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

Stay Informed

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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Experience the Power of Parks in Fairfax County During Park and Recreation Month

Park and Recreation month
This month, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide recognition of the vital role of parks building strong, healthy communities.
Experience the Power of Parks in Fairfax County During Park and Recreation Month

Arts in the Parks Cultural Heritage Nights Showcase Rich Global Cultures

dancers
Travel the world without leaving town this summer by coming out to Arts in the Parks Cultural Heritage Nights, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series.
Arts in the Parks Cultural Heritage Nights Showcase Rich Global Cultures

New Directors Join Fairfax County Park Foundation Board

Park news
The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to accept the nominations of Ellen Gray, Radhika Subramanian and Jonathan Wertz as board directors of the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority Board confirmed these appointments at its June 24 board meeting. The new directors’ first term of service began on July 1 and extends through June 30, 2029.
New Directors Join Fairfax County Park Foundation Board

Fairfax County’s First-Ever Drone Light Show Rescheduled for Sunday, June 28, at Lake Fairfax Park

lake fairfax 250th celebration flyer
Fairfax County’s signature Independence Day celebration launches this weekend with a first for the Fairfax County Park Authority: a drone light show over Lake Fairfax Park.The Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration is part of Fairfax 250, the countywide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Fairfax County’s First-Ever Drone Light Show Rescheduled for Sunday, June 28, at Lake Fairfax Park

Upcoming Public Engagement Opportunity at Ash Grove Historic House

ash grove
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to an open house at the Ash Grove Historic House on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Upcoming Public Engagement Opportunity at Ash Grove Historic House

Golf Fairfax App Gets a Glow Up

phone app
Golf Fairfax is excited to announce a major update to its free mobile app, featuring a refreshed design and powerful new tools that help golfers track their game, navigate the course and stay connected throughout every round. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the updated app delivers an even more seamless experience both on and off the course.
Golf Fairfax App Gets a Glow Up

Sounds of Summer: Local Concerts in Fairfax County

Summer Concert
Create your own summer soundtrack with the Summer Entertainment Series. Attend free, live concerts taking place at locations all around Fairfax through August. Award-winning entertainers take the stage in this series that is set to enrich the community and promote togetherness in Fairfax County.
Sounds of Summer: Local Concerts in Fairfax County

Refresh, Relax, Repeat at Outdoor Water Parks and Splash Pads: Hours and Sensory Friendly Times

water mine
As the summer weather heats up, cool off at Fairfax County Park Authority’s water parks and splash pads. Spend the day cooling off and enjoy water play features sure to add enjoyment to the season:
Refresh, Relax, Repeat at Outdoor Water Parks and Splash Pads: Hours and Sensory Friendly Times

Enjoy a Summer of Wonder with Arts in the Parks

audience
Prepare to be enchanted by performances that spark the imagination of children across Fairfax County at Arts in the Parks.
Enjoy a Summer of Wonder with Arts in the Parks

Step Up to the Plate and Celebrate Wakefield Park Softball Field Improvements

softball field
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration recognizing recent upgrades to the softball fields at Wakefield Park on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. The event will be held on field eight at Wakefield Park, located at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale.
Step Up to the Plate and Celebrate Wakefield Park Softball Field Improvements

More Women, More Golf - June Is Women’s Golf Month

women golfers
Ladies, it’s your time on the tee. June is Women’s Golf Month, and Golf Fairfax is rolling out the fairway for you. Swap the to‑do list for a tee time and gather your favorite golf gals — whether you’re just learning the game or already living on the leaderboard. All month long, enjoy:
More Women, More Golf - June Is Women’s Golf Month

Roll Into Summer with Family Skate and Dance Night

Young skater
Glide and groove into the summer season in style at Franconia Rec Center’s Family Skate and Dance Night. With exciting themes and cool treats, these events have everything needed to entertain the entire family.
Roll Into Summer with Family Skate and Dance Night

Groovy New Locations for Summer Entertainment Series

summer entertainment Series
Soak up summer sounds as the Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County. Kick off these performances — brought to you by Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County Park Foundation — on June 24.
Groovy New Locations for Summer Entertainment Series

Fairfax County Park Authority Offers After-Hours Night Sky Viewing at Turner Farm Park

turner farm park
The Fairfax County Park Authority is inviting residents and visitors to experience the stars in a whole new way with the launch of a Night Viewing Permit at Turner Farm Park.
Fairfax County Park Authority Offers After-Hours Night Sky Viewing at Turner Farm Park

New Splash Pad Opens at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool

mlk pool splash pad
Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes the local community to beat the heat this summer at Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool — with an inclusive splash pad! All ages and abilities can enjoy this exciting new space located right next to the pool. 
New Splash Pad Opens at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool

Uncover the Story of Fairfax250 with the 250th Discovery Map

Discovery map
Fairfax County Park Authority is joining in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States this year and helping the community to experience local history and sites throughout the county with a special Discovery Trail Map.
Uncover the Story of Fairfax250 with the 250th Discovery Map

The 51st Annual Sully Antique Car Show Rolls Into History

Sully Antique Cars
Shine up the chrome, grab the family and cruise into Father’s Day at the 51st Annual Sully Antique Car Show on Sunday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site.
The 51st Annual Sully Antique Car Show Rolls Into History

Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Juneteenth with Events Across the County

Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth through engaging programs and community events across Fairfax County parks that honor African American history, resilience, culture and freedom.
Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Juneteenth with Events Across the County

Let the Music Move You at the Summer Entertainment Series

summer entertainment Series
Enjoy free family entertainment this summer as the Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County parks.
Let the Music Move You at the Summer Entertainment Series

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

American flag
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 25.
Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Service Members with Free Activities on Memorial Day

Stay Local: Your 2026 Summer Starts at Fairfax County Parks

Kayaker
Summer fun starts right here in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy a summer filled with mini golf, carousel rides, train rides, boating and outdoor adventure.
Stay Local: Your 2026 Summer Starts at Fairfax County Parks

National Trails Day Is Your Invitation To Explore the Outdoors

National Trails Day
In June, the Park Authority is inviting residents and visitors to get outside and explore the more than 300 miles of trails located throughout the county’s parks and natural areas.
National Trails Day Is Your Invitation To Explore the Outdoors

Fairfax County Park Authority Honored with US Department of Energy Better Project Award

Better Buildings and Plants
The Fairfax County Park Authority has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a winner of the Better Project Award, which honors partners for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and/or waste reduction projects at individual facilities.
Fairfax County Park Authority Honored with US Department of Energy Better Project Award

Summer Starts at Rec Centers: Save on Annual Membership in May

person swimming
From workouts to wellness, Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers provide everything you need to get in shape and ready to take on everything summer has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to get a 15% discount on annual membership when you purchase by May 31.
Summer Starts at Rec Centers: Save on Annual Membership in May

Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax

Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax
This summer, the sky above Lake Fairfax Park will come alive in a way Fairfax County has never seen before.
Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax

Resident Curators To Share Local History and Preservation Progress at Open House in Lorton

clark/enyedi house
In recognition of Historic Preservation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to attend an open house event at the Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi House on Saturday, May 30. Resident curators will be on site to share about the history of the house and the rehabilitation and preservation work they have done.
Resident Curators To Share Local History and Preservation Progress at Open House in Lorton

Celebrate a New Era of Play at Reston North Park with the Park Authority on June 3

REston North Playground Plan
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the newly renovated Reston North Park Playground on Wednesday, June 3 at 5 p.m. The playground is located at 11760 Stevenage Road in Reston.
Celebrate a New Era of Play at Reston North Park with the Park Authority on June 3

Get In On the Gold Rush: Discounted Water Mine Season Passes

Water Mine slide
Prepare for a summer to remember at The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole — join the Gold Rush and get your discounted season passes for the water park before they disappear.
Get In On the Gold Rush: Discounted Water Mine Season Passes

Explore and Connect at Rec Center Open Houses

woman working out
Ever wondered what Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers have to offer? Discover all the amenities these community wellness hubs offer when you visit during the Rec Center Open House on Thursday, May 7 and sign up for a free, 7-day trial or purchase a 30-days-for-$30 pass.
Explore and Connect at Rec Center Open Houses

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

plant sale
The Fairfax County Park Authority and Friends of Green Spring Gardens invite plant lovers of all kinds to celebrate the season at the annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale on Saturday, May 16, 2026, 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!

Huntley Meadows Park Celebrates Natural Spaces and Wildlife for Wetlands Awareness Day

Wetlands Awareness Day
Discover the rich habitats and wildlife that make Huntley Meadows Park one of Fairfax County’s most treasured natural spaces.
Huntley Meadows Park Celebrates Natural Spaces and Wildlife for Wetlands Awareness Day

Let the Tails Wag: Park and Bark Returns to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

dog at park and bark
Fairfax County Park Authority and the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends invite families and their four-legged companions to unleash the fun at Park and Bark, a community event supporting Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.
Let the Tails Wag: Park and Bark Returns to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Earth Day Fairfax: Tunes, Entertainment and Green Good Times

Earth Day
The countdown is on for the county’s largest Earth Day bash — and we’re shaking things up with a brand-new location. Earth Day Fairfax 2026 hits Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Earth Day Fairfax: Tunes, Entertainment and Green Good Times

Celebrate Culture, Community and Connection at Fairfax County’s AANHPI Heritage Festival

AAPI celebration
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at Mason District Park on Saturday, May 9, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Culture, Community and Connection at Fairfax County’s AANHPI Heritage Festival

Explore and Create at Fairfax County’s Biggest Earth Day Celebration

Children at earth day festival
Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration Earth Day Fairfax is almost here and at a new location. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.
Explore and Create at Fairfax County’s Biggest Earth Day Celebration

Fresh, Local and Back in Season: Fairfax County Farmers Markets Return

McLean Farmers Market
Spring is here — and so are fresh, local flavors. Fairfax County Farmers Markets return for the 2026 season, bringing farm-fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to communities across the county. Don’t miss markets at Burke, Mount Vernon and Reston that open in April!
Fresh, Local and Back in Season: Fairfax County Farmers Markets Return

Play, Connect and Celebrate at Hybla Valley Park Ribbon Cutting

hybla valley park
The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate recent improvements at Hybla Valley Park, located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, on Friday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m.
Play, Connect and Celebrate at Hybla Valley Park Ribbon Cutting

Spring Farm Day Brings Baby Animals, Live Demos and Farm Life Up Close at Frying Pan Farm Park

spring farm day
See life on the farm in full swing — including the spring baby boom — at Spring Farm Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Experience hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun throughout the day.Event highlights include:
Spring Farm Day Brings Baby Animals, Live Demos and Farm Life Up Close at Frying Pan Farm Park

Saddle Up for Spring: Horse Expo Returns to Frying Pan Farm Park

horse expo
Horse lovers of all ages are invited to Frying Pan Farm Park for the Annual Horse Expo, a day dedicated to celebrating the equestrian world through demonstrations, hands-on experiences and family-friendly fun.
Saddle Up for Spring: Horse Expo Returns to Frying Pan Farm Park

Experience the Night and Protect Our Skies During International Dark Sky Week

dark skies
Step outside, look up and rediscover the night. During International Dark Sky Week, April 13–20, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to experience the beauty of dark skies and take simple steps to protect them.
Experience the Night and Protect Our Skies During International Dark Sky Week

Fairfax County Park Authority Invites Volunteers To ‘Take Back the Forest’ This Spring

Volunteer at work
This spring, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to roll up their sleeves and support native plants and habitats during hands-on volunteer events across the county.
Fairfax County Park Authority Invites Volunteers To ‘Take Back the Forest’ This Spring

Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia

top employer for interns
The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the second year in a row as a 2026 Top Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia

Learn, Play and Go Green Together at Earth Day Fairfax!

boy looking through a magnifying glass
Bring the whole family to Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration.
Learn, Play and Go Green Together at Earth Day Fairfax!

Bluebells at the Bend Returns with Blooms, Wildlife and Family Fun at Riverbend Park

blue bells at the bend
Spring comes alive along the Potomac River as Bluebells at the Bend returns to Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate one of Northern Virginia’s most anticipated traditions with a day of nature, discovery and family-friendly fun.
Bluebells at the Bend Returns with Blooms, Wildlife and Family Fun at Riverbend Park

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly doyle logo
With an award-winning system of 424 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.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Park Authority Invites Community to Public Meeting on Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation

rendering Audrey Moore Rec Center
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a special informational meeting about the highly anticipated construction of a new Audrey Moore Rec Center. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. at Wakefield Forest Elementary School, locate at 4011 Iva Lane in Fairfax, in the cafeteria.
Park Authority Invites Community to Public Meeting on Audrey Moore Rec Center Renovation

Golf Fairfax Launches Junior Tournament Series

young golfer
This summer, junior golfers across Fairfax County will have a new opportunity to compete, improve and shine with the launch of the Golf Fairfax Junior Tournament Series, or GFJTS.
Golf Fairfax Launches Junior Tournament Series

Park Authority Honored with Governor’s Environmental Award for Spring Hill Recreation Center Energy Upgrades

FCPA receives award
The Fairfax County Park Authority was honored with a Governor’s Environmental Award in recognition of its energy upgrades at the Spring Hill Rec Center on March 24 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Richmond.
Park Authority Honored with Governor’s Environmental Award for Spring Hill Recreation Center Energy Upgrades

Make a Splash and Earn Some Cash with a Summer Job at the Water Mine

water mine workers
The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole offers a wide range employment opportunities this summer. From lifeguards and park attendants to cashiers and security staff, the Fairfax County Park Authority has begun the search for the more than 200 team members to operate the popular splash park in Reston, Virginia.
Make a Splash and Earn Some Cash with a Summer Job at the Water Mine

Spend Your Summer on the Lake—Drop-In Interviews Begin at Lake Fairfax Park

Lake Fairfax
Looking for a fun summer job where you can work outdoors and engage with the community? Lake Fairfax Park is now hiring lakefront staff for the summer season, operating from mid-June through mid-August.
Spend Your Summer on the Lake—Drop-In Interviews Begin at Lake Fairfax Park

 

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