Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director
Fairfax County Park Authority

What We Do

The Park Authority Mission is to enrich quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

Department Resources

Related Resources

Registration Now Open – Make Your Play

Spring Camps | Summer Camps | Spring Classes & Events 

Upcoming Public Meetings/Events

There will be an in person meeting of the Park Authority Board, in the 9th Floor, Park Authority Board Room of the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Earth Day Festival! Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through exciting, interactive activities and games.

Collect your cosmic power in preparation for the 2026 Healthy Strides Heroes vs. Villains 5K/10K! Whether you gravitate towards the light side or dark side, assemble your squad to conquer this race at Burke Lake Park on May 2, 2026.

  • When: 7:30 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026 
  • Where: Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station

Honoring Best of Braddock Award Recipient: Margaret Thaxton

Honoring Best of Braddock Award Recipient: Margaret Thaxton We’re delighted to celebrate Margaret Thaxton, director of development at the Fairfax County Park Foundation, on receiving the Best of Braddock “Most Can-Do Public Employee” Award.

Since Margaret joined the Park Foundation’s small fundraising team over 12 years ago, annual revenue to support Fairfax County Park Foundation has grown from $607,699 in FY 2012 to a record $5.26 million in FY 2025. Those dollars have helped make possible many projects and programs, including the upcoming 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration at Sully Historic Site, the Turtle Playground, Braddock Dog Park, Wakefield Skate Park and the Braddock Nights Summer Entertainment Series.

A Fairfax County resident for more than 40 years, Margaret brings both professional fundraising expertise and deep local roots. Her talent for connecting donors with community needs has had a lasting impact on parks and residents in the Braddock District and across Fairfax County.


 

Park News

 

Featured Videos

Park Authority Blog: Our Stories

park authority blog

FCPA An Award-Winning Park System

FCPA Nationally Acclaimed

 

FCPA receives award
The Fairfax County Park Authority was honored with a Governor’s Environmental Award in recognition of its energy upgrades at the Spring Hill Rec Center on March 24 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Richmond.
water mine workers
The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole offers a wide range employment opportunities this summer. From lifeguards and park attendants to cashiers and security staff, the Fairfax County Park Authority has begun the search for the more than 200 team members to operate the popular splash park in Reston, Virginia.
Lake Fairfax
Looking for a fun summer job where you can work outdoors and engage with the community? Lake Fairfax Park is now hiring lakefront staff for the summer season, operating from mid-June through mid-August.
egg hunt
Spring is in the air and events to welcome the season are blooming all around Fairfax County. Find something for everyone in the family — from egg hunts to wildflower walks — and celebrate spring with Fairfax County Park Authority.
mount vernon woods rendering
The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a park activation and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Mount Vernon Woods Park on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will take place at Mount Vernon Woods Park, 4014 Fielding St. in Alexandria, and will feature activities for all ages.
golf
Longer days, greener fairways and more chances to play are just around the corner. Get ready for the season and save during the Golf Fairfax Spring Pass Sale, March 19 to April 3. Stock up on rounds now and enjoy savings that make it even easier to play all season.
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