Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority and Spohn Ranch, Inc. are seeking comments from the community on two proposed design concepts for the planned skatepark at Mount Vernon Woods Park in Alexandria. Following an initial public meeting on Sept. 26 and a subsequent community input period, Spohn Ranch has developed two design concepts for the skatepark, which are now available for review.

Residents can view the proposed designs and submit their comments via PublicInput by Dec. 14, 2024. Feedback gathered during this period will guide the refinement of the final design for the skatepark, which is part of Phase II of the ongoing redevelopment project at Mount Vernon Woods Park.

Phase I of the redevelopment of Mount Vernon Woods Park, located at 4014 Fielding St. in Alexandria, is currently in progress and is expected to conclude in early 2025. Phase II, which will include the construction of the skatepark, is anticipated to begin in fall 2025.

For further details on this project or to view the design concepts, please visit the Mount Vernon Woods Skatepark Development Project website.

For additional information, please contact project manager Heather Lynch at heather.lynch@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Get the lowest prices of the year on golf rounds during Golf Fairfax’s Fall Pass Sale beginning Nov. 16-29. Whether you're gearing up for next season or shopping for the perfect golf gift, now is the time to plan your visit and save.

The Fall Pass Sale offers up to 25% off golf rounds at all seven Golf Fairfax courses: Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Laurel Hill (senior rounds only), Oakmont, Pinecrest and Twin Lakes. Take 10% off 5 rounds, 20% off 10 rounds, and 25% off 15 rounds. All savings are based on regular greens fees.

Golf Fairfax is also offering a special deal for seniors. Buy 14 rounds, and your 15th round is free!

Choose from 9-hole or 18-hole passes, for weekends or weekdays. Passes are valid for two years from the date of purchase and are redeemable only at the course where they were bought.

To buy your passes, stop by the pro shop at any participating course.

For more information on the Fall Pass Sale, visit the Golf passes webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and ArtsFairfax, joined by Supervisors Kathy Smith (Sully District) and Jimmy Bierman (Dranesville District) celebrated the unveiling of two new plaques at Ellanor C. Lawrence and Riverbend Parks to inspire creativity in nature with Poetry in the Parks. The initiative, created by outgoing Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra, encourages parkgoers to contribute creative writing, poetry and illustrations inspired by park scenes to ArtsFairfax’s digital collection of Poetry in the Parks.

The Poetry in the Parks project has focused on bringing parkgoers and poetry lovers into the same space through poetry readings and workshops at several area parks including Riverbend Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Huntly Meadows, Green Spring Gardens and Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Works collected from these events are currently included in the Poetry in the Parks collection.

“Nature is the ultimate canvas and we’re surrounded by it every day in the parks; that’s what makes Poetry in the Parks such a natural connection,” said Park Authority Executive Director, Jai Cole. “In addition to providing avenues for active recreation and physical fitness, parks also provide opportunities to exercise our minds through peaceful reflection, creative thinking, curiosity and learning. This project creates a tremendous opportunity for us all to contribute to our own experiences to our community story.”

Learn more about the Poetry in the Parks program by visiting the ArtsFairfax website.

Families, friends, and community members gathered at Muddy Hole Farm Park on Nov. 4 to celebrate the opening of a brand-new playground and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon exploring nature. Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with Supervisor Rodney Lusk, the event marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground, adding an exciting feature to the park.

"This is what the parks are all about," commented Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole, seeing children and parents enjoying their evening in the park with the Wonder Wagon and on the new playground. "We’re in the business of fun, and there’s no more rewarding experience than seeing so many neighbors coming together and having a great time talking and playing together."

The new playground equipment replaced a pre-existing equipment that was originally installed in 2002 and was in need of replacement. The playground was designed to provide a modernized playground experience for children between the ages of 2 and 12. The new equipment includes a slide, climbing and sensory features and a double-bay swing set. The playground surface was also replaced with Poured-In-Place surfacing for added safety and accessibility.

The evening’s festivities also featured the Wonder Wagon, the Park Authority’s popular Mobile Nature Center. Visitors of all ages participated in games, hands-on educational activities, and interactive exhibits that brought local wildlife and ecosystems to life. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for the community to connect with the outdoors and discover the new amenities that Muddy Hole Farm Park has to offer.

Supervisor Lusk shared his enthusiasm for the event and the new park facilities, stating, “I am thrilled that we were able to replace the aging playground equipment and bring in modernized features that will continue to serve as a fun and safe gathering place for children and families from the surrounding neighborhood. Our parks bring us together to play, relax, and just enjoy time as a community, and I’m confident this playground will create lasting memories for years to come.”

See photos of the ribbon-cutting

The 13.6-acre Muddy Hole Farm Park is located at 7941 Kidd St. in Alexandria. In addition to the new playground, the park includes tennis and basketball courts and open fields for recreation. For more information, contact the Park Authority’s Communications Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Get ready for a wonderful winter holiday experience! The Fairfax County Park Authority’s holiday and winter programs are here, and registration is open for select festive events that have become traditions for families all across the county. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring a little extra sparkle to your season.

Some of the Park Authority’s featured events include:

Experience the Holidays at Colvin Run Mill

Embrace the spirit of yesteryear with festive activities at this historic site. Join us for lantern tours, a children’s holiday shopping experience and meet Santa himself! 

• Holiday Lantern Tour: Dec. 6-7, 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., $12
• Children’s Holiday Shopping at Historic Colvin Run: Dec. 7-8, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $7
• Santa at the Mill: Dec. 14 (3-5:30 p.m.) & Dec. 15 (2-4:30 p.m.), $10
• Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Mill: Dec. 14 (12:30-2:15 p.m.) & Dec. 15 (11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.), $40 per group (up to five in a group)

Register for holiday activities at Colvin Run Mill

Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park

Celebrate the holidays with an evening of wagon rides, animal interactions and visits with Santa. Enjoy food, indoor activities, and cozy campfires.

• Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21, 4:30-7:30 p.m., $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Register for Holiday on the Farm

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a train ride, spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf and savor s’mores by the fire. Meet Santa, sip hot chocolate and enjoy the season’s warmth. 

• Weekends: Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Register for Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

The fun doesn’t stop here! For a complete list of upcoming festivities, check out our Holiday Sneak Peek and secure your spot in the season’s most magical events.

Back by popular demand! The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) will host its second-annual Beaver Boogie 5K at Lake Accotink Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. More than just another fun run, the Beaver Boogie is a great opportunity to join with family, friends and neighbors in supporting one of Fairfax County’s largest and most visited parks. The event runs through the park, creating a scenic and picture-perfect atmosphere for all runners and walkers to enjoy themselves while being active.

Registration is $25 for each participant for the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Additionally, racers may also purchase a $10 pasta dinner meal deal to be hosted at Kilroy’s on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

All proceeds from this event are used to support FLAP projects and programs that directly benefit Lake Accotink Park.

Register for Beaver Boogie 5K

Registered participants may pick up their race packets at the pasta dinner on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kilroy’s (located at 5250 A Port Royal Road, Springfield) or on Saturday morning at Lake Accotink Park beginning at 9 a.m.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. For event details and questions, please visit the Friends of Lake Accotink Park’s event website, or contact them at contact@flapaccotink.org.

The Friends of Lake Accotink (FLAP) is a certified 501(c)3 organization that is committed to protect, restore, preserve, and educate all concerning the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Lake Accotink Park. FLAP is an all-volunteer organization, and every donation directly fuels project and programs at Lake Accotink Park.

The Fairfax County Park Authority, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and members of the Woodlawn Little League community invite the public to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting for the newly completed restroom and concessions building at McNaughton Fields Park. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.

This new facility marks the realization of a long-held vision for McNaughton Fields Park since its establishment in 2016. The building includes permanent restrooms, a concessions stand and storage space built on an existing concrete pad equipped with utilities prepared for this addition.

Join the Park Authority, Supervisor Dan Storck and the Woodlawn Little League community to celebrate the completion of this long-awaited amenity.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Where: McNaughton Fields Park, 5320 Pole Road, Fort Belvoir

For questions about the event, contact the Park Authority’s Communications Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to provide locally grown produce and other food items at farmers markets at locations throughout the county. While most market locations begin to wrap things up with the turning of the season, three market locations have extended their market schedule into December. The Burke, Reston, and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon farmers market will continue to be open in December, giving the community fresh options as the weather starts to cool down.

The extended season schedule for these farmers markets can be found below.

Reston Farmers Market

• April 27 to Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to noon
• Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston

McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market

• April 17 to Dec.18, 8 a.m. to noon
• Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria

Burke Farmers Market

• April 20 – Dec. 21, 8 a.m. to noon
• VRE Parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke

For a complete schedule of remaining Park Authority Farmers Market locations this fall and winter, visit the Farmers Market website.

Be sure to visit the Burke, Reston and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon markets to support your favorite vendors through the season, and to welcome our new vendors to the Extended Season. Visit the Farmers Market website for more information regarding the extended season and market locations.

The Oakmont Rec Center has reopened after a monthlong closure during which the facility underwent an impressive list of environmental upgrades and building improvements that include mechanical and plumbing systems and many aesthetic changes throughout the facility. These upgrades have enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the center, ensuring a better experience for visitors.

Key improvements include:

• Mechanical and Plumbing Enhancements: A new exhaust system and ducts were installed in the natatorium and upper lobby, while heating boilers were replaced, and the HVAC control system was expanded. The facility also added new shutoff valves to isolate bathrooms and locker rooms when needed.
• Natatorium Upgrades: The pool received a brand-new whitecoat and deep cleaning, while tiles were replaced, and the pool’s drain system was jetted and cleaned. Other improvements included bleacher painting, diving platform repairs and structural updates.
• Locker Rooms: The locker rooms now feature new countertops, sinks, mirrors, toilet and shower partitions, and benches, along with refinished saunas. New accessories, such as soap dispensers and door push buttons in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, were also installed for added convenience and accessibility.
• Family Changing Rooms: Lockers were replaced with cubbies, and ADA push buttons were added for easier access. The rooms also received new sinks, mirrors, and accessible shower benches.
• Upper Lobby: The lobby underwent significant upgrades, including new ceiling tiles, LED lighting, electrical repairs and fresh wall and trim painting. Visitors will also enjoy the new furniture, creating a more welcoming environment.
• Upper Lobby Bathrooms: The bathrooms were refreshed with new ceiling grids, tiles and wall patches, alongside newly installed counters, sinks and mirrors. Door repairs, ADA bars, and new bathroom accessories ensure these spaces are functional and accessible for all.
• Staff Offices: The office spaces were modernized with patch and paint work, new ceiling grids and tiles, and necessary structural wall repairs to ensure the longevity and appeal of the space.
• Oak Room: The Oak Room received a much needed facelift, including the removal of old carpeted walls and the speaker box, installation of new built-in cabinets, fresh wall patches and paint to create a brighter and more functional space.
• Acorn Room: The Acorn Room also underwent extensive updates, including new ceiling grids and tiles, fresh wall patches and paint, new countertops with a sink, and built-in cabinets for storage.
• Lower Lobby: The lower lobby now features new ceiling tiles, freshly patched and painted walls, and updated LED light fixtures. Floor tiles were also repaired or replaced to maintain a clean and polished look.
• Fitness and Exercise Rooms: The fitness center and exercise rooms now boast new cubbies, fresh paint, repaired lighting and deep cleaning to offer a rejuvenated workout space for members. Exercise Room 2 also received a sanded and refinished wood floor, while the other rooms now feature new built-in cabinets and cubbies.
• Racquetball Courts: The racquetball courts were upgraded with sanded and refinished wood floors and cleaned wall tiles, providing players with an improved playing environment.
• Roof and Structural Repairs: New roofing and skylights were installed to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and waterproofing, offering long-term protection against the elements.

These changes will ensure that the facility continues to provide a safe, modern and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Whether you’re coming for a swim, workout or family fun, prepare yourself for a much improved experience at the Oakmont Rec Center.

Come visit the Oakmont Rec Center and learn about a variety of membership options! The Rec Center is located at 3200 Jermantown Road in Oakton. For additional information about the Park Authority’s Rec Centers, please email FCPARecCenters@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Vasilios Rajendra, a dedicated volunteer coach at Oakmont Golf Center, has been recognized as the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC’s Volunteer of the Year. Coach V, as he is known to his students, has shown commitment, passion and mentorship, making a positive impact on the lives of young golfers.

Rajendra received the Raul Colon Volunteer of the Year Award at the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Celebration held on Oct. 15 at East Potomac Golf Links. His service as a volunteer coach has been instrumental in promoting youth development and fostering leadership skills at the program at Oakmont Golf Center.

"The whole goal for my classes is for kids to come here, have a great time and associate golf with really positive memories, and at the same time pick up the skills they need to be successful," Coach V said, reflecting on his role. "Whether that’s helping the 7- to 10-year-olds learn teamwork or preparing older kids for their next step in life, it’s the curriculum and teaching these life skills that really bring it all together."

The 25th Anniversary Celebration is part of a yearlong effort to highlight the chapter’s contributions to youth development. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC has reached over 2 million young people since its founding in 1999, making it one of the leading programs nationally. Oakmont Golf Center, Twin Lakes Golf Course and Laurel Hill Golf Course are premier partners of the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC program.

Oakmont Golf Center is one of the top teaching facilities in Northern Virginia, featuring a 1,456-yard, 9-hole par-three course with holes ranging from 95 to 200 yards. The center also features a lighted, 78-station driving range with target greens and covered, heated tees, making it a prime destination for year-round practice and instruction.

For more information on Golf Fairfax junior programs and First Tee, visit Golf Fairfax junior webpage.