The Fairfax County Park Authority is ramping up for the 2020 season! We are now recruiting vendors with unique local, food-based products that will delight our customers. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Farmers Market Coordinator, Julia Deupree.

The Park Authority operates 10 farmers markets across…

Support your parks this year as you shop for unique holiday gifts and classic collectibles.

At the Frying Pan Farm Park Country Store, browse farm-inspired gifts, such as old-fashioned games, puzzles, tractors, toy farm animals, tools for young gardeners and nature lovers, educational books, equestrian and history enthusiast items. You will also find seasonal and decorative items…

Celebrate the holidays in old-world style with an “Elegant Evening-Candlelight Tour” at Sully Historic Site.

Explore the 1794 historic house with a guide, and see the home decorated for the holidays in traditional fashion. The first and second floors will be lit by candlelight as they would have appeared more than 200 years ago. A fun exhibit of nutcrackers – both old and new –…

Put some toe-tapping fun into your gift-giving this holiday season by treating friends and family to a musical performance at Bluegrass Barn at Frying Pan Farm Park. Shows are held on select Sundays through April and feature a wonderful selection of emerging young bands as well as local and legendary performers.

The upcoming performances are:

Michael Cleveland &…

Spend time racing penguins and having fun with snowmen during the “Skiing Penguins and Snowman Fun” program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Monday, December 30, 2019.

Children age three to nine can build and race penguins and create spiffy snowmen to keep or to share. Participants will create a gift bag to take home their fun creations. The program runs from 2 to 3 p.m., and the…

Camp isn’t just for summer. Sign the kids up for a Park Authority camp over winter break this year.

Hidden Pond Nature Center is offering a “Pohick Rangers Mini-Camp” on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27, 2019. Campers will learn about forest ecology in winter, animal homes and animal calling. They will make wildlife observations on hikes and gain hands-on experience…

Which witch is your favorite?

Pick your favorite at Green Spring Gardens.

Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Va., has 217 witch hazels gracing its landscape. Besides producing a marvelous tour of winter color, they play an important role in a national program. Green Spring is a part of the Plant Collections Network of the American Public Gardens Association. The network…

The holiday cookie tradition dates back to medieval times, and today’s gingerbread men can trace their roots to the days of Queen Elizabeth I. Uncover some baking history in this month’s edition of artiFACTS as cookie cutters trace a pattern to the past.

In December, artiFACTS features cookie cutters from Fairfax County’s Lahey Lost Valley…

This is not ordinary housework. In some ways, it’s historic.

The main house at Sully Historic Site will be closed to the public for the first five months of the new year. The historic house will undergo structural repair and maintenance, and it is scheduled to be closed from January 1, 2020, into May. Exhibits, historic artifacts and furniture in the house will be safely protected…

Take a step back in time and enjoy “A Very Mason Christmas” this holiday season at Historic Huntley.

Many of the Christmas traditions we celebrate today began in the 1850s. Come to the historic house and join in a celebration of Christmas that the Mason family might have enjoyed when they were the residents. Taste a non-alcoholic English syllabub drink, make your own luminary, and…

Limber up your vocal chords and join in song and exploration on a wagon ride at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Shake off the chill with s'mores at the campfire. This family program is for participants age four to adult. The “Caroling Wagon Ride & Campfire” runs on two Saturdays – December 14 and December 21, 2019 – from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $8 per person. Children must be accompanied by a…

There are more things in heaven and earth than you may have dreamed. Bone up on your astronomical knowledge with park events focusing on stars and meteors and in December.

Turner Farm Park hosts a session on “Meteor Astronomy” on Thursday, December 12, 2019, for participants age 10 to adult. The class covers basic meteor astronomy with information on meteor makeup and origins, the…

Keep the holiday season merry with a ticket to the “Nutcracker Fantasy Puppet Show” at Frying Pan Farm Park on Monday, December 30, 2019.

Join Master Puppeteer Bob Brown at Frying Pan’s visitor center for an exciting marionette performance, and get ready to enter the Kingdoms of Snow, Flowers, Sweets, and Far-a-Way Places. It’s fun for all ages! The program at Frying Pan Farm Park…

Come one, come all to meet Santa and his merry band of critters this holiday season at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Bring your camera to take a picture with Jolly Saint Nick, his elves and their animal friends at the “Santa’s Critters & Craft” program on Saturday, December 14, 2019. The program at runs from 10 a.m. to noon for children age 2 to 12. The cost is $10 per child.

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NOTICE: Snow Big Deal has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Bundle up your preschooler and head to Riverbend Park to learn how local animals handle the cold.

Blizzards, freezing rain and frigid temperatures. They are “Snow Big Deal” for some critters. Find out how wild animals stay safe and snug while winter weather deals its worst. Enjoy an indoor…

Treat yourself to a day of holiday fun featuring decorations and seasonal displays, live music and a puppet show at the “Gardeners’ Holiday Open House” at Green Spring Gardens. Shop for holiday breads and ornaments and enjoy free refreshments, too. It’s all happening from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

For the kids, don’t miss the “Gardeners' Holiday Puppet Show” -- a…

Celebrate the holidays in a historic setting with a visit to Santa or a puppet show. There’s something for everyone on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

Enjoy old-fashioned family holiday fun at Colvin Run at the “Santa in the Mill” event. Visit Santa in the historic mill and see a Christmas tree trimmed with Victorian decorations. Join the costumed 49th Virginia Volunteer Infantry…

When Colonists of the 1700s ordered a drink with a twist, the meaning was a bit different than it is today.

Discover the popular twist that gave drinkware a new look in the mid-18th century and learn how economics played a part in the design. Visit artiFACTS to learn about this stylish glassware import and find where county…

The National Association of County Park and Recreational Officials (NACPRO) announced the recent appointment of Fairfax County Park Authority Deputy Director and Chief of Business and Development Aimee Vosper to the Board of Directors. NACPRO is a non-profit professional organization which advances official policies that promote county and regional park and recreation issues. NACPRO…

This holiday season give the gift that’s always a perfect fit. Treat everyone on your list to a Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Gift Card they can customize to suit their own style.

FCPA gift cards can be used for camps, classes, workouts or a day at the water park. The cards can help keep kids busy or help adults with their New Year’s fitness resolutions. Recipients can use…

The Fairfax County Park Authority is conducting an in-depth study of Off-Leash Dog Areas (i.e. dog parks) in Fairfax County. The community is asked to share its insights through the project’s public survey. The survey will be open through December 15, 2019 and is available on the project’s website at Dog Park Study.

The purpose…

Warm up your insides with a “Hot Cocoa Party” at Riverbend Park.

Join a park naturalist for an outdoor walk through nature’s winter wonderland and then head inside to treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa. Jazz up your cocoa with goodies, listen to some heartwarming winter stories, and make a wintry craft to take home.

Cocoa parties are planned on Sunday, December 1 and…

South Run RECenter will host two days of Les Mills BODYCOMBAT instructor training in December. Prepare to be physically and mentally challenged.

The Les Mills Body Combat Instructor training contains both practical and theoretical components and is designed for participants who are experienced in fitness classes, in good mental health and physically fit. The training sessions will…

You know how much you like to surprise your kids with gifts. Let them surprise you this holiday season with the “Children’s Holiday Shopping” experience at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Secret shoppers will assist your children in choosing gifts for everyone on their list – parents, grandparents, siblings and friends – and help wrap them for the holidays. You can set a budget, and kids…

Oak Marr’s Mini-Golf Course is taking on a new look this holiday season. It’s being transformed into Candy Cane Lane!

Stop by and enjoy the wonderful lights and displays set up to delight visitors of all ages. Walk through and enjoy the display for $2 per person. Play a round of mini golf as you enjoy the display for $7 per person.

Candy Cane Lane is open during regular…

Treat yourself to a day of holiday fun featuring decorations and seasonal displays, live music and a puppet show at the “Gardeners’ Holiday Open House” at Green Spring Gardens. Shop for holiday breads and ornaments and enjoy free refreshments, too. It’s all happening from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

For the kids, don’t miss the “Gardeners' Holiday Puppet Show” -- a…

Take a wagon ride around Frying Pan Farm Park with Santa at wheel during “Christmas at the Farm” festivities on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Celebrate the holidays with Santa and company as you explore a variety of Christmas-themed activities including cookie decorating, games, a craft, and writing letters to Santa. The program at Frying Pan Farm Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m. and…

NOTICE: Make a Potato Horse and Victorian Crafts at Sully has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Discover how children in Victorian times entertained themselves during the holiday season.

Long before there were video games, boys in the 1800s would amuse themselves by making horses from potatoes. Give it a try at the “Make a Potato Horse” event at Sully…

Indulge your preschooler’s natural curiosity about plants and animals with programs for the six-and-under crowd at local parks.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is offering cold weather-themed sessions for children age two to four on Mondays in December. In the “Little Acorns-Winter” program, children and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature's wonders with finger plays, stories,…

All aboard for the 2019 holiday season at Burke Lake Park! Enjoy holiday activities at Winter Wonderland during the day or take evening carousel and train rides as twinkling holiday lights transform the carousel and train into Celebration Station.

At Winter Wonderland, you can hop a train ride on the Holiday Express, take unlimited spins on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread…

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to install a new playground and shade structure at Lee District ReCenter located at 6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia, Va.

The contractor, Southern Asphalt and GameTime, will be mobilizing on site shortly with active construction activities beginning in mid-November. This project includes the demolition and removal of the…

Kevin Ta has been confirmed as the newest director on the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) Board. At a meeting on October 23, 2019, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted unanimously to confirm Ta’s nomination to a three-year term on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ta is a Senior Vice President of PNC Wealth Management in Greater Washington. He is a Certified…

See what’s happening in county parks after they close for the day by joining one of the special nighttime programs being offered on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

At Huntley Meadows Park, take a “Hot Cocoa Wetland Night Hike.” Visitors age six to adult are invited to sip hot cocoa and join a naturalist for a special winter wonder wetland tour after dark. Look for signs and listen…

Discover ways to work edibles into your floral arrangements. Come to the “Floral Design Workshop-Fruits & Vegetables” at Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, November 23, 2019.

Certified floral designer Betty Ann Galway will show you which edibles work well in flower arrangements, and she will demonstrate techniques for using them. Leave the workshop with a stunning arrangement…

Find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list this season at the 42nd Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Audrey Moore RECenter.

Shop for top-quality handmade arts and crafts offered by nearly 100 of the area’s finest artisans at one of Northern Virginia’s longest-running arts and crafts shows. Door prizes will be awarded, too.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.…

You can’t get much more American than bluegrass music on a farm. Make plans to hitch up the team and head to Frying Pan Farm Park this season for Bluegrass Barn, a celebration of some of the best bluegrass music in the mid-Atlantic area.

Tighten up some vocal harmonies and mix them with a fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and upright bass and you’ll be tapping toes and slapping…

The playground at Tysons Pimmit Park will be closing temporarily to allow for the replacement of the existing picnic shelter at the park.

Work on the installation of a picnic shelter with new metal roofing is scheduled to begin November 7, 2019 and continue through February 28, 2020. The $120,000 project is being funded by the 2016 Park Bond. Tysons Pimmit Park is located at 7584…

Fall in love with the off season with the Golf Fairfax fall pass sale running from November 25 through December 2, 2019. It pays to play with savings up to 25% off regular rounds when you purchase multi-round passes at Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Oak Marr, Pinecrest and Twin Lakes golf courses. Weekend and weekday options are available.

Juniors and seniors receive 15 rounds…

Are you looking to get some steps in and have fun before the big feast? Choose from three Golf Fairfax outings to showcase your skills, compete for prizes, enjoy time with extended family and give thanks to those who matter most.

Compete for Thanksgiving turkey and pie at Greendale Golf Course’s eighth annual Turkey Cup, on Thursday, November 21, 2019 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.…

Turkeys seem to be on everything this time of year. Give your preschoolers a chance to learn about this important bird at the “Gourds and Gobblers” program at Riverbend Park.

Did you know that wild turkeys still roam in Great Falls? Give your kids a chance to learn about this shy bird and some of the other animals and plants that are an important part of our Thanksgiving…

Introduce your youngsters to the wonders of the night sky. Come to “My Sky Tonight!” at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Saturday, November 23, 2019.

Join a naturalist for activities, stories and a craft from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The program is designed for children age three to five. The cost is $8 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Discover the magic of meteors as the annual Leonid meteor shower returns in November.

Come to Huntley Meadows Park on Saturday, November 16, 2019, to learn all about shooting stars and take in the show under Huntley’s dark skies. Hear sky stories, do some star gazing, and take a guided walk in the park after dark to try to catch a glimpse of these fleeting…

Treat your taste buds to a history lesson at Historic Huntley on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Gather around the campfire for a “Dutch Oven Brunch.”

Enjoy corn pancakes and freshly made butter as you learn about the history of Thanksgiving foodways. Discover why Thanksgiving might not have been celebrated by the Mason family that once called Huntley home.

This program is…

There are thousands of geocaches tucked away in hidden spots throughout Fairfax County. Get tips on how to find them at the “Geocaching Workshop” on Saturday, November 16, 2019.

At this program for treasure-hunters age eight to adult, you will discover how to use GPS to locate hidden treasure caches within Burke Lake Park. After learning how to enter latitude and longitude…

Wheat and corn were the two main crops grown on the grounds of what is now the Sully Historic Site. See what you can do with them during “A Bountiful Harvest” program on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Stop by Sully’s kitchen to see foods being made using corn and wheat. Make a corn husk doll and a woven wheat ornament to take home. The program runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and is designed for…

Historic Huntley was home over the years to residents who loved both books and art. In their honor, the historic site has been offering a series of classes that introduce different aspects of the art of book making.

On Sunday, November 17, 2019, the series will focus on calligraphy. Explore the art of beautiful writing with a variety of pens and brushes. “The Art of the…

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will once again offer Snow Day Camps at a limited number of RECenters. The camps offer an alternative for working parents in need of childcare on snowy days. Snow Days Camps for school-age children will operate at Audrey Moore, Lee District, Spring Hill and Oak Marr RECenters when schools are closed for multiple days.

Snow Day Camps will be…

An additional public meeting on the Clermont Park Master Plan Revision will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Clermont Elementary School cafeteria. The school is located at 5720 Clermont Drive in Alexandria, VA.

In response to continued community interest and the large volume of…

If you love local farmers markets, here is some great news! The Fairfax County Park Authority will extend the season at three farmers market locations; Burke, Reston, and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Markets. Visit the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Market on Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and noon until December 18, 2019. This market is located at Sherwood Library at 2501 Sherwood Hall…

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) with support from the Park Foundation has received a $25,083 Biodiversity Conservation Grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). The money will be used to support biodiversity conservation projects on parkland.

Grant funding supports a cohort of projects within the same ecological region. In Fairfax County, the…

Discover what the Great Falls Grange has in common with the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and the Holland-America cruise line in this month’s addition of artiFACTS.

In the early part of the 1900s, grange halls were often a central place in the community to enjoy gathering and celebrating events. Granges were outfitted with kitchens,…

NOTICE: Hot Dog, Smores! Wagon Ride & Campfire has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Enjoy a night under the stars at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park with the “Hot Dog, Smores! Wagon Ride & Campfire” program on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

The name says it all. Dine on a turkey hot dog supper roasted over the campfire and take a brisk wagon ride through…

You know you can. You know you can. Make plans to “Ride the Turkey Train at Lake Fairfax.”

Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad will be making the rounds at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, November 16, 2019, as part of a seasonal program. See how Eastern Woodland Indians hunted and how their tools were made. Create your own Thanksgiving-themed craft to take home.

Events…

Get in the Halloween spirit by searching for creepy crawlies in your neighborhood. Join the Fairfax County Bug Bioblitz and celebrate the insects that play a vital role in supporting our ecosystems.

Insect populations are on the decline worldwide. Help monitor our local insect and arachnid populations by taking part in this fun citizen science project. Come to the public Bug…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved its 2020 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 (except where noted). Meetings are held at…

Fairfax County parks put on quite a show in autumn, and the October issue of Snapshots offers tips for photographers trying to capture the best images this fall. The e-newsletter features park photos from both professionals and amateurs who love parks and photos ops.

October’s edition also showcases a unique tree carving at…

Get help turning your field sketches into colorful journal pages with a workshop series at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

Start with a pencil sketch and learn how to add fine line marker, watercolors or colored pencils. Discover ways to add photos and mementos to your journal, too. A suggested list of supplies will be provided when you sign up.

The “Illustrating Your…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved the replacement of the Bear Branch pedestrian bridge and will repair the Long Branch Bridge at Sally Ormsby Park in Fairfax, Virginia. Action was taken at the Board meeting on October 9, 2019.

A structural engineer who examined the existing steel bridges at the park determined that the bridge over Long Branch could be repaired…

A Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund grant will be used to help fund a new backstop at Pine Ridge Park in Annandale, Virginia. The Annandale North Springfield Little League (ANSLL) requested $11,929 in matching funds to purchase and install the new backstop, and the grant was approved by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board at its meeting on October 9, 2019.

ANSLL will match the…

Discover what projects have been completed in parks around Fairfax County on the recently updated District Project Summary Reports page.

This site is updated quarterly with reports on work that has been completed on trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and other park facilities. Find out how your capital project dollars are spent and which parks are now…

Always wanted to experience the majestic scenery of a golf course but aren’t a golfer?

Enjoy a crisp 6k run along the scenic path of Pinecrest Golf Course at the inaugural Birds & Birdies 6K walk/run, on Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Pinecrest is home to a variety of native bird species as well as native plants and flowers, making this a one-of-a-kind, must do…

Campfire programs are popping up at four parks across the county on Saturday, November 9, 2019, so there’s no excuse to stay indoors.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park will host an “Owl Prowl and Campfire” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join a naturalist for a night hike to learn about the different owls that can be found in the park. Listen for calls and learn how owls navigate the night. Then,…

Members of the public are invited to a ceremony at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site on Saturday, October 26, 2019, as the park’s barn is named in honor of Robert and Marjorie Lundegard.

The barn will officially be called the Marjorie and Robert J. Lundegard Education Center to recognize the couple’s long-time advocacy for parks, education and history in Fairfax County, especially at…

Come to Sully Historic Site this fall for history lectures served up with white wine. Each program in the series will offer a presentation by a distinguished speaker, followed by a question/answer session and a white wine reception.

The series kicks off on Saturday, October 12, 2019, with a program entitled “Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia’s First Congressman: His Critical…

You can experience lots of fun at the “House of Reptiles and Night Ride” program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Play games, test your courage with a touch table and see some of the park’s amazing reptiles up close. Calm your nerves by roasting s'mores at a campfire while listening to stories and then join us for a refreshing wagon ride through the…

Put a new twist on your Halloween pumpkin picking this year with a visit to the watery pumpkin patches at Oak Marr RECenter and Mount Vernon RECenter. Wear a swimsuit and come to the “Pumpkin Pool Patch” on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Children age six months to 12 years can choose a floating pumpkin from the pool’s beach area and then head to tables on the pool deck to decorate…

Spend a family evening by a cozy campfire this fall at a Fairfax County park.

Lake Accotink Park is hosting “Lakeside Campfire Fridays” on November 1 and November 15, 2019. Come to Lake Accotink to enjoy a campfire, s'mores and more. A different topic and a different area of the park will be explored at each event. The program runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and the cost is $8 per…

Why should kids have all the fun? Fairfax County parks are rolling out Halloween-themed programs for adults this season, too.

Come to tea at Historic Green Spring on Sunday, October 27, 2019, and learn about “Witchy Women.” Why were women the main targets of witch hunts? Hear about the ancient superstitions and misogynistic beliefs that aroused fear of women as natural evil-doers…

All aboard! The Burke Lake Park Ghost Train is looking for volunteers!

On October 26 and 27, 2019 volunteers will transform the Burke Lake Park miniature train ride into a family-friendly adventure for children and adults of all ages. Bring your favorite nursery rhymes to life, dress in silly (not scary!) costumes, help paint pumpkins, hand out candy and more! Volunteers give back…

Celebrate the Halloween season with a “BOO-stravaganza” at Kidwell Farm for children age three to eight years old. Play Halloween-themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals, and enjoy a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road. The program at Frying Pan Farm Park on Friday, October 25, 2019, runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.…

Riverbend Park returns to its farming roots as it plays host to a “Fall Harvest Campfire” this October.

Years before it was a county park, Riverbend was used for farming. This fall, journey back in time at Riverbend and play games from the 1900’s. Enjoy fireside stories and gobble up s’mores. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to roast over the campfire. Don’t…

Start your Halloween celebration early this year with a host of fall activities in the parks the weekend of October 18-20, 2019.

The action begins on Friday, October 18, 2019, with “Pumpkins By The Campfire” at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Bring a small pumpkin to decorate and play games. Roast marshmallows at the campfire, enjoy cookies and juice, and make crafts as park staff share…

No excuses. Work on your golf game in any kind of weather at the Pinecrest Golf Course indoor golf facility. Explore the possibilities with “Friday Golf, Fitness and Fun” for adults on October 18, 2019.

Start the clinic with a session on the TrackMan 4 golf simulator. Then, take a Yoga and Golf Fitness session. Work on your posture and breathing to improve your golf skills. After…

Explore the night skies this fall from the beauty of Lake Fairfax Park. Come to the “My Sky Tonight Campfire” on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Do some stargazing and learn about the constellations and other night sky features while you enjoy a campfire and s’mores. Each family will receive a guide to the season's night sky, too. The program is designed for participants age four to…

Discover how you can bring autumn’s rich hues and textures into your home with the “Floral Design Workshop-Fall Flowers & Foliage” at Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

Learn to create a unique, take-home floral design that celebrates the season with the help of professional floral designer Betty Ann Galway. Get tips and tricks of the trade to practice on your…

Fairfax County is rich in nature and history, and you can explore these worlds on Saturday, October 19, 2019, with “Discovery Days” and the “Fall Harvest Grind.”

Discovery Days is a hands-on interpretive hour at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Join with a historian or naturalist on activities such as a search for animals or stream exploration. You might even learn to make biscuits and…

An updated pedestrian bridge is being constructed in Lewinsville Park in McLean, Virginia. Construction began this week and is expected to be completed within approximately two weeks, pending any weather delays.

Fairfax County Park Authority contractor Accubid Construction Services is replacing the wooden pedestrian bridge that connected Lewinsville Park and the Lewinsville Heights…

The Fairfax County Park Authority has been awarded the 2019 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), awarded this…

Some people see fish and think about dinner. Others see art. If you fall into the second category, try a “Gyotaku” class at Lake Fairfax Park.

In class, learn about the fish living in Lake Fairfax and the ancient Japanese custom of fish printing – Gyotaku. Practice the technique on a T-shirt or a fabric bag to keep and take home. The program runs on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from…

Do more than trick-or-treat this Halloween. Add to the season’s fun with an evening of storytelling, fortune telling, wagon rides, reptiles, campfires and more in a local park.

Spark your interest in Walney history through the “Legends & Lore Night Hike & Campfire” at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Friday, October 25, 2019. Hear stories of the supernatural on a park hike at…

Context is critical in archaeological discovery as artifacts can take on new meaning depending on where they are uncovered. That’s the case in artiFACTS this month as a commemorative plate from across the sea turns up in an unusual place in Virginia.

Just click on the Park Authority’s ...

The Resident Curator Evaluation Team for the Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi property will hold a public information meeting on Monday October 7, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Media Center of the South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. This meeting provides an opportunity for the applicant to present her proposal to the evaluation team in a public forum. This will be the evaluation team’s…

Looking for a way to give back? Explore volunteer opportunities at the Venture into Volunteering Fair on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va.

This is an opportunity to meet representatives of Fairfax County government agencies and community organizations that need volunteers. It’s also a chance to be involved that very day…

Life is a carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park the weekend of October 18-20, 2019.

Play games, enjoy rides, and munch on tasty foods as “Fall Carnival Fun” returns to the park for three days. Carnival hours are Friday 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Ride tickets are $1 each or 24 for $20. Rides take three to five…

Bring the family out to the Burke Lake Park Campground for a “Fall Family Campout” the weekend of October 19-20, 2019.

On Saturday, your family will enjoy a naturalist-led night hike, a family movie in the campground and a live animal talk. On Sunday morning, wake up and head to the marina for a tour boat ride and fishing from the banks.

The program starts at 2 p.m. on…

Tee up a glow-in-the-dark ball for a twist on the typical golf tournament. Register for one of the “Shot in the Dark Nite Tournaments” at Burke Lake Golf Center on Friday, October 4 or October 11, 2019.

In these tournaments, teams of two play a nine-hole scramble using glow-in-the-dark balls. The competition begins at 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to teams finishing first,…

Fall is a beautiful time to visit historic Colvin Run Mill, and on two Sundays in October, there will be demonstrations to make your visit extra special.

Stop by the mill on October 6 and October 20, 2019, for “Grinding Demonstrations.” See and hear 19th century technology at work as the miller grinds grain or corn from noon to 3 p.m. Demonstrations take place conditions…

Make the most of Fairfax County’s beautiful fall evenings with a campfire program in a park.

Come to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Friday, October 4, 2019, for the “All About Owls Campfire.” Learn about the barred owls that inhabit our stream valley parks. Participants age four to adult will discover how they can identify these owls and distinguished them from other native owls. A…

Fairfax County Park Foundation Board Director Stephen Thormahlen was honored with the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award at the Virginia Recreation and Park Society’s 64th Annual Conference this month in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Former Board Chair and Director Emeritus Thormahlen has provided 16 years of volunteer service to the Park Foundation, which supports the Fairfax…

The Margaret K. White Horticultural Park Restoration project has been honored by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society as the Best New Environmental Sustainability project in a population area greater than 200,000. The award was presented this month at the organization’s 64th Annual Conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

White Gardens is a 13.6-acre park in the heart of Falls…

The Indoor Valis Family Learning Center at Pinecrest Golf Course has been honored by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society as the Best New Renovation/Addition in the Bricks and Mortar category for a population area greater than 200,000. The award was presented this month at the organization’s 64th Annual Conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

This project was designed with…

Fairfax County’s first nature center will mark its 50th anniversary with a day of fun, music and special family-friendly activities on October 19, 2019. Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, Virginia, opened in 1969 and now serves more than 30,000 visitors a year.

Hidden Oaks’ anniversary event has been designed with all ages in mind. Visitors will have an opportunity to go on a…

Join the Fairfax County Farmers Markets for the Fall Harvest Celebration at two market locations. During this time, our markets have the best of both worlds—the last of the summer harvest such as tomatoes, peppers, and peaches, and fall favorites such as butternut squash, greens, and pumpkins. Kids are invited to paint pumpkins, play fall harvest bingo, and show off their costumes. In…

The Fairfax County Park Authority is bridging the years and bringing county history a little closer to county residents. An interpretive exhibit sign about Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia’s first representative to Congress, will be unveiled at Sully Historic Site on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. A brief ceremony and unveiling will take place at 11 a.m.

The sign was developed…

Put your hands on the past or climb to new heights at Fairfax County historic sites in October.

Sully Historic Site is breaking with tradition and encouraging folks to handle historic objects on its “Please Touch Tours” on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, 2019. Visitors age five to adult will have a chance to touch such objects from the past as redware dishes, china,…

Give your preschooler a taste of farm life with the “Little Hands on the Farm” program at Frying Pan Park on Mondays, October 7 and October 21, 2019.

Explore various elements of farm life and spend time with a different farm animal at each session. Enjoy activities such as story time, crafts or introductory-level farm chores.

The program runs from 11 to 11:45 a.m. for…

Build on your child’s excitement from a summer at the pool by signing them up for fall swim classes!

Swim classes are more than just fun times in the pool, they can save lives. Every child needs to learn to swim. Communities are being advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to make water safety a No. 1 priority, as well as ensure that swim lessons are accessible for…

The Lorton Road entrance to Laurel Hill Park-Giles Run Meadow (8400 Lorton Rd., Lorton) is closed for approximately three months to allow for work on the Laurel Hill Adaptive Reuse Project.

During that time, parking for the Giles Run Meadow Disc Golf Course and trails will be via the Liberty Crest Development. Park users can access the parking area from the Silverbrook Road…

The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Fairfax County’s Lake Fairfax Park has been named one of the Region’s Best Waterparks by Washingtonian Magazine.

The August issue of the magazine made selections based on children’s ages. It featured the Water Mine in the Big Kid category for children age 7 to 11. The magazine wrote, “Older children beeline for…

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently began construction on the Laurel Hill Park Central Green located in Lorton, VA.

The contractor, Avon Corporation, Inc of Alexandria, VA will mobilize at the site, located at 8780 Lorton Rd in August. Project completion is contingent upon the weather, however completion is anticipated in Spring 2020. The project includes construction of…

The four retiring members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be honored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board for their long-standing dedication and support to the county’s park and recreation system. Chairman Sharon Bulova, Braddock District Supervisor John Cook, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins and Providence District Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth will become…

Grab a bag and go on a trash scavenger hunt as the Park Authority hosts “Watershed Clean-Up Days” again this fall.

Join with family, friends, neighbors or work colleagues and lend a hand by helping to remove tires, bottles, cans and other debris from local waterways. Helping to clear the earth’s vital arteries is a great community volunteer project for service groups and students.…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named volunteers at Colvin Run Mill and Frying Pan Farm Park as recipients of the 2019 Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award.

Robert and Marjorie Lundegard are being honored for their work to help preserve the county’s milling history at Colvin Run, and their education efforts have assured that generations to come will appreciate this…

Falls Church High School and Sully Historic Site volunteer Isabel Richardson have been named the Youth recipients of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2019 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards.

The Park Authority Board is honoring Falls Church High School for its partnership with Providence RECenter for the past six years on work-based learning experiences for special needs students.…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has announced that Earth Sangha, founders Chris Bright and Lisa Bright, and Sophia Lynn and David Charles Frederick, will be honored with the 2019 Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award.

Since 2004, Earth Sangha has provided oversight of the Marie Butler Leven Preserve, including significant invasive management and creation…

John Foong will be honored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board as the recipient of the 2019 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award for his work at Frying Pan Farm Park.

In the spring of 2018, Foong proposed an extensive soil and water conservation project as part of his journey to earning a Boy Scouts of America Hornaday Award, an even higher level of accomplishment…

The Fairfax County Park Authority will honor six individuals and groups with 2019 Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards at its annual volunteer celebration in November. These awards complement the three Elly Doyle Park Service award recipients announced last week.

The Elly Doyle Park Service Special Recognition Awards will go to:

Richard Eilers – Eilers has been an…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted at its meeting on July 24, 2019, to name Colvin Run Mill Historic Site’s barn in honor of Robert and Marjorie Lundegard. These long-time advocates for parks, education and history in Fairfax County were a major influence in getting park recommendations for Colvin Run implemented.

Robert Lundegard and his wife, Marjorie, spent much of…

Volunteers from Sully Historic Site, the Reston Farmers Market and Friends of Pimmit Barn will be honored for their outstanding service contributions as recipients of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2019 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards.

Shauna Shapiro has been a teaching and touring docent at Sully Historic Site since 2002, and in her volunteer role, she has been involved in…

The Fairfax County Park Foundation has announced the winners of its 2019 Eakin Philanthropy Awards honoring organizations and individuals for their magnanimous efforts to support county parks.

Eakin Properties and The Eakin Park Family Trust are the 2019 recipients of a special Builders/Developers Eakin Philanthropy Award. In 1951, LeRoy Eakin, Sr. donated 14.5 acres of land in…

Much like a book, you can’t always judge a building by its outside cover. Fairfax County Park Authority archaeologists have peeled back the layers of a neglected house near Centreville and found it was built decades earlier than suspected.

In this month’s addition to the Park Authority’s artiFACTS website, learn how archaeologists and…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board received updates on the agency’s Cultural Resource Management Plan (CRNP) and Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) at its meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Cultural Resources staff provided updates on the Resident Curator Program (RCP), noting that a second RCP lease was signed in Fiscal Year 2019 at Turner Farmhouse, and three…

The Fairfax County Park Authority received four awards when the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) held its annual meeting in June. Park staff received 2019 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards for writing, marketing and publications.

Parktakes editor Karen Thayer received a first-place Writer’s Portfolio award for feature stories she wrote for the magazine.…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a $2,500 Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant to help fund the artistic transformation of a ten-foot tree snag into a woodland animal sculpture at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Approval came at the Park Board meeting on June 26, 2019.

A prominent 100-foot tulip poplar outside the picture window at Hidden Oaks was taken down after the…

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant program is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a strong history of success. Over the past two decades, the program, funded via voter-approved Park Bonds, has awarded approximately $1.7 million dollars in grants for 187 projects that are valued at more than $12 million dollars.

Nearly 39% of the…

Construction is getting underway on Field #1 at Nottoway Park, located at 9537 Courthouse Road in Vienna, VA. The Fairfax County Park Authority through a partnership with Vienna Little League will convert the existing natural turf baseball diamond to synthetic turf. This project will improve playing conditions on the field. The contractor, FieldTurf of Pittsburgh, PA will mobilize and start…

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin a master plan revision at Clermont Park. This planning process will help guide the future of this well-loved park and includes the opportunity for public input.

It’s a very good time for berry lovers to visit one of Fairfax County’s ten farmers markets.

Berry season is in full swing and the markets are filled with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries. and strawberries. Stock up on berries and invite a few friends over to make pies, jams and healthy smoothies.

In addition to the berries, there are plenty of greens, such as…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 ...

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…

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…

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a new Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2023 on June 27, 2018. The new five-year strategic plan replaces its FY14-FY18 Strategic Plan, which was completed on June 30, 2018.

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 ...

Heavy and persistent rains have delayed the start of work at Idylwood Park. Vehicle access will now be restricted July 30 – August 5. Thank you for understanding.

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…

This event has already occurred, but public input on the Lake Accotink Master Plan Revision will be accepted through May 28. To learn more or to provide input, please visit the Lake Accotink Master Plan Revision Page.

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…

Construction will begin on Field #4 in Nottoway Park, located at 9537 Courthouse Road in Vienna, VA. This Fairfax County Park Authority project will reorient and enlarge the existing rectangular field #4 and will create a 360’x 210’ multi-sports field in accordance with park master plan as amended in January 2013. The project also includes installation of a synthetic turf surface on the field. …

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…

The Wakefield Park playground will close temporarily on March 12, 2018, to make way for new playground equipment.

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…

Fairfax County households are overflowing with new toys and other gifts at this time of year. While it is fun to head outside to try them out, it’s important to know the rules before bringing holiday gifts into the parks.

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 Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park continues to grow in appeal to families with the addition of Chessie’s Trail – a nature trail dotted with features designed to appeal to children. Start your new year off with a hike on this unique new trail.

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…