Park Authority

An application for curatorship has been received for the Lahey Lost Valley historic house. The Fairfax County Park Authority will continue to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the house until Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, by 5 p.m.

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.

The Lahey Lost Valley House, located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, is a mid-18th century brick hall-parlor house with a 1940s brick addition. The house is located on land granted to William Gunnell in 1730. His son Henry Gunnell, together with Henry’s wife Catherine, built a working plantation on the site by 1760. The Gunnell family were leaders in Fairfax County throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The family continued to own the property through the 1930s.

In 1940, the house and 45 acres were sold to Richard and Carlotta Lahey. The Laheys moved a wood framed kitchen addition off the brick house and used it as a freestanding artist’s studio. In its place, the Laheys constructed a two-story brick addition. Between 1990 and 1991, Carlotta Lahey arranged with FCPA a bequest to be included in her will to donate the house, furnishings and 22 acres of land. FCPA took possession of the property after Mrs. Lahey passed away in 1999.

To identify potential lessees in the Resident Curator Program, FCPA is seeking proposals for the rehabilitation of the house in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Curators will be determined through an open and competitive process, based on several criteria, including a formal proposal, demonstrated experience and competency in historic preservation techniques, financial capabilities and the incorporation of public benefits.

Complete application forms and additional information about the properties are available by visiting Lahey Lost Valley webpage.

For more information, contact Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program manager at 703-324-8791 or by email at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining markets across the country to celebrate National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 3-9, 2025. Join us for live music, kids' activities and free giveaways at all Park Authority Farmers Markets!

National Farmers Market Week highlights the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local food systems. For more than 30 years, the Park Authority’s farmers markets have shaped how Northern Virginia eats, shops and connects with food. Each year, the markets support more than 130 farmers and food producers, while serving both the community and the environment.

The markets offer more than fresh produce and homemade food. They also provide a free food scrap collection service to reduce landfill waste. Since 2023, the program has diverted more than 280,000 pounds of food waste from landfills, turning it into compost instead. This year, the markets went plastic bag-free. Customers can now pick up free reusable bags and washable produce bags at the market information tent.

To make fresh food accessible to everyone, five Park Authority farmers markets accept SNAP benefits. For these shoppers, benefits are doubled—up to $40—allowing them to purchase twice as much fresh produce. This program brought in $98,000 in sales last year, benefiting families and supporting local farmers. The markets also host "Nourish Your Neighbor," a fresh food drive held on the last market day of the month. Shoppers can buy extra produce and donate it on site to local food pantries that help neighbors in need.

From picking up veggies or dinner to reducing waste through composting or donating food, every visit to the farmers market makes a difference. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with us from Aug. 3-9 and see how local food strengthens communities and protects the planet!

For more information and market locations, visit the Farmers Market website.

Looking for a fun and fulfilling part-time job this fall? Spend your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Info Center will be held Aug. 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (no appointment needed!) Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot all in one visit!

Available positions include:

• Campground Attendant
• Information Center Attendant
• Lakefront Maintenance
• Marina Attendant
• Miniature Golf Attendant
• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Train Station Attendant

Can’t make it to the Drop-In interviews? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions by visiting the Burke Lake Jobs webpage.

View all employment opportunities with FCPA by visiting our Jobs website.

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

For more information about employment, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

Step right up! Experience good old-fashioned family fun at the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair, coming to Frying Pan Farm Park from Thursday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 3. This year’s event is bigger than ever, featuring rides and games, fair food, tractor demonstrations, 4-H exhibits, farm animals, Big Truck Night and live entertainment.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2

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

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demos): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Please note: The carnival will pause daily from 4–5 p.m.

A $10 parking fee applies on Friday (after 4 p.m.) and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets which can be purchased online or on site. Unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday are available for purchase: $21.25 per person (prepay online) or $25 per person at the gate between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are good for one day. Please note that an additional convenience fee will be applied to credit/debit transactions.

For ticketing details, visit the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair website.

The 4-H Fair takes place Saturday and Sunday. Currently in its 75th year, the event showcases Fairfax County youth achievements in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement through hands-on exhibits, competitions and interactive activities.

"We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair, honoring decades of positive youth development and accomplishments," said India Pearson, 4-H Extension Agent for Fairfax County. “This milestone is a tribute to the talent, dedication and future leadership of our youth here in Fairfax County.”

Visit the 4-H Fair Digital Guide for the full schedule of events

To learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, check out Fairfax County’s 4-H website.

“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. “Through our strong partnerships and community support, this event offers a vibrant space where families can enjoy classic fair fun, explore local resources, and build lasting memories. We’re grateful to all the sponsors and organizations who help make this annual tradition possible.”

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

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.

Nostalgic for drive-in movies? Introduce your family to the magic of the drive-in theater this summer at Starlight Cinema, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. During the first four Saturdays in August, bask in the dreamy atmosphere of movies by starlight at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.

View the big screen from your car or bring chairs and picnic blankets to watch from the lawn. Gates open at 6 p.m., be sure to arrive early to secure an ideal viewing spot. Catch the pre-show, live children’s entertainment at 7 p.m. Then, sit back and enjoy a feature film after dark.

School supplies donations will be accepted at all Starlight Cinema events, learn more at by visiting the Starlight Cinema webpage. The rain date will be Saturday, Aug. 30. Additional details in case of cancellations can be found by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website.

This season’s Starlight Cinema brings an all-new lineup of movies:

• Saturday, Aug. 2: "Harold and the Purple Crayon" at 8 p.m. and performance by Rocknoceros at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: "Moana 2" at 8 p.m. and performance by Groovy Nate at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 16: "Wild Robot" at 8 p.m. and performance by Uncle Ty-Rone at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23: "Ratatouille" at 8 p.m. and performance by the grandsons jr. at 7 p.m.

Explore the entire 2025 Summer Entertainment Series schedule at by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Sign up for updates about the upcoming schedule by subscribing to the Summer Concert Series e-news.

Performances are held outdoors — lawn chairs welcome. In the event of inclement weather, cancellations are posted online or call the hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before showtime.

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

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.

Join us on the green this August for Family Golf Month! Share your love of the sport with the budding young golfers in your life and foster a hobby that will last a lifetime. At Golf Fairfax, we know that tee time is the best time to create cherished memories with family, which is why we’ve made it even easier to play with the whole family. Make the most of Golf Fairfax’s award-winning courses with these tee-rrific Family Golf Month deals:

Junior golfers can enjoy FREE PLAY at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens age 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.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! Discover 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, enter the Junior Club Championship Aug. 10 at Pinecrest or Aug. 16 at Burke Lake.
• Have a ball 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 seven golf courses throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage.

Fall in love with your local parks — get ready to register for all the extraordinary activities being hosted by Fairfax County Park Authority. The fall edition of Parktakes magazine has hit the stands and is bursting with classes and camps to fill your calendar.

Class in Session

Capture some of the season’s finest adventures by signing up for classes. Choose from numerous opportunities for every interest at any age. A sampling of these opportunities include:

• Craft your next masterpiece, pick up a cozy needle-crafting activity
• Dance into the season, learn a new style
• Exercise your way with everything from weight training to tai chi
• Garden for the season
• Golf in the crisp air
• Revel in history with everything from teas to tours
• Commune with nature
• Join swim lessons and build life-saving skills
• Jump into sports to build teamwork and get moving

Registration for FCPA classes opens Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Don’t wait, explore the full lineup today at by visiting the Parktakes website. Register by Aug. 8 and save $8.

Fall for Camps

FCPA fall camps promise enriching experiences for kids of all ages. Whenever public school closes, parents can select from camps to keep their children engaged in everything from performing arts to outdoor exploration to scientific experimentation to cooking to sports, such as soccer, tennis, football and basketball. Fall camps will be held:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23
• Thursday, Oct. 2
• Monday, Oct. 13
• Monday, Oct.20
• Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 3-4
• Tuesday, Nov. 11

Explore a new hobby, meet friends and make memories at camp. Learn more by visiting the Camps website.

Switch off the summer heat and get on your feet with a Christmas in July themed Family Skate and Dance Night on Saturday, July 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Come dressed in your best holiday-inspired outfit as you take a spin around the floor. 

Watch as Franconia Rec Center’s gym transforms into a festive holiday wonderland for this event. Put on those skates or dance to a variety of music played by the guest DJ. Sing along to holiday classics as you embrace the holiday spirit during the summer.

Tickets cost $10 for everyone (skaters, dancers, spectators and chaperones) — purchase in advance online or at the door.

Register for Family Skate Night - Christmas in July

Remember to bring your own skates. Refreshments available for purchase. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Patrons can find Skate and Dance Night parking in the lower parking lot by driving past the front of the Rec Center and parking in the lot to the right. Enter the event by the gym doors located near to the parking lot.

Skate nights now can be booked for private parties to celebrate birthdays or other events. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

View the Skate Night flyer

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841. 

Take a tour of historic Oak Hill, one of the oldest homes in Fairfax County, on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual open house provides an opportunity to go back in time and rediscover our community roots. Oak Hill Manor is located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of the first land-grant holders in Northern Virginia, the late Georgian style house 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 agreed to a historic and conservation easement to preserve the property, including its 200-year-old boxwoods.

Please note that Oak Hill is a private residence and is only available for public access during this annual open house. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and utilize parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

The Oak Hill Open House is made possible in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Park Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. For more information about Oak Hill and this year's open house, please visit the Oak Hill website.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), that provides funds, obtains grants, and creates partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet the needs of the Fairfax County park land, facilities and services. For more information about the Foundation, visit the foundation’s website or call 703-324-8582.

On Thursday, July 10, the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse came alive with music, gratitude, and community spirit during the Evening on the Ellipse celebration recognizing the 2025 Outstanding Volunteers and officially proclaiming July as National Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County.

As part of the county’s Summer Entertainment concert series, the evening featured a special proclamation presentation by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw. The proclamation affirms the critical role that parks and recreation play in the physical and mental wellbeing of residents, as well as in strengthening neighborhoods, conserving natural resources and building a sense of belonging throughout the county.

The event also honored 20 individuals named 2025 Outstanding Volunteers, who were recognized for their exceptional service to the Fairfax County Park Authority. These volunteers contribute in countless ways, from leading nature programs and managing farmers markets to restoring habitats, caring for animals, supporting concerts and mentoring young swimmers. Their dedication represents the backbone of Fairfax County’s robust park system. Read more about this year’s honorees in our previous news release. 

"Let me share a few quick numbers that speak volumes about your impact," Park Authority Board Chair Kiel Stone said. "In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than 10,300 volunteers gave over 116,000 hours of their time to our parks. That’s equivalent to $3.88 million in donated time and talent. That’s extraordinary. But beyond the numbers, our volunteers are educators, helpers, stewards and community builders. You are the heart of our parks and we are endlessly grateful." 

The celebration was made even more special by the participation of Neighborhood and Community Services, McLean Community Center and Reston Community Center, partners that help shape the vibrant, inclusive and expansive park and recreation network that residents enjoy countywide.

Fairfax County will continue celebrating National Park and Recreation Month throughout July with special events, programs and community engagement opportunities. To learn more about how to get involved and celebrate with us, visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage.

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