Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, by volunteering in a park, helping care for Fairfax County’s natural and cultural resources and joining a special event honoring the legacy of a longtime public servant, the late Gerry Connolly.

In partnership with Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), the Park Authority has developed new trail signage along the Cross County Trail honoring Connolly’s legacy and contributions to Fairfax County. The community is invited to attend an unveiling of the new signage at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lake Accotink Park McLaren-Sargent Pavilion.

Residents can also celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in volunteer service opportunities throughout Fairfax County. Activities include invasive plant removal, litter pickup, pollinator garden maintenance and other projects that help preserve and improve the county’s parks for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Full details and volunteer registration information are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. Residents who are unable to participate on Sept. 26 can find additional opportunities to volunteer in Fairfax County parks throughout the year through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has brought together volunteers across the country to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. The annual event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to give back to the places that provide opportunities for recreation, connection with nature, learning and community.

"Fairfax County’s parks are places where people come together to experience nature, explore our history and build connections with their communities," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “National Public Lands Day is a wonderful reminder that caring for these shared spaces is a community effort. Whether you spend a few hours removing invasive plants, picking up litter or simply joining us to celebrate the legacy of Gerry Connolly, every contribution helps strengthen the parks we all enjoy.”

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovating playgrounds at seven parks throughout the county this fall, including updated, accessible play spaces and exciting new amenities. The projects are part of the Park Authority’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its park facilities and provide safe, engaging spaces for children and families to enjoy.

Construction is expected to begin as early as September 2026, with projects continuing into 2027. Playgrounds will be closed for the duration of each renovation project. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and stay out of construction areas while work is underway.

Playground Renovation Projects

*Projects funded in whole or in part by voter-approved bond dollars.

Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather, site conditions and other factors. The Park Authority will provide updates as projects progress.

While a playground is closed for renovation, families can find other nearby places to play using the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator. Search for playgrounds and other amenities throughout the county to find an alternative destination during construction.

Visitors can also monitor Park Alerts for updates about construction, temporary closures and other impacts at parks throughout the county.

Please follow all posted signage and stay clear of active construction areas to help ensure the safety of park visitors and construction crews.

The Park Authority looks forward to welcoming the community back to these refreshed playgrounds as each project is completed. New playgrounds mean new places to climb, swing, slide, explore and make memories—and there’s plenty to look forward to across Fairfax County!

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

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Ray Foote has been appointed by Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer to represent the Braddock District on the Park Authority Board. Foote has deep roots in the Fairfax County community he has called home for 38 years and brings decades of nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and conservation experience to his new role.

Foote has extensive expertise in nonprofit development and has served national environmental and conservation organizations throughout his career. He has held senior positions at National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association and Scenic America, among other organizations. He currently leads the conservation and environment practice for The Compass Group, a fundraising consulting firm based in Baltimore.

He is active in Fairfax County civic life, serving on the Environmental Quality Advisory Council and on multiple nonprofit boards. He and his wife, Diana, raised their four children in Fairfax, all graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools.

Foote will be up for reappointment in December 2026.

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

Take a step inside one of Fairfax County’s oldest homes during the annual Oak Hill Open House on Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can explore historic Oak Hill Manor and gardens and discover the people, stories and craftsmanship that shaped this remarkable piece of Fairfax County history.

New this year, timed-entry tickets will be required for all visitors wishing to tour the interior of the historic home. To provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests, 50 tickets will be available for each half-hour entry period, beginning at 4 p.m., with the final entry at 6:30 p.m.

Tours of the historic boxwood gardens, an outdoor docent-led talk highlighting the history of Oak Hill and the stories typically shared during the house tour, and other on-site activities are free and open to the public. No ticket is required to enjoy these outdoor experiences.

Learn more about the event and reserve tour tickets by visiting the Oak Hill website.

Located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale, Oak Hill is a private residence and is only open to the public during this annual event. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and use parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of Northern Virginia’s earliest land-grant holders, Oak Hill was constructed in the late Georgian style. The home was renovated in the Colonial Revival style during the 1940s by renowned restoration architect Walter M. Macomber.

In 2004, Seville Homes, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established a historic and conservation easement to preserve the property, including its approximately 200-year-old boxwoods.

The Oak Hill Open House is made possible through a partnership with the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office, Fairfax County Park Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

For more information about Oak Hill and this year’s open house, visit the Oak Hill website.

Editor's note: The Banks Community Park public meeting, originally scheduled for Sept. 16, has been cancelled.
 

The Fairfax County Park Authority will share next steps on the development of the Olander Banks Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks Community Park this fall. A public meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, has been cancelled.

Located at 7400 Old Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Banks Community Park is a 10-acre green space in the Franconia District, adjacent to the Kingstowne community. The proposed plans for park development were informed by community feedback received during a public comment period held in the Spring 2025.

For more information about the project, visit the Banks Community Park PublicInput page. Questions may be directed to the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., this free event will feature tables showcasing community resources and opportunities for hands-on nature experiences at the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center. Upon entry, all visitors will receive a ticket to ride the trackless train and the carousel, and to enjoy popcorn and cotton candy and an arts and crafts activity. Registration is not required. Parking is limited, but shuttle service will be available from Cooper Middle School, located at 977 Balls Hill Road, McLean.

Clemyjontri Park — a 2-acre all abilities playground — features ramps for access to elevated play components, play equipment with wide openings for easier access, swings with high backs and arm rests, rubber surfacing for wheelchair accessibility, lowered monkey bars for easy access, equipment to provide all children with a sensory-rich experience and a communications board that helps individuals express their wants, needs and feelings through visual supports.

Explore the programs, services and events that are helping make parks and recreation available to everyone at the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website. The Park Authority offers many classes for those with disabilities throughout the year. Search the adapted classes lineup for fall to find everything from ice skating to dance to swimming to sports and more. Return to Clemyjontri Park this fall for the Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Embrace the Halloween spirit at this festive event and get tickets online for all of your trick-or-treaters.

For more information, please visit the Access and Inclusion website or contact our staff at fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Clemyjontri Park Open House flyer

Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the Fairfax County Park Authority will begin a major renovation of the tennis courts at Jefferson District Park. The project is expected to take approximately 10 weeks, weather permitting.

The project includes the complete replacement of tennis courts #1-8 with new post-tension concrete courts, marking the first project of this scale in Fairfax County. Work will be completed by Field Turf USA.

During construction, the entire tennis complex, as well as the playground, will be closed. The basketball courts will remain open and available for play. In addition, contractors will utilize the majority of the lower parking lot near the golf maintenance shop for staging and construction activities. Visitors may experience increased construction traffic and noise and should use caution when visiting the park.

Park visitors looking for alternative places to play tennis or playgrounds to enjoy during the closure are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to find nearby Park Authority facilities.

For questions about this project, please contact project manager Marcos Suarez at marcos.suarez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fall is right around the corner — whether the goal is to refresh your fitness routine, pick up a new lifetime hobby, keep the kids enthused or channel your “empty nester” era, you’ll find it all in the Parktakes magazine.

Return to the classics, such as yoga or swimming, or mix things up with a new trend, such as Aqua Combat, K-Pop Dance or Sound Baths. Next, gear up for all things pumpkin and cozy fall vibes with festive events and autumn celebrations.

Browse and circle your favorites and reserve your spot for an unforgettable season:

• Adapted Recreation
• Aquatics
• Children’s Corner
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Events
• Exercise and Physical Fitness
• Farm
• Fine Arts and Crafts
• Gardening
• Golf
• History
• Ice Skating
• Martial Arts and Self-Defense
• Nature
• Outdoor Recreation
• Performing Arts
• Pets
• Science and Technology
• Scouts
• Sports and Leagues
• Trips and Tours
• Weight Training
• Xtras

Register by Friday, Aug. 21 to save $8 on most classes. Learn more by visiting  the Parktakes website.

When school begins, young children will be heading into the classroom at Fairfax County Park Authority’s three Kids Play Preschool locations. With options for ages 2.5 up to 5 years, Kids Play Preschools engage children in age-appropriate activities that focus on art, science, outdoor play, music and circle time. The Park Authority’s trained preschool staff welcome students into nurturing, high energy spaces designed to promote independence and foster positive self-image. Curriculum extends beyond the classroom into parks spaces that encourage learning through play and movement.

Kids Play Preschool locations include:

• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, FCPAFSMPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Stone Mansion, 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria, FCPAFSMPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean, FCPAFSHPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov

"Our staff are working hard to prepare a positive and engaging experience for our young learners as we get ready for the upcoming school year," said Christine Hodgson, youth services section coordinator for Fairfax County Park Authority. "We’re excited to welcome back returning students and families, as well as greet new friends joining our programs for the first time."

Begin the enrollment process by submitting the Prospective Student Information form that can be found on the Preschools webpage or by contacting your desired location directly. The Park Authority offers options for two-, three- or five-day programs based on age of the child and location. The Park Authority also has introduced extended care and lunch options for certain preschool programs — those interested should inquire when reaching out to learn more. Space is limited, so get your spot today!

Throughout August, Golf Fairfax is celebrating National Golf Month with special offers, family-friendly promotions and new ways to play. Practice at our award-winning driving ranges, save on range balls, take a lesson with one of our PGA or certified instructors, experience indoor golf with our TrackMan simulator or enjoy food and beverage specials while you're here.

Families and junior golfers will find even more reasons to play, including Family Golf Month specials, junior discounts, beginner-friendly programs and opportunities designed to help young golfers build confidence while having fun.

Women can also connect through a variety of Women on Course programs, including clinics, leagues and social events for every skill level. Golfers can stay connected to everything Golf Fairfax by downloading the free Golf Fairfax Mobile App.

At its heart, golf isn't just about great shots or low scores. It's about spending time with friends and family, challenging yourself and creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates eight golf courses in seven locations throughout Fairfax County. Courses are open year-round, weather permitting, offering opportunities to play in every season. For more information, visit the National Golf Month webpage.