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

Park News

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Get the latest information on what is happening at the Park Authority. Contact the Public Information Office for archived news items at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Ditch the Plastic and Celebrate Plastic Free July at FCPA Farmers Markets!

Plastic free pin
Join the movement at FCPA Farmers Markets this Plastic Free July—a global campaign to reduce plastic pollution and create cleaner, greener communities! Each year, it’s estimated that FCPA Farmers Markets alone contribute over half a million plastic bags to the environment. Most of these bags can’t be recycled curbside and end up in landfills—or worse, polluting our parks, streams and forests.
Ditch the Plastic and Celebrate Plastic Free July at FCPA Farmers Markets!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth During National Ice Cream Month

girl eating ice cream
July is National Ice Cream Month, and there's no cooler way to celebrate than with a visit to your favorite Fairfax County park. Whether you prefer it in a cone, a cup or with sprinkles on top, the Fairfax County Park Authority has a scoop (or two!) of sweet ways to enjoy this classic summer treat.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth During National Ice Cream Month

Blaze the Trail: Free Discovery Trail Map Adventure Marks 75 Years of Fairfax Parks

Discovery trail map
Ready for a summer adventure close to home? The Fairfax County Park Authority invites families and explorers of all ages to hit the trail and celebrate 75 years of parks and recreation with the 2025 Discovery Trail Map. This free, self-guided adventure is the perfect staycation activity, combining outdoor fun, learning and chances to win great prizes!
Blaze the Trail: Free Discovery Trail Map Adventure Marks 75 Years of Fairfax Parks

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with Fairfax County Parks: Build Together, Play Together

Park and Rec Month
Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with Fairfax County Parks: Build Together, Play Together

Find Your New Favorite Artist at the Summer Entertainment Series

outdoor crowd
Nothing says summer like live music outdoors in the open air. Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series presents free concerts all summer long from award-winning entertainers set at parks across the county. With everything from throwback tunes to modern pop, jazz and soul hits, to children’s songs, this year’s lineup spans genres and generations.
Find Your New Favorite Artist at the Summer Entertainment Series

Bourbon on the Hill: A Tasting Experience at Laurel Hill

Bourbon Bottles
Take your summer sipping to the next level at Jailbreak Johnny’s Private Stock Tasting Series – an exclusive, guided bourbon tasting event at Laurel Hill Golf Club. On Saturday, July 26 from 4 to 6 p.m., discover the bold and distinctive flavors of the Penelope Project X Collection, in an elegant, scenic setting.
Bourbon on the Hill: A Tasting Experience at Laurel Hill

Resident Curator Applications Now Open for Dranesville Tavern and Fairfax Arms

Fairfax Arms
Dranesville Travern The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from prospective resident curators for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of Dranesville Tavern and Fairfax Ar
Resident Curator Applications Now Open for Dranesville Tavern and Fairfax Arms

International Music and Dance Take Center Stage with Spotlight by Starlight

women with parasols
Travel the world without leaving your own neighborhood this summer by coming out to Spotlight by Starlight, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series.
International Music and Dance Take Center Stage with Spotlight by Starlight

Sing, Dance and Laugh Together at Arts in the Parks

People enjoying summer weather
Gather the entire family and head out to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Make it a summer to remember with Arts in the Parks.
Sing, Dance and Laugh Together at Arts in the Parks

Justice Park Tennis Court Repairs Begin Next Week

Pardon our dust
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin reconstruction work on the tennis courts at Justice Park early next week. This project includes crack filling, birdbath levelling, new fencing, and a complete level construction repair to improve the playing surface and user experience. The project is expected to take approximately five to six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Justice Park Tennis Court Repairs Begin Next Week

July Tournaments Bring the Heat and Ignite the Fairways

golfers in holiday clothing
Get ready to turn up the heat with exciting golf tournaments happening across Golf Fairfax this July! Celebrate the season and light up the greens at two Red, White and Blue Tournaments:
July Tournaments Bring the Heat and Ignite the Fairways

Park Authority Honors 2025 Outstanding Volunteers

Volunteer at work
At its meeting on May 28, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 20 individuals as 2025 Outstanding Volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system:
Park Authority Honors 2025 Outstanding Volunteers

Park Authority To Host Community Meeting for Proposed Pavilion at Green Spring Gardens July 30

Green Spring Pavilion
The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a public meeting to present a revised proposal for a pavilion at Green Spring Gardens. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Horticultural Center at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.
Park Authority To Host Community Meeting for Proposed Pavilion at Green Spring Gardens July 30

Sully Historic Site Awarded VA250 Grant to Support Revolutionary War Commemoration

Sully Historic Site
The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Sully Historic Site has been awarded a $250,000 Virginia 250 Preservation Fund Grant administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the Virginia 250 Fund. This funding, secured through the Fairfax County Park Foundation, supports local initiatives that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The grant will support the preservation, interpretation and accessibility improvements at the site.
Sully Historic Site Awarded VA250 Grant to Support Revolutionary War Commemoration

Don’t Miss the Sparkle—Get Your Lake Fairfax Park Fireworks Tickets Now!

Lake Fairfax Fireworks
Don’t miss one of the area's most anticipated summer events! Join the Fairfax County Park Authority at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, June 28, for a full day of live entertainment, food trucks and family fun—capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.
Don’t Miss the Sparkle—Get Your Lake Fairfax Park Fireworks Tickets Now!

Mount Vernon Rec Center Reopens with New Look and New Amenities

Ribbon Cutting mount vernon rec center
The Fairfax County Park Authority proudly celebrated the soft reopening of the Mount Vernon Rec Center on Monday morning, June 9, with a vibrant welcome from the community and local leaders. Located at 2017 Belle View Blvd.
Mount Vernon Rec Center Reopens with New Look and New Amenities

Please Pardon Our Dust: Improvements Coming Soon to Long Branch Stream Valley Trail

Long Branch Stream Valley Trail
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin construction on the next phase of improvements to the Long Branch Stream Valley Trail, enhancing one of the county’s most popular recreational corridors. Work is expected to begin in late June or early July 2025.
Please Pardon Our Dust: Improvements Coming Soon to Long Branch Stream Valley Trail

Celebrate Stars, Stripes and Summer Fun at Lake Fairfax Park!

Lake Fairfax Fireworks
Kick off your Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, food and family fun at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, June 28. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to enjoy a full day of festivities capped off by a spectacular fireworks show at one of the county’s most beloved parks.
Celebrate Stars, Stripes and Summer Fun at Lake Fairfax Park!

Lace Up for the Summer Sprint in the Park at Lake Fairfax

kids running
Get ready to run, jog or stroll your way through summer at the Summer Sprint in the Park, a family-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun run on Saturday, June 28, at Lake Fairfax Park, located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston.
Lace Up for the Summer Sprint in the Park at Lake Fairfax

Fairfax County Park Authority Reminds Visitors to Stay Safe and Respectful at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve This Summer

Scott's Run
As the summer season heats up, the Fairfax County Park Authority reminds visitors to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to enjoy the area responsibly and follow all park regulations to protect the environment, ensure public safety and preserve this natural space for everyone.
Fairfax County Park Authority Reminds Visitors to Stay Safe and Respectful at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve This Summer

Get Linked In With the New Golf Fairfax Mobile App

Phone app
The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to announce the launch of the Golf Fairfax App, a new mobile tool designed to make your time on the course even better. Now available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, this innovative app powered by Gallus Golf brings convenient access to a suite of golfer-focused features to your fingertips.
Get Linked In With the New Golf Fairfax Mobile App

Mount Vernon Rec Center in Fort Hunt Reopens June 9

Mount Vernon Rec Center
Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to welcome the community back to Mount Vernon Rec Center, located at 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, on Monday, June 9 at 7 a.m.
Mount Vernon Rec Center in Fort Hunt Reopens June 9

Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Juneteenth with Events Across the County

Juneteenth Celebration
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to honor Juneteenth through a series of engaging events at multiple park locations, highlighting African American history, resilience and cultural contributions.
Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Juneteenth with Events Across the County

Cruise Into History at the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site

Sully Antique Cars
Start your Father’s Day with horsepower, history and hometown fun at the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show on Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly.
Cruise Into History at the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site

Fairways Fit for a Queen: Celebrate Women’s Golf Month with Golf Fairfax

Woman playing golf
This June, join us for a full lineup of events, tournaments and specials that celebrate and support women in golf. Score deals to help you play better and gear up in style, from the range to the fairway. Women golfers of all levels are invited to improve their game, make connections and be part of a growing and supportive women’s golf community. Special offers include:
Fairways Fit for a Queen: Celebrate Women’s Golf Month with Golf Fairfax

Jefferson District Park Tennis Court Renovations To Begin in June

tennis courts
The Fairfax County Park Authority will be making improvements to tennis courts #2 and #5 at Jefferson District Park. Contractors will mobilize on site in early June, with work expected to begin on Saturday, June 7. The project will include crack repairs and resurfacing of the courts.
Jefferson District Park Tennis Court Renovations To Begin in June

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 7 with Guided Hikes, Outdoor Fun, and 334 Miles of Adventure in Fairfax County

National Trails Day
With 334 miles of trails to explore, there's no better time to hit the trail than National Trails Day, coming up on Saturday, June 7. Whether you’re walking, running, biking or horseback riding, Fairfax County offers something for everyone – from forested natural and hard surface trails to scenic boardwalks and interpretive trails.
Celebrate National Trails Day on June 7 with Guided Hikes, Outdoor Fun, and 334 Miles of Adventure in Fairfax County

New Directors Join Fairfax County Park Foundation Board

Park Foundation Directors
The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept the nominations of Ben Aiken, Paul Berry, Mark Buenavista, and Alyssa Keefe as board directors of the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority at the Jan. 21, 2025 Park Foundation board meeting.
New Directors Join Fairfax County Park Foundation Board

Start Your Engines for the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site!

Sully Antique Cars
Celebrate five decades of classic cars and family fun at the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show on Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly. Presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the George Washington Chapter, Inc., this milestone event is one of the largest and most beloved car shows in the region.
Start Your Engines for the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site!

Make a Splash and So Much More with Fairfax County Parks This Summer!

Spray Parks
Ready to stay local and play big? Fairfax County Park Authority invites you to plan your ultimate 2025 summer staycation with exciting adventures starting Saturday, May 24. Whether you're cooling off at our award-winning water parks, hitting the mini golf course, or setting sail from our marinas, there's something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
Make a Splash and So Much More with Fairfax County Parks This Summer!

Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Service Members with Free Activities on Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Flyer
  In recognition of Memorial Day, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary access to select park amenities and activities on Monday, May 26.
Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Service Members with Free Activities on Memorial Day!

Groove to the Sweet Tunes of the Summer Entertainment Series

kid dancing
Enjoy warm summer nights with family, friends and community at the Summer Entertainment Series. Free performances that the entire family will enjoy return to locations across Fairfax County coming June through August. Listen to concerts with performers playing everything from go-go to bluegrass to jazz to rock and more. Experience cultural showcases from around the world.
Groove to the Sweet Tunes of the Summer Entertainment Series

Drop-In Interviews for Summer Jobs Begin at Lake Accotink Park

Lake Accotink Park
Spend your summer at the lake! Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia, is hosting drop-in interviews every Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m., starting May 20 through June 10, 2025. Stop by the Visitor Center to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot! No appointments are necessary!
Drop-In Interviews for Summer Jobs Begin at Lake Accotink Park

Build Water Safety Skills with the Park Authority During National Water Safety Month

wATER SAFETY
Fairfax County Park Authority celebrates water safety all year long with numerous opportunities to swim and enjoy water at Rec Center pools, lakes, riverfront parks and waterparks.
Build Water Safety Skills with the Park Authority During National Water Safety Month

One Month Left: Help Shape the Future of Fairfax County Parks – Take the Parks Count! 2026 Survey

Parks Count
There’s still time to make your voice heard! The Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment Survey closes on June 15, 2025, and we need your input. The Fairfax County Park Authority is asking community members to take the online survey and help spread the word.
One Month Left: Help Shape the Future of Fairfax County Parks – Take the Parks Count! 2026 Survey

Music, Dance and Unity Shine at Fairfax County Parks’ AAPI Celebration

AAPI Celebration
The Fairfax County Park Authority welcomed thousands of visitors to Mason District Park on Saturday, May 10, for the 2025 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, community and heritage.
Music, Dance and Unity Shine at Fairfax County Parks’ AAPI Celebration

Upcoming Public Engagement Opportunities at RCP Sites

Stempson House
In recognition of Historic Preservation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting several events at historic properties across the county. Resident curators at these properties invite community members to learn about the ways in which they are working to preserve Fairfax County’s heritage. On Saturday, May 31, open house events will be held at the following resident curator properties:
Upcoming Public Engagement Opportunities at RCP Sites

May Events at Colvin Run Mill Blend History, Whiskey and Classic Film

Colvin Run Mill
Step into history, sip something spirited and enjoy a literary classic under the stars at Colvin Run Mill this May. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to enjoy three unique events that blend education, entertainment and old-fashioned charm at one of Virginia’s operational 19th-century water-powered mills.
May Events at Colvin Run Mill Blend History, Whiskey and Classic Film

Fairfax County Honored with US Department of Energy’s Better Project and Better Practice Awards

receiving award
The U.S. Department of Energy has honored Fairfax County with a Better Project Award and a Better Practice Award at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit held on May 1 in D.C. These prestigious awards recognize partners for demonstrating innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in energy, water and waste reduction.
Fairfax County Honored with US Department of Energy’s Better Project and Better Practice Awards

Community Celebrates 50 Years of Huntley Meadows Park and 200 Years of Historic Huntley at Wetlands Awareness Day

Huntley Meadows Park Celebration
Despite a steady drizzle that seemed perfectly suited for the occasion, more than 450 visitors flocked to Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 4, to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day and mark two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park and the 200th anniversary of Historic Huntley.
Community Celebrates 50 Years of Huntley Meadows Park and 200 Years of Historic Huntley at Wetlands Awareness Day

Park Authority Seeks Public Input on Proposed Pickleball Courts at Greenbriar Park

greenbriar pickleball rendering
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to participate in a public comment period regarding a proposal to construct three dedicated pickleball courts at Greenbriar Park, located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax.
Park Authority Seeks Public Input on Proposed Pickleball Courts at Greenbriar Park

Fairfax County Park Authority Awarded Grant To Enhance Invasive Species Management

IMAP volunteers
The Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA, a core member of the National Capital - Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (Nat-Cap PRISM), has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry. The grant, part of the FY25 Virginia PRISM Support for Invasive Species Program, will provide $60,827 to manage invasive species across FCPA parkland.
Fairfax County Park Authority Awarded Grant To Enhance Invasive Species Management

Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates Spring with Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens!

Big Plant Sale
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites plant lovers of all kinds to celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens.
Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates Spring with Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens!

From Lion Dances to K-Pop: Don’t Miss the Fairfax County Park Authority 2025 AAPI Festival

AAPI celebration
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the 2025 AAPI Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at Mason District Park in Annandale. This free, family-friendly event honors the diverse cultures and contributions of AAPI communities through live performances, art, food and interactive experiences for all ages.
From Lion Dances to K-Pop: Don’t Miss the Fairfax County Park Authority 2025 AAPI Festival

FCPA Staff Member Receives Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals

Rosario Bombaugh
The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that Rosario Bombaugh has been named a recipient of the 2025 Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals. This distinguished honor recognizes Bombaugh’s outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment to excellence in public service.
FCPA Staff Member Receives Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals

Celebrate the Outdoors and a New Playground at Ruckstuhl Park May 17

ruckstuhl park
Join the Fairfax County Park Authority and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik for a morning of free outdoor fun on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Ruckstuhl Park, located at 7545 Idylwood Drive in Falls Church.
Celebrate the Outdoors and a New Playground at Ruckstuhl Park May 17

Score with Rec Center Membership: Sale and Open House in May

Rec Center Open House
Find your path to health and wellness at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. Become an annual member and score a 15% discount when you purchase during May. Explore your neighborhood Rec Center for free and connect with other community members during the Open House event on Thursday, May 22.
Score with Rec Center Membership: Sale and Open House in May

Celebrating 50 Years of Wetlands Wonder at Huntley Meadows Park

Huntley Meadows Park
Huntley Meadows Park is turning 50 years old. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to celebrate five decades of wetland conservation, wildlife habitat and outdoor discovery at one of Fairfax County’s most beloved parks. This milestone also marks the 200th anniversary of nearby Historic Huntley, adding even more reasons to celebrate this spring.
Celebrating 50 Years of Wetlands Wonder at Huntley Meadows Park

Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly doyle logo
With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.
Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Fresh Flavors Return to the Fairfax County Farmers Markets for the 2025 Season!

Mount Vernon Farmers Market
The wait is over—Fairfax County Farmers Markets are back open for business! Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these beloved markets connect residents with local farms and food producers across ten locations countywide.
Fresh Flavors Return to the Fairfax County Farmers Markets for the 2025 Season!

 

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