This month, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide recognition of the vital role of parks building strong, healthy communities. This year’s theme -- “The Power Of....” -- highlights the power of parks and recreation to bring people together, support physical and mental health, and create resilient, connected communities.

This year the Fairfax County Park Authority is celebrating 75 years of powerful parks, programs, people and stories. Explore powerful places and experiences in Fairfax County parks that resonate with your passions and interests and discover what makes our parks so special.

Connect with the Power of Parks

The possibilities are endless for connecting with nature, recreational experiences and one another in Fairfax County parks. The county parks system contains 424 parks, more than 340 miles of trails, nine rec centers, 60 staffed sites, eight golf courses, four waterfront parks, and three nature centers. In addition, the Park Authority is hosting dozens of free, live entertainment performances across the county in July for its Summer Entertainment Series.

Play All Day

Playtime in parks is a great way to enjoy the summer season and, when temperatures soar, to beat the heat. Splash at Our Special Harbor, an accessible sprayground, and enjoy the slides and water slides and fun in the sun at The Water Mine. Paddle across Burke Lake, Lake Fairfax or Lake Accotink with a boat rental, or take a dip in one of the county’s indoor pools, such as Cub Run Rec Center. Carousels, a miniature train at Burke Lake Park and mini golf at four locations, including Jefferson Falls and Lake Accotink, are among the fun activities to enjoy outdoors. With more than 230 playgrounds across the county, there are plenty of choices.

Invest in Your Wellness

The restorative experiences of walking on trails, taking an exercise class or participating in solo or team sports activities in parks offer not only physical benefits but also advance health resilience and shared community benefits. Getting out to parks to enjoy activities that provide powerful connections to others and our surroundings can improve our outlook, sense of place and purpose and appreciation for the power of parks.

Find a park, plan an activity and discover what makes Fairfax parks great. Visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage  to learn more.