Authority is pleased to host volunteer opportunities in every supervisory district across Fairfax County.

Braddock District – Wakefield Recreation Center

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Trash cleanup

Dranesville District – Difficult Run Stream Valley Trail

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Trash cleanup and trimming overgrowth along trail

Franconia District – Huntley Meadows Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Watershed cleanup

Dranesville District – Colvin Run Mill Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Invasive plant pull

Hunter Mill District – Frying Pan Farm Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Site Beautification

Mason District – Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Invasive plant pull

Mount Vernon District – Laurel Hill Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Vegetation removal around historic rail boxcar feature along the Cross County Trail

Providence District – Oakmont Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

• Helping Our Lands Heal (HOLH) restoration project

Providence District – Eakin Community Park

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–noon

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) Workday

Springfield District – Twin Lakes Golf Course

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday

Sully District – Sully Historic Site

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday

Full details are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. While some opportunities already have enough volunteers, many are still accepting sign-ups. For those unable to attend on Sept. 27, additional opportunities to serve can be found year-round through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy these shared spaces. This year’s theme, "Our Home Outdoors," highlights the importance of parks as places where we connect with nature, history and each other.

"The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to be the steward of more than 23,000 acres of parkland and 334 miles of trails,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Our parks truly are ‘our home outdoors,’ places where people come together to explore, play, learn and recharge. We are deeply grateful for the thousands of volunteers whose time, energy and passion ensure these spaces continue to thrive for generations to come."

For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently announced a proposal to establish dedicated tennis and pickleball courts at Franconia Rec Center, building on improvements currently in progress and recently completed on the property. These changes would involve returning the existing dual-use pickleball/tennis court, “Tennis Court #3,” back to a tennis-only court and converting half of the existing tennis practice courts to pickleball-only. The proposed redesign would provide a total of three dedicated tennis courts, six dedicated pickleball courts and two practice courts with a stroking wall to better serve the two racquet sports.

The Park Authority is committed to meeting the diverse recreational needs of the community and invites the public to provide input on the proposal for racquet courts. In an effort to provide comparative playing opportunities for both racquet sports, the Park Authority is beginning a search for sites to provide each sport with dedicated courts by utilizing the existing court surfaces and creatively working within those spaces. To meet the growing demand for racquet facilities, the Park Authority opened dedicated racquet courts for both pickleball and tennis players at Wakefield Park in Annandale.

The proposed practice court conversion to two pickleball courts could start as early as late September. The converted courts could be open this winter with a blacktop surface, fencing, nets and playing lines available. The project’s final completion would be in spring 2026. Until the final completion of the converted pickleball courts, “Tennis Court #3” will remain a dual-use court for both pickleball and tennis, with the portable pickleball nets available. Additionally, community members are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify courts throughout the county available for play.

The public is invited to share feedback on the proposed changes at Franconia Rec Center. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2025. To submit comments online, visit the PublicInput project page.

Franconia Park is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Children form lasting memories as they learn while attending Fairfax County Park Authority preschools. FCPA runs two preschools licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services that help young children prepare for full time school:

Kids Play Preschool at:

• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
• Stone Mansion, 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria

Spring Hill Rec Center Preschool at:

• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean

FCPA’s preschools provide a welcoming space that nurtures the emotional, social and intellectual growth of young minds. Children engage in a variety of age-appropriate activities. Through outdoor play, circle time and educational activities. Children are guided by caring and dedicated educators and encouraged to explore, play and learn alongside their peers. Staff working at FCPA preschools are CPR- and First Aid-certified, complete required background checks and have prior experience working with children.

Programs range from two to five days a week and promote independence, enhance school-readiness and foster positive self-image. Make sure your child doesn’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Learn more and start the registration process by filling out the Preschool Enrollment Inquiry form.

Young children also grow and develop new skills in the many classes the Park Authority offers each season. Check out the Children’s Corner category for numerous fun classes to engage young minds this fall -- from learning dance and basic movement to building the fundamentals in gymnastics and sports to getting creative with arts, building blocks and instruments. Help children learn lifesaving skills in the water by joining children’s swimming classes: Baby & Me for ages 6 to 18 months, Toddler & Me for ages 19 months to 3 years, and Pee Wee Paddler for ages 3 to 7 years.

Children also have fun and stay engaged in our Drop-In Childcare rooms. These services cost $3 per child for Rec Center members and $10 per child for non-members. They are available on on a first-come, first-served basis at three Rec Centers: Cub Run, Oakmont and Mount Vernon.

Children ages 6 months to 10 years can enjoy arts and crafts, coloring activities, board games, books and various other activities. Fairfax County Park Authority staff who are certified in CPR and First Aid supervise the room. Parents and guardians must remain in the building and the maximum stay is two hours. Staff provide focused care for children and can contact guardians if needed.

Explore these opportunities and come out to learn and grow with the Park Authority this fall.

Make strides toward your wellness goals this fall with an annual membership to Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers — get a 15% discount throughout September. Infuse fun into your fitness routine with group exercise classes, such as Zumba, Pilates and yoga. Get stronger every day with free weights, strength equipment and cardio machines. Dive into low-impact exercise with lap swimming and water walking in our pools. Give your muscles a break with a visit to our spas and saunas.

Annual membership provides access to any of our nine Rec Centers, each with their own amenities. Enjoy flexible membership options with no initiation fees. Join today to access:*

• Pools, spas and saunas 
• Fitness centers (free orientations)
• Virtual and drop-in fitness classes
• Indoor tracks and athletic courts
• Drop-in pickleball and basketball games 
• Public skate and climbing wall sessions
• Discounts on drop-in child care

*Space permitting, amenities vary by location .

Take 15% off an annual membership when you sign up from Sept. 1-30. Purchase in-person at Rec Centers or online through Parktakes. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers' website.

Still undecided? Experience all these amenities during the Rec Center Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Sign up for a free, seven-day trial membership or purchase of a 30-day for $30 pass to enjoy free admission all day. Explore the building, test out the Fitness Center or dip your toes in the pool. Visit from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for fun activities, such as sample exercise classes, giveaways, games and food.

For additional information, please contact FCPARECenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to welcome the community to the much-anticipated reopening of Mount Vernon Rec Center pool.

The swimming facilities now include a heated, indoor pool and beach entry equipped with two spray features. It also includes the addition of a wet classroom area that can be reserved for birthday parties or used for training and educational aquatics events, and a spectator area that can be used during events. The deep end of the pool includes a diving board and the Park Authority’s first aquatic climbing wall. The pool area also features a set of locker rooms, a poolside spa and a sauna.

Be one of the first to experience this fresh, revitalized pool at Mount Vernon Rec Center:

• Swim or go water walking/jogging in the lap lanes.
• Sign up for aquatics classes.
• Register for one on one or small group swim lessons.
• Purchase an Aqua Flex Pass and drop-in on a water exercise class.

Aquatics classes at Mount Vernon this fall include instruction for life-saving swimming skills for all ages and abilities, water exercise sessions focusing on building strength and balance in Aqua Get Fit, and full body workouts in Advanced Deep Water Exercise. Reserve lap lanes by signing up for Lap Swim or Freestyle & Backstroke Clinic and get the added bonus of building your swim endurance and stroke skills.

Trained lifeguards are on duty at all public times for your safety and comfort. Swim with us and join a community with a long tradition of fun, education and safety.

Come visit Mount Vernon Rec Center at 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, to experience the exciting updates. If you’re ready to make a commitment to your health, secure your pass to the Rec Center by purchasing an annual membership, available at a 15% discount during September. Purchase your membership in person or online.

For additional information about the Park Authority’s Rec Centers, please email FCPARecCenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate the flavors of fall with an old-fashioned cider-pressing adventure! At Frying Pan Farm Park and Colvin Run Mill, guests can roll up their sleeves, bring their apples and turn them into fresh, sweet cider in a private, hands-on session perfect for family or friends.

This isn’t just about sipping cider—it’s about making it yourself. Using a traditional cider press, you’ll load, crank and squeeze your way to autumn’s freshest treat. Bring about 100 apples and two 1-gallon containers, then take home the delicious results of your hard work. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little sticky—apple pressing can get messy!

Sessions are still available on the following dates:

• Frying Pan Farm Park: Saturdays, Sept. 20, 27; and Sundays, Sept. 21, 28.
• Colvin Run Mill: Saturdays, Oct. 11, 18, 25; and Sundays, Oct. 5, 12, 26. Weekday sessions available at Colvin Run Mill. Call 703-759-2771 for details.

Cost is $60 per session for up to eight participants.

Don’t just taste fall—make it. Gather your apples, round up your friends or family, and join us at Fairfax County parks for a cider-making experience you’ll remember long after the last sip. Spaces fill quickly, so reserve your session today and take home a sweet taste of the season. Please note, advance registration is required; walk-ins will not be accepted.

Register for Cider-Making at Fairfax Parks

Golf Fairfax is proud to announce, through a partnership with the Virginia State Golf Association, the launch of Adaptive Golf Clinics this fall at Burke Lake Golf Center. These clinics provide a welcoming, interactive environment where golfers of all abilities can learn new skills and enjoy the game.

Any and all players with disabilities are welcome, including those with physical, cognitive or other disabilities. Expert instructors tailor coaching to each player, using both standard and adaptive equipment to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn in a way that matches their abilities. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your swing, come out to make friends, improve your skills and connect with other adaptive athletes.

These clinics are FREE for all players with disabilities, including non-VSGA members. Choose dates that work for you, and join us for an afternoon of golf, learning and skill-building activities!

Clinics are available Fridays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 10, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is now open and can be made by visiting the clinic registration webpage.

Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Golf Center website or call 703-323-1641.

Golf Fairfax is committed to creating enriching experiences for all golfers, including those with disabilities. For questions about accessibility, please visit the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will lower water levels at Lake Accotink after Labor Day in order to complete an assessment of the dam. The assessment is being conducted to evaluate the structure to ensure its integrity and identify any maintenance or repair needs.

The marina and dam area will remain fenced, with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed for safety reasons, for several weeks. The evaluation is expected to be finished this fall. Then, it may take several weeks for the lake to return to its normal level, depending on regional precipitation.

In spring 2025, when the Park Authority attempted to lower the lake and drain the stilling basin, maintenance staff discovered that the sluice gate could not close properly, preventing us from safely draining the basin. Divers were called back to inspect the gate and found that the stem was damaged, which would not allow reliable operation. The Park Authority paused lowering operations over the summer to avoid conflicting with the recreation season after a newly fabricated stem was created and installed.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, Virginia. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Looking for a way to make a difference in your neighborhood? Protect your local parks and make friends while you’re at it -- visit the Invasive Management Area Program website and become volunteer!

Over the past few decades, non-native invasive plants have been rapidly altering our landscapes. They outcompete native plants, disrupting the ecosystem food chain and threatening birds and pollinators. Our parks need YOU to help protect native species and preserve our beloved natural areas.

The IMA volunteer program is a community project that aims to reduce invasive plants in our parks. Every week, IMA volunteers gather in parks across the county to remove invasives and replant native species.

IMA volunteers can:

• Have fun socializing with like-minded individuals
• Spend time outside and exercise
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Protect native habitats, plants and animals
• Earn service hours
• Make a positive impact on the community for future generations to enjoy

"Our IMA Site Leaders are truly impressive and dedicated volunteers. They remove invasive plants by hand to protect trees, restore native habitats and are deeply committed to protecting natural areas while inspiring their communities to do the same," Gloria Medina, IMA Program Manager said.

To get started as an IMA volunteer, find an upcoming workday near you on the IMA calendar. Scouts, students, adults and groups are all welcome. Bring your family and friends for a rewarding day out in the parks. Even just a few hours on one day makes a difference!

Invasive Management Area funding is provided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Environmental Improve Plan in support of the board’s Environmental Vision. The County’s Environmental Vision helps to guide environmental sustainability initiatives, strategies, policies and programs. Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website for more details.

The IMA program is also supported in part 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 excited to announce the start of Phase 2 of renovations at Mount Vernon Woods Park, bringing a brand-new skate park to the community. Construction will begin in September 2025 and is anticipated to be completed this winter.

"Mount Vernon Woods Park has already become a vibrant community hub, and the addition of a skate park will make it an even more dynamic destination for residents of all ages," FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole said. "We’re grateful to the community members who shared their input and helped us shape this exciting new feature."

The new skate park was designed with valuable input from the community, following a public comment period in fall 2024. Resident feedback helped shape the design to ensure the new space reflects the needs and interests of local skaters and families.

Phase 1 of the Mount Vernon Woods Park renovation, completed in early 2025, introduced a wide range of new amenities, including a playground, fitness area, multisport court, soccer field, picnic shelter and parking lot. Phase 2 builds on these improvements, creating even more opportunities for recreation and connection.

Spohn Ranch, a nationally recognized skate park design and construction firm, will lead the Phase 2 project. During construction, residents may notice occasional construction traffic along Fielding Street.

Mount Vernon Woods Park is located at 4014 Fielding Street in Alexandria. For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.