Park Authority

Following a three-month administrative review, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board lifted the temporary hold on the Mastenbrook Grant Program and applications are now being accepted.

As a result of the administrative review, the Park Authority is introducing new criterion for eligibility. In order to be considered for a grant, the maximum project cost for proposed projects cannot exceed $100,000.

The added criterion is intended to refocus the Mastenbrook Grant Program on its original intent: to encourage community investment in smaller capital projects that enhance parks and park facilities.

For larger projects estimated to cost more than $100,000, funding proposals may still be submitted to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Since 1999, the Mastenbrook Grant Program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.5 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded projects such as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters, dog parks, playgrounds and athletic field improvements.

To learn more and apply, visit the Mastenbrook Grant Program webpage.

In 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority began a comprehensive review of its fee-based revenue model with the objective of identifying a new path forward toward increasing the equity of access to county park and recreation programming. After an 18-month effort with consultant HR&A, an initial report of the findings and proposed recommendations has been prepared and is being shared with the Park Authority Board, Board of Supervisors and the public for initial comments and feedback.

“The Park Authority is firmly committed towards enhancing equity in all aspects of our park system, including access to our first-rate park programs and services,” said Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “With a laser-focus on equity, we are working with the BOS, our partner agencies, and our community to blaze a new trail to ensure we can live up to our mission to enrich the quality of life for all members of the community by ensuring that our phenomenal programming is accessible and affordable to all residents.”

The initial presentation on the 2024 Equity Study was delivered at the Jan. 24 Park Authority Board. A recording of the presentation, the Equity Study Report and presentation, as well as a history of the development of the county’s park and recreation system and the Park Authority Revenue and Operating Fund are available at 2024 Park Authority Equity Study.

The Park Authority is seeking public comment and reaction to the information contained in the 2024 Equity Study and presentation. The feedback will play a valuable role in developing next steps toward greater equity in the Fairfax County park system. Initial comments may be submitted online or via U.S. mail now through Friday, March 1. Instructions for participating are available at A Trail to Equity in Fairfax County Parks.

The Park Authority will use the results of the initial comment period to plan a robust community outreach program likely to run through the summer. The program will include public meetings and a survey to obtain additional understanding regarding how residents perceive park programs and serve to identify potential barriers to participation that may exist. It is anticipated that comments and additional data collected will be delivered to both the Park Authority Board and the Board of Supervisors by fall 2024.

For details, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Burke Lake Golf Center and Oakmont Golf Center ranges were once again recognized among America’s Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine. Golf Range magazine is a publication of the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) and the Professional Golf Association (PGA).

Oakmont Golf Center’s range, featuring 78 lighted stations with 30 covered and heated stations, was honored for the third time in a row; while Burke Lake Golf Center celebrates its fifth-consecutive recognition for its fully renovated facility. Both ranges are owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Each year GRAA recognizes the best-in-class teaching professionals, public, private and stand-alone ranges. GRAA celebrates facilities that introduced the game of golf to new golfers, while retaining and inspiring current golfers through player development programming, customer engagement and community outreach.

"Golf Fairfax is honored to, once again, have Burke Lake and Oakmont recognized as among the Top 50 public golf ranges across the country. Our family-friendly atmosphere and value-driven services ensure that everyone can enjoy a premium golfing experience – from the new golfer to the seasoned pro," said director of Golf Operations Ryan Carmen.

The ranges were specifically recognized for demonstrating the following best practices:

• State-of-the art facilities that allow for year-round play.
• Partnerships with local schools and community groups to grow the game.
• Campaigns to advertise promotions and specials, such as Family Golf Month.
• Dedication to welcome new, social and established golf enthusiasts.
• Robust golf academies that cater to all levels, families, women and youth.

The Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Oakmont Golf Center is located at 3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton.

For more information, visit the Golf website. All driving ranges are accompanied by putting and chipping greens for short game work and are open year-round.

Brace yourselves for a flurry of feathers and fantastic discoveries as winter sets the stage for an unforgettable birding experience in Fairfax County Parks! The leafless trees provide an excellent opportunity for spotting and identifying numerous species of birds that call our parks home. Winter birding also attracts different species of birds that may not been seen in warmer weather.

Visit the Park Authority’s Birding website for a treasure trove of bird-related topics. Learn how to attract birds, craft your own bird feeder, discover ways to celebrate our feathered friends and delve into information about various bird species residing in Fairfax County.

Embark on a birding journey with our expert instructors through a series of engaging classes:

• Winter Bird Walk (Jan. 28, from 9 to 10 a.m.; Burke Lake Park; $8)
• Home Made Bird Feeders (Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon; Burke Lake Park; $8)
• Birding at Huntley (Feb. 7, from 8 to 11 a.m.; Huntley Meadows Park; $19)
• Winter Bird Walk (Feb. 9, from 4 to 5 p.m.; Lake Accotink Park; $8)
• Winter Bird Walk (Feb. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m.; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; $8)
• Make Your Own Pinecone Birdfeeders (Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Lake Accotink Park; $8)
• Home Made Bird Feeders (Feb. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m.; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; $8)
• Birding for Beginners (Feb. 25, from 8 to 11 a.m.; Huntley Meadows Park; $19)

To register or to learn more about these feather-filled adventures, visit the Birds webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board bid farewell to at-large member Jim Zook at the board’s Jan. 11 meeting. His departure marks the end of his nearly six-year service as a member of the Park Authority’s governing body and a storied career with Fairfax County government.

"I am pleased to recognize and express my appreciation to Jim for his contributions to this board and for the perspective he’s brought, especially around equity," said Chairman Kiel Stone. "He has been a big part of helping us move things forward, and we wish him the very best in his future pursuits."

Zook was appointed to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board as an at-large representative by former Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova in May 2018. Zook, a former director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning for more than two decades, was originally recognized as a "longtime friend to the Park Authority" in 2010 upon his retirement from the county. Since that time, his expertise, advocacy and passion for the county’s open spaces have continued to benefit the Fairfax County park system as he occupied his seat on the board.

"It has been my honor to have worked with each member of the board and with the staff," said Zook in his final remarks. "You can’t help but be impressed with the quality of people you have working for the Park Authority, from the top to the field to wherever you can see that people care."

The vacancy on the board effected by Zook’s departure is expected to be filled within the next several weeks.

For additional information about the Park Authority Board, visit the Board website or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

From traditional dances to kung fu mastery, this year’s Lunar New Year celebration promises unforgettable entertainment! Ring in the year of the dragon at Twin Lakes Golf Course on Friday, Feb. 9, with an enchanting evening filled with cultural festivities, traditional performances and delectable Asian cuisine.

Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience featuring traditional Lunar New Year crafts, games and samples of traditional foods served during the new year. The celebration will showcase a diverse lineup featuring traditional dances, music and enchanting cultural expressions, with headliners including the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, The Café, The Xuejuan Dance Ensemble and the George Mason University Chinese Group. Other performances include kung fu and erhu to round off a night of cultural celebration and unity.

Space is limited and registration is required. Admission is $10 per person. 

Register for Lunar New Year Celebration

Twin Lakes Golf Course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more information, visit Lunar New New Year Celebration webpage, or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Lunar New Year Celebration flyer

Cub Run Rec Center opened the doors to a new service: Drop-In Childcare. The added service now provides parents and guardians of infants and toddlers the option of bringing their children with them as they come to get in a workout, swim laps, participate in classes or relax in the hot tub. The new drop-in childcare room is a virtual wonderland with engaging features and enriching activities for young children ages 6 months to 10 years.

In the room, children can play with toys and games, work on crafts, and enjoy reading or other age-appropriate activities. The brand-new, open playroom features a separate area for infants and toddlers who are not walking. Park Authority staff ensure that children are kept entertained while adults are able to use the Rec Center.

Those using Cub Run Rec Center can use the drop-in childcare services on a first-come, first-served basis. Services cost $3 per child and $1.50 for each additional child for up to 2 hours, once a day. Staff watching children are First Aid and CPR certified and the services adhere to Virginia Department of Social Services child-to-staff ratio standards.

The Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes members of the public to stop by and see this new space during two upcoming events:

Cub Run Rec Center Open House on Jan. 24 — Anyone can visit the Rec Center for free all day. Bring your children to see the new Drop-In Childcare Room and take part in some fun, kids activities from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

View the Rec Center Open House flyer

Drop-In Childcare Grand Opening event, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Jan. 27 — Visit the new room and meet staff. Children can play games, take part in arts and crafts and join in some fun, indoor activities, such as the mini trampoline and indoor obstacle course.

View the Opening Celebration flyer

The Cub Run Rec Center is located at 4630 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. For additional information about the Rec Center and for details on drop-in childcare, visit the Cub Run Rec Center website or call 703-817-9407.

Cool and rainy weather didn’t stop Fairfax County residents from getting outside to celebrate the start of the new year. Hundreds of people of all ages enjoyed the Park Authority’s more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails and documented their fun by participating in the 2024 First Hike Fairfax photo contest.

The annual First Hike Fairfax photo contest is jointly sponsored by the Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation as a way for residents to begin a new year with fitness and outdoor activity, while enjoying the experience with friends, neighbors and family. This year, more than 350 contestants submitted photos showcasing the sights and scenes they experienced. The results were spectacular! See the complete collection of submissions on the First Hike Fairfax 2024 photo album Flickr page.

The contest received entries in four categories: scenery and landscapes, people, wildlife and pets. A “Best in Show” was awarded in each category, and three at-large awards were selected by the panel of judges and by popular vote of the countywide community. The following winners received prizes sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation:

Director’s Choice Award

Judges’ Choice Award

People’s Choice Award

Best in Show (Nature and Landscapes)

Best in Show (People)

Best in Show (Wildlife)

Best in Show (Pets)

Winners received gift cards to the Fairfax County Park Authority provided by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The prize is redeemable toward the cost of most Park Authority programs, events, reservations or Rec Center Memberships.

For more information on First Hike Fairfax, visit the First Hike Fairfax webpage.

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.

Start thinking about fun in the sun by preparing for Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) spring and summer camps. Registration for spring and summer camps opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23. In preparation, FCPA is sharing the full listing of camps, as well as offering multiple ways to search and tools to use that will make enrolling easier.

Explore the 2024 Camp Guide to see the complete listings (and all the details) for upcoming camps. The publication outlines key background information, including key dates, extended care information and all the 2024 camp locations. It also provides all the details you need for each camp listing organized by season and then camp type.

On FCPA’s Camps website, find the Camp Search to browse offerings by keyword and location and download the Camp Spreadsheet to filter and sort camps in Excel by child’s age, the week, the type of camp and the location. FCPA also provides a Camp Planner Sheet to help track camp choices and collect Catalog IDs of all your top choice camps to make registration easier and quicker.

FCPA announces two changes to the camp registration process. For 2024, FCPA will not be offering a discount for early registration for camps. In addition, waitlists for camps will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2 to help FCPA staff optimize the process for filling camps.

Jump into making plans for all the excitement FCPA will be offering this spring and summer. Explore all the camps being offered and make those camp wish lists. Set your clocks for the opening of registration and remember to log on to use the Camp Search to register in Parktakes at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23!

If you have any questions, please contact the FCPA camps team at camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Camps guide

Unearth the secrets of gardening at Green Spring Gardens’ captivating winter lecture series. Join our experts and discover a world of tips and insights to cultivate your gardens at home. Distinguished horticulturists, landscape designers and Master Gardeners will take the stage, sharing a wealth of gardening wisdom.

Join us at Green Spring Gardens for the following sessions scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the designated dates below:

• Gardening for Climate Change (Jan. 28)
• Gardening Oddities (Feb. 4)
• Lotus for Any Garden (Feb. 18)
• Journey of a Garden and Its Gardener (Feb. 25)

Two virtual sessions are also being offered as part of this year’s winter lecture series. Both of the following sessions are scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Pushed Up The Mountain (Jan. 21)
• Spiders: Fear to Fascination (Feb. 11)

Find out more about each session and register for the class or classes of your choice. Cost is $12.

Register for a Winter Lecture

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit Green Spring Gardens or call 703-642-5173.