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Kirk Kincannon,
Executive Director
The Fairfax County Park Authority has added another acre to Raglan Road Park in Vienna, Virginia, to help meet the future recreation needs of the growing Tysons area. The land, located at 8608 Raglan Road in the Hunter Mill District, was purchased from Dale T. Wallace, Donna M. Barnes, and Davy B. Wallace. This parcel is identified as tax map # 29-3 ((1)) 17A in the county records. The property…
Get your weekend rolling with a wagon ride at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.
Bring an adventurous spirit – and some shoes that can get wet – and set off on the “Creek Adventure Wagon Ride” on Friday, July 5, 2019, to explore Rocky Run. The program is designed for family members age two to adult and runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $7 per person. Children must be accompanied by a…
Long before people could beat the heat with a trip to an air-conditioned movie theater, county residents could seek 3D entertainment in their homes to distract them from the region’s sweltering summers.
Stereoscopes were once a popular form of entertainment for the whole family, and you can learn about these old-fashioned viewers in this month’s addition to the Fairfax County Park…
Tee up your holiday plans with the “Red, White, and Blue Tournament” at Burke Lake Golf Course on Thursday, July 4, 2019.
Teams of two players will compete in an 18-hole scramble format from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be three divisions: Father/Jr. 7-12; Father/Jr. 13-17; and Father/Adult partner. Teams will alternate tees depending on the score of the previous hole. Prizes will…
With a mix of children’s shows and performances for the whole family, Hunter Mill Melodies returns to Frying Pan Farm Park this summer with free performances by entertainers from across the United States and around the world. Allow time for a picnic in the park, a visit with the farm animals and a wagon ride, along with the show.
Evening concerts take place on Thursday nights from…
Put your arm muscles to work and discover how dairy products were made in the olden days. Come to “Dairy Days-Ice Cream Making & Butter” at Sully Historic Site.
Churn butter, crank ice cream, milk a fake cow, play 18th century games, and experience the products of a historic dairy. The one-hour program at Sully Historic Site runs on two days in June – Saturday, June 22 and…
Local waters are teeming with fish, if you know how to find them. Whether you want to fish by boat or work on your skills from land, county parks can help you figure out how and where to drop your line.
Riverbend Park is offering “River Fishing by Boat” on two Fridays in July – July 5 & 19, 2019. In this class, participants age five to adult will learn to fish for smallmouth…
The Fairfax County Government Center’s backyard will be alive with fun, music and good company this summer as the Evenings on the Ellipse concert series returns. County employees, residents and music lovers are invited to stop by and relax in Wolf Trap-esque style with generous tastings and sales from Fairfax County’s two Wineries, Paradise Springs and Bull Run.
Concerts will be…
Fairfax County Parks have always been people and pet friendly. Please obey all laws, be aware of park rules and be “park friendly” this summer. That commitment translates into a safe and enjoyable visit for all and allows our parks and natural areas to thrive.
A new emphasis on appropriate behavior in parks and police enforcement at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in Great Falls, VA.,…
The Huntsman Park trail maintenance project is about to begin.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin maintenance work on the existing trail in Huntsman Park in Springfield, VA. The contractor, Tibbs Paving, Inc, will be mobilizing on site in late June. The paving of approximately 450 linear feet of trail is planned along with existing culvert outfall…
Larry Graves Park Synthetic Turf Field #1 Installation Slated
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin making improvements to Larry Graves Park located at 308 Hillwood Ave, Falls Church, VA. The project will begin the third week in June and is anticipated to be completed by September 2019. The City of Falls Church provided funding for these improvements. Total project costs are…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is reopening the application period for the historic Lahey Lost Valley property located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, VA for the Resident Curator Program.
The Resident Curator Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals, non-profits and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements in beautiful public park…
Springfield Nights returns for a second summer season with free musical performances on Wednesday evenings at Burke Lake Park ranging from bluegrass and pop, to rock and R&B. There’s also a children’s entertainment series on Saturday mornings. Enjoy the beautiful Burke Lake Park setting and bring a picnic meal, blankets and lawn chairs to relax with friends and family.
The…
Spend a Saturday evening under twinkling skies and by a blazing campfire in a program at Burke Lake Park or Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on June 29, 2019.
Burke Lake offers “Campfire Saturdays-Stargazing” for participants age three to adult. Take a stroll along the lakeshore and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. An astronomical naturalist will…
Let your little ones explore the “Wonderful Wildlife at Mason District” in a program on Friday, June 28, 2019, for children age 2 to 11.
Fairfax County may not be home to lions and tigers and bears, oh my, but it does host many strange and interesting wild animals. Learn about native snakes, turtles, amphibians, birds and even a few friendly insects. Meet and greet several animals…
There’s nothing run of the mill about the “Run of the Mill” program at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site on Sunday, June 30, 2019.
Register for the event to learn about the grain milling process from beginning to end. This hands-on program teaches you how Colvin Run staff clean, mill and sift grains using antique equipment. All participants will get to take home a souvenir sample bag…
Come to Arrowbrook Centre Park this summer for a series of free concerts featuring musical acts ranging from folk to funk and everything in-between. Gather with friends and family for Saturday nights filled with music and picnic under the stars.
The Music at Arrowbrook Park Concert Series kicks off on July 6, 2019 with Roomful of Blues. Concerts are held from 7:30 to 9 p.m.…
Dig in and uncover your skills as a terra cotta gardener at Green Spring Gardens.
Register for the “Workshop-Terra Cotta Succulent Container” program on Saturday, June 29, 2019, to advance your design skills with these clay pots. Pot up a table-top terra cotta container with eye-catching succulents for your garden. A Green Spring horticulturist will show you how to mix balance,…
Members of the public are invited to join the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Park Authority Board for a photo opportunity as the agency officially marks completion of improvements to the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park trail. The brief event will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 4 p.m.
Trail repair was needed due to stream flooding and general wear and tear. The…
Do you love to work with kids? Join the Park Authority this summer for six weeks of theme-based fun with the Rec-PAC summer program. The Park Authority is currently hiring applicants who enjoy planning and implementing crafts, games and special events for school-aged children. Rec-PAC operates throughout the county at approximately 40 elementary schools. Applicants must be available from…
Construction work related to stormwater improvements at Nottoway Park is set to begin. Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division and Utility Design and Construction Division have contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start later this month.Nottoway Park, a Fairfax County Park Authority facility is located at 9601 Courthouse Road in Fairfax,…
There will be music in the air this summer at Grist Mill Park and the Workhouse Arts Center as the Mount Vernon Nights Concert Series returns.
This series of free, public concerts will feature a variety of musical performances reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, culture and community spirit. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy one of Fairfax County’s special summer…
The Nottoway Nights concert series returns to Nottoway Park on Thursday nights from June through August. This series of free public concerts features a variety of musical acts from across the United States and around the world.
Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket to sit back, relax and enjoy the shows from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Moonshine Society’s R&B sounds kick off the season on…
For more than 26 years, Mason District Park has been inviting audiences to enjoy free summer performances as part of the Spotlight by Starlight Summer Entertainment Series. In addition, the series now includes international-themed concerts on Saturday evenings at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale.
This summer, the two venues will offer music, children’s programs and dance performances…
Celebrate hump day with a series of Wednesday night concerts this summer at Lee District Park. Lee District Nights is a series of free public concerts featuring musical acts ranging from jazz to big band, classic to bluegrass, swing to folk, and vintage rock ‘n roll. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and sit back and enjoy the show.
The Fabulous Hubcaps open the season on June…
Beat the heat this summer with a day at the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole!
Embark on a watery journey through the Old West with a float down the Rattlesnake River. Choose your thrill level and plunge down one of three water slides – Big Pete, Little Pete or the Prospectors Plummet. Test your skills with the log walk obstacle course at Box Canyon…
New to canoeing? No worries. No previous experience is necessary for the “Canoeing Tour” at Riverbend Park on Saturday, June 29, 2019.
Come and experience the upper Potomac's beautiful scenery and wildlife from the water. Start with an introduction to canoeing basics and then head out onto the river with an instructor. This is not a whitewater tour and is good for canoeing…
Learn how to fish together with your child.
“Fishing for Parent and Child” is a program for adults and children age 6 to 17. The introductory course starts you with the basics, including how to rig and use a fishing rod, how to stay safe, and how to be environmentally aware. Rods and bait are provided in class.
The program at Riverbend Park runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on…
Celebrate Women’s Golf Month in June with a month filled with special events and opportunities to meet other women golfers, to improve your game and to have lots and lots of fun.
Get the ball rolling with social events like buy one get one rounds at Jefferson on June 17, Nine & Wines at Burke Lake on June 11 and 19 and Pinecrest on June 21, and 18 Hole Play at Laurel Hill on…
Things are heating up at Laurel Hill Golf Club, just in time for summer! On June 29, 2019, Laurel Hill Golf Club will be hosting its first ever concert, Jailhouse Rock on the Range, in collaboration with The First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and find a seat on the range to enjoy live music…
Riverbend Park in Great Falls has partnered with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for a survey and study of arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles and spiders. Wildlife, especially birds, rely on arthropods as a food source.
In the partnership, Riverbend will be a host site for Caterpillars Count, a citizen science project that studies the abundance of…
Enjoy a summer of free entertainment for the family with the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Arts in the Parks program aimed at the preschool audience.
This series of Saturday and Wednesday morning shows is designed to introduce youngsters to live entertainment in an informal, kid-friendly atmosphere. Shows will entertain, as well as teach kids about the importance of protecting…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has wrapped up an improvement project at Idylwood Park in Falls Church, Virginia, that will make parking easier and the park more accessible.
The project included fully paving the parking lot, which had been comprised of compacted gravel that presented maintenance and accessibility issues. Contractors from Southern Asphalt improved the parking lot…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2019 Summer Entertainment Series honors the rich musical heritage of people around the world with Cultural Heritage Nights at Ossian Hall Park. This free international music and dance series promote awareness of the county’s cultural diversity. The Saturday evening shows put out the welcome mat for neighbors, introducing everyone through the sharing of…
The Park Authority Board recently voted to rename Trail #8 as the Marc Genberg Trail at Lake Fairfax Park. The naming of this popular trail was proposed by the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, commonly known as MORE to honor Mr. Genberg, a long-time trail supporter and MORE volunteer. Mr. Genberg, who passed away in 2017 contributed significantly to the development and maintenance of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Reston Farmers Market has been named the Best Farmers Market in Northern Virginia by readers of Virginia Living Magazine.
Virginia Living noted, “Market managers John and Fran Lovaas and Keith Strange manage the volunteers who keep the Fairfax County farmers’ market going. All products are strictly producer-only; vendors may only…
Blastoff for fun with this year’s Fairfax County Park Authority Discovery Trail Map – Transportation Edition celebrating the 50th anniversary of man’s giant leap from the Earth to the moon! This year’s free summer activity highlights 12 distinctive parks and their connection to transportation throughout history. Bonus activities include “moon walks” and other celestial programs at several…
Pick up the skills you need to paddle the Potomac and other waterways this summer by enrolling in “Intro to River Kayaking” at Riverbend Park.
This intro class is being offered on three Sundays in June – June 2, 9 and 30, 2019. The hour-long session will cover river hazards, water safety and paddling basics. It runs from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and the cost is $32 per person. The fee…
Get the nation’s birthday party started early with a day of celebration at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The park opens at dawn and the fun continues until the last fireworks disappear from the sky after dark.
If you want to take a plunge at the Water Mine Water Park, plan to arrive early as it usually reaches capacity early in the day. The water park opens at 10…
Looking for some tips before you take on a nationally acclaimed championship course? Laurel Hill Golf Club welcomes Eisman Golf Academy as the sole provider of golf instruction and programming for both members and non-members alike. Laurel Hill Golf Club is Eisman’s second location; the other being Twin Lakes Golf Course.
This new addition will provide the opportunity for golfers…
Thomas Jefferson loved inventions, and Fairfax County Park Authority archaeologists recently discovered a Jeffersonian-era artifact that illustrates some of the inventive work that was going on in farming in the late 1700s. Discover how it was used in this month’s post on the Park Authority’s artiFACTS website.
Archaeologists sometimes make a best…
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), announced today that the Fairfax County Park Authority is a finalist for the 2019 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a $20,000 Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant to be used toward construction of a new picnic shelter at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Approval came at the Board meeting on May 8, 2019.
Thomas and Elizabeth Chennikara requested that their recent gift of $20,000 to the Fairfax County Park Foundation be designated…
Learn about the Park Authority’s accomplishments over the previous fiscal year and see what lies ahead for county parks in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Fiscal Year 2018 Strategic Plan and Annual Report, which is now available online.
In the report, Park Authority Board Chairman William G. Bouie says, “FY2018 was…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved an ecosystem restoration project at Laurel Hill Park to battle invasive Kudzu and restore the native forest community. Board members voted at their meeting on May 8, 2019, to approve the estimated $175,000 in restoration work.
The project scope calls for the removal of existing infestations of invasive Kudzu (Pueraria montana) on…
Toes will be tapping from June through August as the Fairfax County Park Authority again hosts its free Summer Entertainment Series at parks throughout the county. Enjoy musical styles from Jazz to Classic Rock, Blues to Funk, and Country to Swing. Some of the highlights this summer include:
June 7 – The West Potomac High School Jazz Band plays at Grist Mill Park. June 15 -- The…
Expand your horizons with an “Astronomical Seminar & Telescope Viewing” session at Observatory Park at Turner Farm.
The Park Authority’s roll-top observatory hosts a classroom seminar and nighttime observing session focused on a specific astronomical topic each month. Topics include galaxies, planets, comets, open clusters, double stars, nebulae and more. Telescopes are used…
The Fairfax County Park Authority is the recipient of a 2018 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, presenting by the Government Finance Officers Association. “This award is the highest recognition in government accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment,” according to GFOA Director of Technical Services Michele…
When a specular tree gets hit by lightning, many decisions need to be made. The 100-foot tulip poplar just outside the picture window at Hidden Oaks Nature Center suffered two lighting strikes which created an imminent danger to the building. Since this tree was the focal point of the woodland view plus a feeding station for flying squirrels and many species of birds, the loss was keenly…
Mark your calendars for another season of free concerts, children’s performances and drive-in movies in Fairfax County Parks. The Summer Entertainment Series returns on Friday, June 7, 2019, with a performance by the West Potomac High School Jazz Band at Grist Mill Park.
From June through August, the Park Authority carries on the American tradition of summer concerts by offering…
A volunteer who has made trail maintenance at Laurel Hills Park into a nearly full-time job will be honored by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) as an Outstanding Volunteer when the group holds its annual awards banquet in June.
Michael Applegate averages 30 hours of service a week to the Lorton, Virginia, park, as well as its…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program (RCP) will receive a 2019 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) award in the Historical/Cultural Facility category at the organization’s annual awards banquet in June. NACPRO’s award recognizes “a unique facility development dedicated to historical or cultural preservation, programming, and/or…
The Friends of Green Spring, known colloquially as FROGS, will be honored by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) as an Outstanding Support Organization when NACPRO holds its annual awards banquet in June.
The NACPRO award is presented to “an organization that has responded in an exceptional manner by making a major contribution to benefit park…
On April 10, 2019, the Park Authority Board voted to approve an update to Park Authority Regulation 1.14, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, to align with Virginia Code and NOVA Parks regulation on the use of electric powered bikes (e-bikes) on park trails. Guidelines were also approved to provide recommendations for e-bike use on park trails.
Between 2015 and 2017 electric powered…
On April 10, 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved an administrative update to Park Authority Regulation 1.17, Remote-Control Devices and Powered Models or Toys, to align with the Virginia Code. The revised regulation pertains to the use of privately-owned unmanned aircraft systems or drones.
Pilots have been allowed to fly unmanned aircraft in the parks system…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has reappointed two members to three-year terms on the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors.
At its meeting on April 10, 2019, the Park Board voted to reappoint Lane Brooks to a third term on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and reappoint Michael Gailliot to a second term on the Board. The Park Foundation supports the Park…
In an era long before over-the-top prom proposals, a young man had to ask if he could be added to a young lady’s dance card for the evening.
As prom and wedding season heats up this spring, click on the Fairfax County Park Authority’s artiFACTS website to learn about dance and courtship rituals from the 1800’s. A dance card in the agency’s historic…
Fairfax County parks are looking a lot cleaner thanks to the efforts of hundreds of staff and volunteers who turned out for Watershed Clean-up Day events on Saturday, April 6, 2019.
More than 900 volunteers at 15 Park Authority sites removed an estimated 6.8 tons of trash. Volunteers donated 2,016 hours of service to the effort along more than 45 miles of stream, shoreline,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rolled out a new Information and Education Portal to provide a one-stop source for facts, reports, infographics and videos that tell the story of parks and recreation in the county.
How many acres of parkland will you find in Fairfax County?
How many miles of trails?
How many RECenters, dog parks, Farmers Markets and skate…
The Park Authority and local community members worked in partnership over the last several months to plan and design improvements to Azalea Park in Falls Church, VA. Construction is slated to begin shortly on new equipment and improvements at the popular neighborhood gathering spot.
Project contractors Accubid and Custom Park Services will be mobilizing on site within the next two…
Spring over to Frying Pan Farm Park to meet and greet new baby critters. Hokie, our Virginia Tech cow, delivered a healthy baby boy early last month; sheep, Fluffette and Stompey also delivered their lambs in March and momma pigs Hazel and Puma delivered their litters of piglets in February. Mammas and babies are doing great and are ready for visitors. More sheep and two goats are expecting…
The Route 28/Walney Road entrance to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (ECLP) will be closed beginning on or about May 1, 2019 and is expected to remain closed for more than a year. During that time, the only vehicular access to ECLP from Route 28 will be via Westfields Boulevard to Walney Road on the north side of the park. Walney Road will be closed to traffic between Route 28 and Cabell’s Mill…
The Fairfax County Park Authority needs your help in maintaining and beautifying our parks. One way to support the park system is through our Park Volunteer Team program. There is a new website portal to share Park Volunteer Team initiatives and opportunities.
Park Volunteer Teams (PVTs) are volunteers who come together around a common desire to support a specific park or Park…
There’s a new way to access timely, relevant information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) ten Farmers Markets. Just follow @FairfaxFarmMarkets on Instagram.
The photo-friendly social media platform will provide healthy living tips, share special event information and build relationships between market-goers and local farmers and artisans. The Fairfax…
Young poets will get their Game On with readings of their award-winning poetry during Springfest at Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 27, 2019.
To honor National Poetry Month in April, the Park Authority asked young people in grades K-8 to submit poems inspired by the fun, joy and excitement found in Fairfax parks.
The Sally Ormsby Trail Paving and Maintenance Project is about to begin.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin maintenance work on the existing trail in Sally Ormsby Park in Annandale, VA. The contractor, TIBBS Paving Inc, will be mobilizing on site the week of April 8, 2019. The mill and paving of approximately 3,200 linear feet of existing stone dust and asphalt…
Are you ready to open your refrigerator to find fresh asparagus, rhubarb, salad greens, and strawberries? Stock your pantry with baked breads and honey? Are you ready to feast on local gourmet meats, cheeses, and ice cream? Have you ever planted seedlings from the farmers markets in your home garden?
The Wakefield, Herndon, Burke, and Reston Farmers Markets are opening in April…
When plans were made for a new ADA accessible trail at Hidden Pond Nature Center, county archaeologists were called in to determine if there was history hiding in the ground along the trail’s path. Learn what they discovered in this month’s addition to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s artiFACTS page.
Archaeologists suspected they would uncover…
Frying Pan Farm Park has been honored for its outstanding land-use stewardship with the 2018 Fairfax County Clean Water Farm Award.
The Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) selected Frying Pan for the award for its implementation of effective agricultural best management practices and diverse educational and outreach programs, as well as its close…
The Accotink Stream Valley maintenance project is about to begin.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will start maintenance work on the existing trail in Accotink Stream Valley Park in Springfield, VA. The contractor, Accubid Construction Services Inc, will be mobilizing on site in late March to early April. The milling and paving of approximately 4,200 linear feet of existing…
Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley will host six summer internships in 2019. These opportunities are for college students and recent graduates. Internships are sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, Friend of Historic Huntley, and the Virginia Native Plant Society. All internships come with a $3,000 award from their sponsoring organization.
The six opportunities…
Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps have been named to Northern Virginia Magazine’s “2019 Best Summer Camps” list.
The Park Authority camps have again been nominated by readers as among the best summer programs for children in Northern Virginia. With more than 1,900 camps from which to choose, there are activities to satisfy budding artists and entertainers, athletes and…
Don’t miss your chance to get some free gardening advice from the experts and learn about the Fairfax County Garden Plot Rental Program.
VCE Fairfax County Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand at four parks on five different days this spring and summer to answer gardening questions, give out soil sample kits and offer free analyses of plant and pest problems. If you’re…
Another park property has become available through the Resident Curator Program. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is now accepting applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the historic Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi property located at 10605 Furnace Road in Lorton, VA.
The Resident Curator Program, provides the unique opportunity…
It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s certainly true when it comes to the Park Authority’s historical collections. This month, the artiFACTS website features one of the agency’s thousands of archival items – a wintery photo of Historic Green Spring in ages past.
Just click on Park Authority artiFACTS to learn about the…
Do you know how many parks are within three miles of your home?
Here’s a chance for Fairfax County residents to learn the surprising answer. The Fairfax County Park Authority is launching On the Beadin’ Path in Mason District. The program invites anyone age three or older to pick up an activity form at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Green Spring Gardens, Providence RECenter, Pinecrest…
Searching for something to do with the kids this weekend or on some particular day in the future? Check out the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Calendar of Events.
In the past, you may have seen printed copies of the Calendar in your local RECenter or library, but beginning in March, the Calendar is getting greener. In an effort to reduce costs and environmental impact, it will no…
The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) is working to continue the legacy of an organization that has contributed thousands of dollars in support and scholarships to the Park Authority’s Rec-PAC summer camp program.
Over the past decade, Let’s Help Kids (LHK) sponsored 2,710 weeks of camp in Northern Virginia. In 2009, Jen Sterling and her six-year-old daughter, Rachel, launched…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has voted to keep its current officers in place for another year of service.
At its meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, the Board voted to return William G. Bouie, who represents the Hunter Mill District, to his 11th term as chairman. Providence District Representative Ken Quincy will serve again as vice chairman. Michael W. Thompson,…
Burke Lake Golf Center's driving range was recentlyrecognizedas one of the Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine, apublication of the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA).
Each year GRAArecognizes public, private, and stand-alone rangeswhose achievements stand out as well as golf teaching professionals.
GRAA considers the number of range visitors, newsocial…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has added another 36.9 acres of parkland to its holdings through a donation from Jennings Business Park LLC in December 2018.
The wooded land is an addition to Loisdale Park and is intended for recreational use, including hiking, biking and walking trails. It can be found on Tax Map 90-4 ((1)) 6 B. Loisdale Park is located at 7419 Loisdale Road in…
Sometimes, what you don’t know can be as revealing as what you do know.
That’s the case with the items featured in this month’s edition of artiFACTS, a website feature from the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Archaeology and Collections Branch. County archaeologists let you in on a mystery they’ve been trying to solve regarding some small pieces of metal recovered from a site in…
Meet, greet, learn and earn.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting a Meet & Greet for its Historic Sites Volunteer Corps (HSVC) on January 31, 2019. Park Authority staff will be there to talk about the things the Corps has done and will be doing in the coming year.
In the past, Corps volunteers have helped clean up historic sites that are part of the county’s…
Housing construction may have an impact on the Pohick Stream Valley Trail during the months of February and March.
Madison Homes is set to begin the construction of Silas Station subdivision. As part of this development project, the proposed subdivision sanitary sewer line connection work will temporarily impact access to the Pohick Stream Valley Trail at the Burke Lake Road…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has published its 2019 meeting schedule. The Park Authority Board is a 12-member board appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to set policy and establish strategic policy and direction for the Park Authority.
Public Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of most months. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. in the…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has scheduled its annual public comment meeting on the agency’s proposed fee adjustments. The public is invited to share their perspectives on the proposals with the Park Authority Board either at the meeting, via correspondence or by email. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. in Room 106 of the Herrity Building located at 12055…
A public hearing will be held in Lorton, Va., on Thursday, February 7, 2019, on proposed changes to regulations on the use of Electrically Assisted Bicycles, or e-bikes, in Fairfax County and NOVA Parks.
The hearing will cover proposed changes to Park Authority Regulation §1.14 Motor Vehicles and Traffic. Under the proposal, the regulation would define an e-bike and clarify…
The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting a public information meeting on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the banquet room of the Laurel Hill Golf Club, at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive Lorton, VA. The inclement weather date for the meeting is Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the same location.
The meeting will provide an overview of the Fairfax County Resident Curator…
At the November 13, 2018 meeting, the Park Authority Board voted unanimously to confirm reappointments of John Osborn and Rich Harpe to the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) Board of Directors. The Park Foundation is a non-profit organization holding a Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency. FCPF's mission to provide supplemental funding and support to the Park Authority to help meet our…
It’s time to play with new toys. While it is fun to head outside to try out new holiday gifts, it’s important to know the rules before bringing holiday gifts into parks.
Here are some tips:
Use of drones is allowed but you must comply with Federal Aviation Administration directives. Many parks are located in no fly zones due to proximity to airports, etc. Find out all…
Stream restoration work is getting underway in Ridgeview Park, located off Ridge View Drive and Duvawn Street in Alexandria, Va.
The project involves the restoration of approximately 2,800 linear feet of Pike Branch Tributary, and parkland within the project boundaries will be closed for the duration of the project to ensure public safety and the safety of workers. The playground…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved four Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants at its meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. The funds will go toward trail improvements, a GaGa ball pit, native plantings and a turf field.
The Board granted a $20,000 grant request from Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) to develop trails in Mount Vernon District Park. MORE has…
Will the gifts you give this holiday season stand the test of time? Discover how one gift that was given to a Christmas Day bride continues to hold a special place in county lore.
Click on the Fairfax County Park Authority’s artiFACTS website this month to learn about a sister’s wedding gift in 1906 that now resides in the county’s historic…
Mount Vernon Supervisor Daniel G. Storck has reappointed Linwood Gorham to the Fairfax County Park Board as the representative of the Mount Vernon District. Action came at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Gorham was first appointed to the Park Board in 2011 by then Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerald Hyland. He was elected Treasurer of the Park Board in…
Work off the winter blues at Pinecrest Golf Course’s newly-renovated indoor golf facility and get ready to hit the greens. Register for the “Golf, Fitness, & Fun Fridays” event on Friday, January 4, February 1 or March 1, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The clinic includes swing analysis using the new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator session as well a Yoga and Golf Fitness session to…
The Park Authority’s most popular amenity is trails. Residents love to use local trails for hikes, or running, family outings or a walk with the dog. However, despite their popularity, sometimes we need to close or restrict access to a trail for construction or maintenance activities.
Stream restoration within Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, just off Brittenford Drive, is set to…
Recovering straight pins from an archaeological site is a lot like finding a needle in a haystack. It requires painstaking work, but the discovery of a straight pin can provide clues to life in ages past.
Turn to artiFACTS this month to learn how Fairfax County archaeologists and dedicated volunteers uncover these basic sewing…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has reappointed three members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board to serve four-year terms.
At the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, the Supervisors reappointed Park Board Secretary Michael J. Thompson Jr. to represent the Springfield District, Ronald Kendall to represent the Mason District, and Kiel Stone…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has been honored with a Best of Aquatics 2018 Programming Award from Aquatics International for excellence and innovation in aquatics programs and facilities.
FCPA’s Aquatics Section was recognized for its leadership in the Virginia Swims program, a learn-to-swim program developed through collaboration with several Northern Virginia…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program request for $1,370.62 to go toward the purchase of a portable ADA compliant mounting ramp for Frying Pan Farm Park. Action came at the Board meeting on November 14, 2018.
Spirit Open Equestrian (SOE) requested funding for the ramp, which will assist staff with meeting the needs…
The Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) was awarded a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant for $1,937.40 at the Fairfax County Park Authority Board meeting on November 14, 2018. The funds will be used for installation of fencing on field 6 at Pine Ridge Park in Annandale, Virginia.
BRYC plans to install black vinyl coated chain link fencing at one of the corners of field 6. It will…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program request from the Herndon Environmental Network (HEN) for $20,000 to develop community garden plots at Bruin Park. Action came at the Board meeting on November 14, 2018.
Plans for the gardens date back several years. In January 2014, the Master Plan for Bruin Park was amended to…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) brought home three awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society’s (VRPS) annual conference in November. The agency was honored for a new children’s trail, photography, and distinguished service from an FCPA volunteer.
VRPS’s statewide awards program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have…
It’s hard to find something that’s both good and good for you, but that’s what you get with a Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) gift card. Simplify your holiday shopping this year with a gift that works for everyone in the family.
This one-size-fits-all present can be used for camps, classes or workouts. The cards can be used to keep kids busy or help adults stay healthy and…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has updated its policy on the use of alcoholic beverages in county parks, allowing for expanded alcohol consumption under specific conditions. Alcoholic beverages are still prohibited in all parks and recreation areas unless the sale, use, consumption or possession of alcohol on the properties are part of a Park Authority program or approved in advance via a…
The Sugarland Run Stream Valley Maintenance Project is about to begin.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin maintenance work on the existing trail in Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park in Herndon, VA. The contractor, Tibbs Paving, Inc., will be mobilizing on site in mid to late November. The mill and paving of approximately 12,000 linear feet of existing asphalt trail…
UPDATE (June 2019): Due to inclement weather conditions over the last six months, Accotink Stream Valley Trail near Woodburn Road - Cross County Trail Improvements has been delayed. We now anticipate project completion in August 2019, weather permitting. In the meantime, please refer to the Trail Improvements Begin in Accotink Stream Valley Park on GCCCT
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved two Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants at its meeting on October 10, 2018. The grants will be used to control invasive plants in the Turkeycock Run Stream Valley and install scoreboards at Clermont Park in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Overlook Foundation, which is the management association for the residential communities…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved changes to the Mount Vernon District Park Master Plan. The changes were primarily technical and updated the nomenclature used to describe trails in the park. At its meeting on September 26, 2018, the Board voted for the plan revision to make trail descriptions consistent with current definitions.
The original master plan for the…
Parks and recreation icon William “Bill” Beckner, who passed earlier this summer, will be honored on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. as a park bench is dedicated in his memory at Huntley Meadows Park. Beckner, a park employee for many years, also served as director of the Fairfax County Park Authority for five years and was considered formative in the agency’s evolution and…
Oak Marr Golf Complex’s newly renovated driving range will reopen to the public on October 29, 2018. Owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the fully-lit 78 hitting station range with 30 covered and/or heated stations has been upgraded both functionally and aesthetically to enhance the overall golfer practice experience and environmental standards.
The regraded…
Another park property has become available through the Resident Curator Program. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is now accepting applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the historic Lahey Lost Valley property located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive, Vienna, VA.
The Resident Curator Program, provides a unique opportunity for individuals, non-profits and…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board will hold a Resident Curator Program Lease Signing on the porch at Turner Farmhouse in Great Falls, VA. The public is invited for brief remarks and the signing on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 3 p.m.
The Resident Curator Program seeks to preserve publicly-owned historic properties by offering…
Customers and visitors to Jefferson District Golf Course and Park may be inconvenienced as construction gets underway. A portion of the golf course parking lot will be temporarily impacted from an upcoming water line construction project.
The Fairfax Water Authority will soon start work on the Lee Highway Transmission Main project that runs through a portion of the parking area of…
Houses are much more than the wood, bricks and nails that hold them together. In this month’s issue of artiFACTS, we learn a little of the love story that went into making one house an historic home to remember in Fairfax County.
Learn what an old-fashioned marriage certificate can tell us about views of love and marriage and how swans became a symbol of a lasting relationship.…
With a smartphone in your pocket, everyone’s a photographer these days. Learn how to get those photos noticed by taking a look at the Park Authority’s Snapshots e-newsletter.
Snapshots features some of the best photos snapped by professional photographers in our parks and offers tips on how to improve your shots of plants, wildlife and people. It also showcases some of the silly…
The Fairfax County Park Authority launched a web page designed just for county residents age 50 or older. It’s a great place for those who have dedicated themselves to career and family to find ways to finally put a little focus on themselves. The 50+ Engage-Connect-Play portal provides one-stop shopping for information on Fitness and Wellness, Arts & Learning, Gardening &…
Do you dig it?
October is Archaeology Month, and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is celebrating with a month-long social media campaign to increase awareness of archaeology in Fairfax County. Archaeology is the scientific study of material remains of human culture from the past that were recovered through excavation. FCPA’s Archaeology and Collections Branch is responsible…
On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) upheld its national standing among park and recreation agencies across the country by earning re-accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2018 NRPA…
Gender roles were more distinct in ages past, and sewing was usually a woman’s task. So, the discovery of something as simple as a thimble can shed light on the lives of women in history.
Thimbles are among the items that can be found in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s historic collections, and you can learn more about these sewing tools this month on the
The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, to receive public comment on a proposed exchange of property in the Mason District.
The Park Authority proposes to exchange approximately 1,000 square feet of currently disturbed property in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, that is identified on the Fairfax County Real Property Identification…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is reopening the historic Ellmore Farmhouse property, at 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon VA, for the Resident Curator Program. Previous efforts to find a qualified curator for this property were not fruitful and applications will be considered once again.
The Resident Curator Program provides the unique opportunity for individuals, non-profit and…
They’re all happy and dry in their stalls.
Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Va., has become a temporary home for nine horses that are from areas affected by the havoc surrounding Hurricane Florence. Frying Pan is on an emergency Virginia Equine Evacuation Site list, and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park sent out notice to its approximately 6,000 members that Frying Pan could lend a…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin maintenance work on a trail in Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park in Herndon, Virginia in September.
The project consists of milling and paving approximately 12,000 linear feet of trail from the existing bridge near Kingstream Circle to Wiehle Avenue and from Wiehle Avenue to Dranesville Road. The contractor, Tibbs Paving, Inc. will be…
The Fairfax County Health Department has determined the need to spray pesticides to control adult mosquitoes in parts of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax based on its mosquito surveillance activities for West Nile virus. Weather permitting, spraying will take place on Monday, August 27, 2018, between 8 a.m. and noon at the following locations:
Kings Park Park, 8717 Trafalgar…
The Wilton Woods playground will close temporarily to make way for new playground equipment.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon start work on the Wilton Woods Playground Replacement Project. Wilton Woods is located at 3701 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site the week of August 27, 2018. The project will replace the aging…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Judy Nitsche the winner of the 2018 Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award for bringing back to life a garden that was enjoyed by inhabitants of Sully more than 200 years ago. In her volunteer role at Sully Historic Site, Nitsche assisted staff in proposing major repairs and upgrades to the garden and walking paths to preserve and protect a…
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has announced that the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division (RMD) and four of its sites have received AAM accreditation. AAM establishes the standards through which museums are recognized for their commitment to excellence, accountability, and professionalism, and the organization says that “as the ultimate mark of distinction…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Sully Historic Site volunteer Olivia Lamm of Herndon, Va., the 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Award Student Honoree. The annual Elly Doyle awards recognize individuals and organizations that contribute outstanding volunteer service to the Park Authority, and one student honoree is named each year.
Lamm has been a volunteer at Sully for…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board has named two individuals and one organization as recipients of the 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards recognize outstanding volunteer service to the Park Authority and are the agency’s top honor for volunteer service. This year’s recipients are Laurel Hill Park volunteer Michael Applegate, Hidden Oaks Nature Center volunteer…
There are lots of golfers who would love to improve their game. With that in mind, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Pinecrest Golf Course in Alexandria will open a newly-renovated indoor training facility known as the Valis Family Golf Learning Center. The center is named for Wayne and Angela Valis who provided funding for the center’s new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator.
The updated…
An American art form that made sculptures and figurines more accessible to the general public is spotlighted this month on the Fairfax County Park Authority’s artiFACTS website.
Early chalkware pieces were designed to mimic more expensive figurines imported from the Staffordshire Potteries in England, and they gained popularity in the United States for their affordability and…
The Fairfax County Park Authority understands that residents love their trails. In fact, recent community surveys found that our robust system of trails through stream valleys, parks and woodlands are among our most popular amenities. However, sometimes construction may close or restrict access to a particular trail section.
Stream restoration within Indian Run Stream Valley Park…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is preparing the historic Lahey Lost Valley property, located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, VA, for the Resident Curator Program.
The Resident Curator Program provides the unique opportunity for individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements in beautiful public park settings such as Lahey Lost…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Green Spring Gardens volunteer Tatiana Lisle the recipient of the 2018 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award. Lisle was recognized for her work to protect pollinators by managing bees at Green Spring Gardens.
The park beekeeper is also the volunteer organizer of Green Spring’s popular Honeybee Day, which is held in…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) the recipient of the 2018 Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award. FROGS, which has just marked its 25th anniversary, has a membership base of more than 1,500 individuals who offer financial and volunteer support at Green Spring Gardens located in Alexandria, VA.
The organization…
The Water Mine will go to the dogs this September with a season-ending event benefitting the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax County Park Foundation. Dogs and dog lovers are invited to join us on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park will open for dogs-only swimming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Dogs can swim in Rattlesnake River and…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is extending the period to submit applications for curatorship of the historic Ash Grove property. The new deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 14, 2018.
FCPA is accepting applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the historic Ash Grove House, located at 8881 Ashgrove House Lane in Vienna,…
The first residents of Sully lived there more than 200 years ago, but today Sully Historic Site is home to a new family: chimney swifts. These small, migratory birds recently moved into the chimney of the original 18th century kitchen and made a temporary home.
Chimney swifts migrate in the fall to Peru or elsewhere in the Amazon Basin in South America. They are protected by the…
The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF), the charitable organization dedicated to support Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) parks and programs, has announced three honorees of 2018 Eakin Philanthropy Awards. These annual honors go out to individuals or organizations for their exceptional efforts in support of county parks and their programs and initiatives.
The Washington…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant that will help purchase new canoes for Riverbend Park. The Park Board awarded the $3,000 grant to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB) at its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.
FORB requested the grant money to replace ten existing canoes that were purchased in 2010. The canoes…
Round out the summer with family fun and celebrate National Golf month with nine holes of golf at three Fairfax County golf courses. In August parents pay for their 9-hole round of golf and accompanying kids and teens (ages 8-17) will receive their round for no charge. Mention Family Golf Month to receive this offer. This offer is valid Monday through Friday all day; and weekends after 1…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) will hold a joint public hearing on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Oaks Room at Twin Lakes Golf Course, 6201 Union Mills Road in Clifton, VA. The hearing will focus on the proposed adoption of an amendment to Park Regulation Section 1.17, Remote-Control Devices and Powered…
A newspaper likely used as insulation in an old property is now part of the Park Authority’s historic archives and is featured in this month’s edition of artiFACTS.
This 1917 newspaper, discovered during demolition of a dilapidated old house, was folded open to a story about a female suffragette. Read about her defense of the suffragette movement and her…
Don’t get sick from the bite of a tick or mosquito when you’re outside enjoying the parks this summer. That’s the message from the Health Department’s MC Bugg-Z - also known as Andy Lima. He is a full-time bug biologist (and part-time rap artist) who is part of the agency’s Disease Carrying Insects Program – a group that monitors tick and mosquito populations in Fairfax…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on the Pohick Stream Valley Trail in Burke Station Park. This project may impact parking and access to trails.
Construction will consist of approximately 2,400 linear feet of 8-foot wide paved trail, landscaping, and a new prefabricated fiberglass pedestrian bridge. Accubid Construction Services, Inc., will be mobilizing on…
Driving range renovations are now underway, causing closure of the Oak Marr Golf Complex’s driving range. This driving range, owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, will be significantly improved. The current, fully-lighted 78 hitting station range with 30 covered and/or heated stations will be upgraded with regrading for improved drainage and playability, new target…
Four Fairfax County Park Authority RECenter pools will be closing for regular, periodic cleaning and maintenance next month.
If your local pool is on the list, consider trying out another county pool during the temporary shutdown. Remember that RECenter passes are valid at all nine Park Authority RECenters. As always, we encourage pass holders to visit other non-impacted RECenters…
The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF), which provides financial assistance and advocacy on behalf of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), has elected new officers for two-year terms that will run from July 1, 2018 until June 30, 2020.
John Osborn, Principal Vice President & Credit Officer at Burke & Herbert Bank, will serve as Chair and Michael Gailliot, President…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved three Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants that will be used to improve safety at athletic fields at Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly, help restore a meadow at Marie Butler Leven Preserve in McLean, and enhance the equestrian program at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Action came at the June 27, 2018 meeting of the Park Board.
The…
A natural history interpreter from Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, Virginia, is being honored by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the organization is recognizing 30 Shining Stars of Interpretation in 2018, and Hidden Oaks Visitor Services Manager Suzanne Holland has been added to the prestigious list.
Each of NAI's 10…
Giving credit where credit is due is the order of the day at Clemyjontri Park in McLean, Virginia when officials and local philanthropists, civic organizations, supporters and Park Authority staff will gather to celebrate the completion of new amenities at this popular park. On Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 10 a.m. the public is invited to brief ribbon cutting ceremonies as the new trackless…
The fish community looks good at Lake Fairfax. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) recently conducted a fish survey at the lake. Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk, Mike Isel and Robert Willis of VGDIF brought a boat with electrofishing equipment to the lake on Monday, June 11, 2018.
During a survey, a boat is driven around the shoreline, and an electrical…
The story of a landscape at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Green Spring Gardens has been added to the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) at the Library of Congress, where it will be held in perpetuity. HALS is a permanent federal program which documents significant historic landscapes throughout the United States and its territories.
The
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovation work on the Idylwood Park parking lot next month. The park is located at 7715 Virginia Lane in Falls Church, VA. The parking lot will be fully renovated by Southern…
From ecological restoration to the removal of invasive plants, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division is making strides on its Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP). Park staff recently briefed the Park Board on long-term accomplishments and future plans stemming from the NRMP passed by the Board in 2014.
In the fourth year of the NRMP, staff continued…
It was a big day for the Fairfax County Park Authority when awards were recently handed out at the annual meeting of the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). Park staff received eight 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards for communications work ranging from the agency’s annual report and social media postings to individual writer portfolios.
At its June…
Zip line under the moon and stars this summer at the Go Ape adventure course at South Run Park.
Go Ape is now offering extended hours for its Treetop Junior course, allowing guests to experience the thrill of zipping through a forest at night. Nighttime adventures include tree to tree obstacles and zip lines safely lit from the forest floor. Go Ape Treetop Junior is a one-hour…
A time capsule that was uncovered during renovation of the Walney Visitor Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park provides a glimpse into writing technology of an earlier era.
In this month’s issue of artiFACTS, read about the discovery of a metal nib and how it signaled an advancement in writing tools. An engraving on the nib reveals even more about the item. This month’s featured…
Construction activities for a new park access road at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Ellanor C. Lawrence Park are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 18, 2018. The new road is needed to provide access to the park when the existing traffic signal and entrance from Route 28 are eliminated. As part of the park access, and in conjunction with the project, roadwork will also include a…
There is even more to love this summer as four new features were added to Our Special Harbor Sprayground at the Lee District Family Recreation Area in Franconia, Virginia.
The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund (JPMF) donated a gift in excess of $40,000 to the Fairfax County Park Foundation. This generosity funded four wheelchairs for Fairfax County Park Authority’s adapted aquatics…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will hold a meeting on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Course. The meeting, slated for the Oaks Room, provides an opportunity to gather public comment on expanding the permitting of alcohol on county parkland. Twin Lakes Golf Course Clubhouse is located at 6201 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA.
In light of an increasing number…
Restoration work on the Bull Neck Run Stream located within Springhill Park and Bull Neck Run Stream Valley Park is set to begin shortly. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contracted with RES for the work which will start in mid-June. Spring Hill Park is located at 1239 Spring Hill Road in McLean, Virginia.
The project involves restoration of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a public information meeting to discuss the Sustainable Trail Plan for Mount Vernon District Park. The purpose is to provide a sustainable trail system for the park that includes existing and planned trails and stream crossings within the park.
The meeting will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 7 p.m. in Clubroom 2 of the Mount Vernon…
Glass beads were popular throughout the centuries among different groups that called Fairfax County home, but their rarity at archeological sites make them an exciting find.
This month, artiFACTS discusses the history of this adornment and what glass beads can tell us about the people who once wore them. Learn how tough it can be to find these beads and where they may have…
Fairfax County residents have even more parkland to enjoy following recent land transfers from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Fairfax County Park Authority.
The Park Authority acquired 1.22 acres of land adjacent to Dogue Creek Stream Valley Park. Loftridge Park has grown by 6.37 acres following another land transfer. Both of these parcels are located in the Lee…
The public is invited to attend a public comment meeting on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 7 p.m. at South Lakes High School, Lecture Hall 333 to learn about the draft Lake Fairfax Park Master Plan Revision.
The Fairfax County Park Authority held a Public Information Meeting on November 1, 2017 to begin the process for updating the Lake Fairfax Park Master Plan and to collect the…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors named James P. Zook, former director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning, to fill the vacant at-large seat on the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board. Action came at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 15, 2018.
For most of his youth Jim lived in North Springfield; he graduated from Annandale High School in…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin an LED lighting replacement project at Greenbriar Park located at 4600 Stringfellow Road, Fairfax, VA.
Musco Sports Lighting of Richmond, VA, and electrical contractor R.E. Lee of Lorton, VA, will be mobilizing at the site in the next two weeks. Project completion is anticipated later this summer, depending on the weather. The project…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its 2017 Fiscal Year Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment…
The Fairfax County Park Authority is switching to an updated registration system later this month that will offer several advantages for park customers. With the new system, the agency will be able to expand its hours of operation for registration and for accessing member accounts. It will provide upgraded server support, an improved mobile experience and greater reliability.
As the…
The Fairfax County Park Authority knows how much residents love their trails. In fact, recent surveys found that our robust system of trails through stream valleys, parks and woodlands are among our most popular amenities. However, sometimes construction may close or restrict access to a particular trail section.
Pedestrian bridge replacement work along Old Dominion Drive (between…
Golfers will be able to keep their golf game at peak-season performance year-round with the indoor practice facility currently under renovation at Pinecrest Golf Course. This project began last month and will be completed in July 2018.
State-of-the-art amenities include expanded hitting bays, an instructional bay with electronic swing analysis and a golf simulator that gives you…
The Lee District Family Recreation Area will be honored by National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) when the organization holds its annual meeting in Nashville this July. This unique fun spot for families will receive a 2018 NACPRO Award in the Park & Recreation Facility category for agencies with a population service area over 500,000.
The Fairfax…
Jean and Ric Edelman have been selected by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) as winners of a Friends of Park and Recreation – Outstanding Contributor Award. The Edelmans were recognized for their support at Observatory Park at The Turner Farm.
The generous financial contribution from the Edelmans provided for the purchase of high-powered…
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking public comment on its new Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2023.
As the Park Authority nears completion of its FY14-FY18 Strategic Plan on June 30, 2018, development of its new five-year strategic plan is underway. The FY19-FY23 Strategic Plan is a key tool to guide agency staff in the implementation of the 2017 Parks and Recreation…
A Bible once used at the Frying Pan Meeting House is revealing information about religious practices in Fairfax County and the printing technology of the early 1800s. The Bible, which was donated to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1984, is the subject of this month’s artiFACTS feature.
This particular version of the Bible created division among members of the Meeting House,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin Phase I construction at Monticello Park located at 5315 Guinea Road in Burke, VA. The $1.5 million dollar project includes construction of a playground, off-leash dog area, buffer area, multi-use area and trails, as well as supporting infrastructure including storm water management facilities, a parking lot, walkways, utilities, fencing and related…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has named Dr. Abena Aidoo to the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board to fill the at-large vacancy left by Walter Alcorn, who is retiring after serving 2 ½ years on the Park Board. Action came at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 20, 2018.
Dr. Aidoo brings a wealth of experience in tourism and events management to the Park…
Farmers market customers will now be able to purchase cups of coffee as well as freshly roasted beans starting in 2018! This year the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) farmers markets will host locally roasted coffee pilot programs at select locations. The goal for the pilot is to boost market attendance, improve customer experiences and provide small local roasters a sales outlet. The…
A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 30, 2018, to discuss options for the management of Lake…
Take a break from the ordinary and spend a fun-filled summer at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park working with children on hands-on explorations of nature and history.
This Fairfax County Park Authority facility located in Chantilly, VA is currently hiring for two positions – Summer Education Director and Summer Education Teacher. Both positions are 40 hours per week for a limited…
Pardon our dust! Construction will soon begin at Clemyjontri Park located at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean, VA. Project contractor McGee Civil will be mobilizing on site within the next two weeks, and active construction activities will begin later this month. This project includes construction of a 65-space parking lot, trails, fencing and stormwater management. This expansion is set for…
Restoration work on the highly degraded stream within Long Branch Falls Park is set to begin. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start in early April 2018. Long Branch Falls Park is located at 5021 King David Boulevard in Annandale, Virginia.
The project involves…
The Tin Man of Wizard of Oz fame had a hard, outer shell and so do the ceramics featured in the March edition of artiFACTS.
This month in artiFACTS, explore a type of earthenware most often found in either white or blue with hand-painted or sponged decorations of various colors. See samples of these once-popular ceramics on the artiFACTS…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a new Cultural Resource Management Plan (CRMP) to coordinate agency-wide efforts to achieve the cultural resource preservation mission of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA). Approval came at the Board meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
View the
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved two Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants at its meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. One grant will benefit the Lee District Park Family Recreation Area and the other will provide improvements at Fred Crabtree Park.
Park Authority Board members approved a $20,000 grant to the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund. This grant and a…
As the tulips and daffodils spark up from the ground in the wake of spring, the Wakefield, Herndon, Burke, and Reston Farmers Markets jump into the season, opening for business in April. During this time of the year, you will find fresh asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, apples, salad greens, meats, cheese, baked breads, honey, ice cream and plant seedlings for your home garden at these…
Celebrate spring with the opening of the Garden Gate Plant Shop at Green Spring Gardens.
The shop reopens for the new growing season on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to choose from the latest selection of plants for your home. You will find shrubs, native plants, wildflowers, ornamental grasses and unusual perennials and annuals. Rediscover an old…
Get ready for the greatest golf savings of the season with the Golf Fairfax Spring Pass savings spectacular. The more you play, the more you save! From March 26 through May 6, 2018 save up to 25 percent when you purchase multi-round passes at Fairfax County Park Authority facilities including Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Oak Marr, Pinecrest and Twin…
It’s the same great event returning to Sully Historic Site! Participate in a day full of free, environmental, and health-focused family-friendly activities and games at this year’s SpringFest Fairfax –a celebration of Earth and Arbor Days on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, Va. Presented by Clean Fairfax…
Volunteers play a critical role at the Fairfax County Park Authority, and now is the time to recognize their invaluable contributions with a nomination for a 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Award. Everyone is invited to submit nominations to honor the outstanding volunteers and numerous organizations that support park programming and initiatives in Fairfax County.
The Elly Doyle Park…
Construction work will begin soon at Burke Lake Park to improve Marina Road from the Burke Lake Information Center to the Burke Lake Road marina parking lot.
The improvements will include widening of gravel shoulders, installation of drainage swales and ditches, and rock lining installation of swales and drainage ditches to better accommodate the existing storm water flows and reduce…
This summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC summer camp program will operate at more than three dozen elementary school locations around Fairfax County on weekdays from July 2 through August 9, 2018. During the summer, staff will be assigned to a site and work daily from 8:15 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. Lots of qualified applicants are expected to apply so plan on attending an early open…
Golf Fairfax is committed to the development of youth in the game of golf. Introduce your 8-17-year-oldto the FUNdamentals of golf with one-hourjunior clinics. Junior clinics are the perfect opportunity to test drive the game before investing in more advanced instruction and equipment.
Kids and teens will learn basic golf rules and etiquette, get familiar with different types of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority continues its national award-winning program to combat invasive plants this spring.
The Invasive Management Area (IMA) program was established in 2006 and the annual highlight of the program is the spring Take Back the Forest effort. This year, Take Back the Forest begins on Sunday, April 1, 2018 and runs through May. During that timeframe, the Park…
As part of an ongoing system-wide effort to improve service reliability at South Run District Park and its surrounding residential communities, Dominion Energy will be replacing the aging and outdated distribution line within this area. Work on this project will begin in early-March and will conclude approximately one month later. As part of Dominion’s effort, access and temporary closure to…
Work to install a 120-foot monopine pole and to construct the associated, fenced telecommunications equipment compound within George Washington Park is getting underway. Network Building and Consulting, on behalf of T-Mobile, has contracted with Stoehr Companies to perform this previously approved telecommunications project.
During construction, there will be additional traffic along…
Consider a job at one of the county’s most unique employment sites. Frying Pan Farm Park preserves and interprets farm life of the 1920s to 1950s, and it is looking for folks to fill a variety of positions to help others learn about an enjoy this popular Fairfax County park.
If you enjoy fresh air, history, nature, baby animals and working with the public, Frying Pan Farm Park may…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to name an athletic field at South Run Regional Park in honor of Jack Nolan, a longtime leader and supporter of youth soccer in the Springfield District.
At its meeting on February 14, 2018 the Park Board voted to change the name of Athletic Field 5 to Jack Nolan Field. A public ceremony is scheduled for mid-May to mark the…
Looking for a unique venue for your spring celebration? Par-tee with Golf Fairfax and enjoy unique and affordable dining and entertainment options for your guests. Four golf courses offer venues that include beautiful golf scenery, flexible dining options and enjoyable entertainment options:
Laurel Hill Golf Club
8701 Laurel Crest…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to renovate park facilities at Backlick Park located at 4516 Backlick Road in Annandale, VA.
The contractors, will be mobilizing on site shortly with active construction activities beginning in March. This project includes the installation of a new shelter and tables, additional of a connecting accessible trail, installation of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the installation of a new playground for Wakefield Park at its meeting on January 24, 2018. The park, located in the Braddock District, is among those benefitting from funding in the 2016 Park Bond to replace playground equipment throughout the county that has exceeded its useful life.
Although the equipment at Wakefield Park has…
Who is thinking about summer? You should! Registration for summer camps begins Thursday, February 8, 2018. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 1,900 summer day camp options at 100+ locations. Camps held at RECenters, nature centers, historic sites, lakefront parks, golf courses and schools offer a variety of camp formats. These camps feature plenty of fun and friendship building…
There is a class for everyone this spring at Fairfax County Golf courses: from children new to golf to experienced golfers who want to improve their game. Golf is an excellent family sport and can be played for a lifetime!
Golfers or all ages and skill can take advantage of classes at Burke Lake Golf and Pinecrest Golf Academies. Starting New at Golf (SNAG) classes cover basic golf…
Work to restore Dead Run within McLean Central Park and Dead Run Stream Valley Park between Old Dominion Road and Churchill Road is set to begin shortly.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contracted with Meadville Land Service, Inc., to begin work this month. The project involves restoration of approximately 3,000 linear feet of stream in…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on the Lisle Park Playground Replacement Project in Falls Church.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site shortly, and active construction is scheduled to begin in March 2018. The project includes replacement of the existing playground equipment and related site work. Lisle playground will be closed during the construction period.…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin to work on the Griffith Park Playground Replacement Project, which will force closure of the playground during the construction period.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site shortly with active construction activities beginning in March. The project includes replacement of the playground equipment and related site work. Contingent on…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has elected its officers for 2018. At a meeting on January 24, 2018, the Park Board voted to return William G. Bouie, who represents the Hunter Mill District, to his tenth term as Chairman. Providence District Representative Ken Quincy will serve as Vice Chairman. Michael W. Thompson, Jr. of the Springfield District returns to the post of Secretary, and…
Fairfax County’s parkland is growing again with the acquisition of eight acres of land near Loisdale Park in Springfield, VA.
The two parcels, one 7.6 acres and the other 0.4 acres were a donation from L and F Darby Lane LLC. The properties are considered an addition to Loisdale Park and will remain vacant until or unless they are included in a future master plan.These parcels…
Staying fit and feeling great just got easier with the Fairfax County Park Authority. Cub Run RECenter’s Fitness and Wellness program recently expanded to include chair massage and health coaching. Licensed massage therapists can help eliminate painful muscle tension. Getting rid of that pain can potentially result in increased ability to exercise in the future as well as overall better…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) acreage continues to grow with the acquisition of 7.33 acres of land from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), which will be combined with 6.13 acres of existing parkland at Chantilly Park.
This acreage in the Sully District was transferred to the Park Authority from the BOS in November 2017. It originally was part of a larger…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved it’s first-ever Parks and Recreation System Master Plan at its meeting on December 13, 2017.
With a 10-year time horizon, the Great Parks, Great Communities Parks and Recreation System Master Plan will guide the agency to meet growing and changing community needs. This long-range, comprehensive park system master planning effort builds…
Restoration work on the Pohick Creek Tributary located within Greentree Village Park is set to begin shortly. The Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division and Utility Design & Construction Division have contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start in January 2018. Greentree Village Park is located at 6600 Field Master Drive in Springfield,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has published the FY 2017 Strategic Plan and Annual Report. This document celebrates “A Place in Time” as Fairfax County concludes its celebration of the 275th anniversary of Fairfax County. The park system report notes a host of memorable events, vital accomplishments and progress on many fronts.
Inside this report, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved three sports-related Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program requests at its meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
Board members approved a grant of $20,000 for the Great Falls Lacrosse Association. Funding will be used to install a practice wall adjacent to Field #4 at Great Falls Nike Park, which can be used to help…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has started a public planning process that will update the master plan for Lake Fairfax Park. A public meeting will outline current conditions and amenities, explain the process and discuss potential revisions to the existing plan this November.
This 482-acre park is located in Reston, Virginia and is owned and operated by the Park Authority.…
Starting the week of October 23, 2017 a short section of Holmes Run Stream Valley Trail will close to allow completion of an emergency sanitary sewer repair project. Depending on the level of repairs required, an approximately 1,500-foot section of trail could be closed for up to a year.
The trail follows Holmes Run from the outfall of Lake Barcroft south to Cameron Run Regional Park.…
Many of Green Spring Gardens’ pedestrian routes may experience temporary closures as a result of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) retrofits for compliance purposes. Work is expected to begin October 9, 2017 , with project completion targeted for spring 2018. Garden features will remain open, but visitors may need to use alternative routes while work is being completed.
During the…
The Fairfax County Park Authority began improving the surface of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail last week. The trail will be paved between Braddock Road and Accotink Parkway. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) 2014 Transportation Bond will provide $200,000 for the construction phase of the project and a 2012 Park Bond will provide additional funding in the amount of…
Restoration work on two stormwater outfalls at the northern end of Nottoway Park adjacent to Courthouse Road is set to begin immediately. Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division and Utility Design and Construction Division have contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start early this month.Nottoway Park, a Fairfax County Park Authority facility, is…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin making improvements to Great Falls Nike Park located at 1089 Utterback Store Road, Great Falls, VA. The project will begin in the next few days and is anticipated to be completed this fall. The Great Falls Soccer Club, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, and Fairfax County Park Authority are providing funding for these…
