Alert:
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority acknowledges the vibrant cultural contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. From September 15 to October 15, we invite you to join us in recognizing the diverse traditions and histories that have significantly shaped our nation and local community. It's important to understand that while the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" are often used interchangeably, they carry distinct meanings. "Hispanic" refers to a connection to Spain or the Spanish language, while "Latino" describes those with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean, encompassing a broad range of heritages, including Black, Indigenous, Asian and European ancestries.
Our commitment is to foster an inclusive environment where all cultures are embraced, creating spaces for connection and learning that enrich our shared heritage.
In the same spirit, Latino Conservation Week, observed from September 13-21, 2025, is a national initiative led by the Hispanic Access Foundation. This week promotes outdoor activities and conservation efforts, encouraging Latinos to engage with and protect natural resources through various community events.
Desde el 15 de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre se celebra en todo el país el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. Tradicionalmente rinde homenaje a las culturas y contribuciones de los hispanos y latinoamericanos, ya que celebramos el patrimonio arraigado en todos los países latinoamericanos.
Según el censo reciente, el 16,5% de la población del condado de Fairfax es hispana o latina.
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
According to the recent Census, 16.5% of Fairfax County's population is Hispanic or Latino.
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a, Latinx or Latine refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
George Melendez Wright was an American biologist whose many contributions to the National Park Service are as valuable today as they were a century ago. His legacy lives today through the hard work, dedication, and passion of natural resource managers and scientists, too. However, not many people know that he was of Latino descent.
Read more about Wright's legacy, watch videos and work on a word scramble.
Join the month-long celebration through meaningful volunteer opportunities, community projects and partnerships that honor Latino culture and environmental stewardship. Connect with local organizations, participate in hands-on conservation efforts and help preserve our parks while celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the Latino community.
Connecting Parks and Community Through Volunteer Opportunities
Use your talents, energy and time to connect. With your help, we can do more! Far more than just doing a good deed, volunteering is a way to develop skills, learn about career options, make professional contacts, socialize and have an impact on your community.
Stronger Together: Partnering with Local Organization to Honor Latino Conservation and Heritage in Fairfax County Parks
Through collaborative partnerships with local organizations, the Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to celebrate and unite our community in efforts to preserve the environment and honor the heritage of the Latino community.
"On behalf of the Culmore community we are thankful for the contributions that the Park Authority provides annually during Culmore Day to our great Hispanic community.
With so many years working in the Latino immigrant community of Culmore, the families enjoy and participate in many programs through the Parktakes magazine. They take advantage of the swimming lessons for their kids, summer camps and festivals in the park. Our Latino families enjoy it so much!
Thank you for Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month."
"For the past seven years, as a member of the Outreach and Engagement team, I have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the Park Authority team on various community initiatives, which significantly broadened my understanding of community engagement and partnership building. Through this collaboration, we have been able to enhance accessibility to public spaces for underrepresented communities, addressing cultural, linguistic, and economic barriers. By working alongside the Park Authority, I gained valuable insights into how public spaces can serve as critical platforms for promoting health, well-being, and social cohesion. This partnership allowed me to leverage community feedback and co-create programs that catered to the diverse needs of our community, while also strengthening relationships with key stakeholders to foster long-term, sustainable engagement. Thank you so much for all you do!"
Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to partner with local, Fairfax County organizations to serve the community.
Bring the whole family to Fairfax County Parks to celebrate Latino Conservation Week and Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy peaceful nature walks, picnics in the park and time spent exploring park scenery while connecting with nature.
Family and Community Gatherings
Bring your family for a relaxing picnic in the park, where you can enjoy good company, beautiful scenery and the vibrant culture that surrounds you.
Parks ARE for Everyone!
Explore amenities and park features in your neighborhood.
Find A Park Near You
The Fairfax County Park Authority preserves open space, environmentally sensitive land, historic and cultural sites and provides a wide array of fitness, recreation and park services. These include Rec Centers, golf courses, nature centers, dog parks, lakefront parks, playgrounds, historic sites, trails, and numerous recreational facilities, with 90% of residents living within a half-mile of parkland.
Classes at Rec Centers
Explore exciting classes at our Rec Centers, loaded with fitness, fun and learning!
Over the past year, we have expanded our efforts to communicate with our Hispanic and Lantinx communities en Español!
Follow Fairfax County’s official En Español social media pages and blog for county updates and information in Spanish. Whether it's security alerts, housing information, local events or health updates, we've got you covered.
Help us spread the word about this great source of information. Follow, like and share @FairfaxCountyES with all your contacts!