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Kirk Kincannon,
Executive Director
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…
Before Historic Huntley became a Fairfax County park property, it was home to generations of families. Come to Historic Huntley on Saturday, November 17, 2018, and see what the kids in those families used to do for fun.
Make simple toys to take home and play games like those that were enjoyed by the children who once lived at the property we now call Historic Huntley. A special…
Sip hot cocoa and join a naturalist at Huntley Meadows Park for a special wetland tour after dark to celebrate World Wetlands Day.
On the “Hot Cocoa Wetland Night Hike” you’ll look for signs and listen for sounds of beavers, owls, deer and other nocturnal winter animals. The program runs from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m on Saturday, November 24, 2018, and the cost is $9 per…
Give your arms and legs a little workout before you put your stomach to work on Thanksgiving Day. Register for the “Turkey Scramble” at Burke Lake Golf Course on Thursday, November 22, 2018.
This competition is for players age seven to adult. Teams of two compete in an 18-hole, scramble format with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. There will be closest-to-the-pin contests and prizes for…
If your kids are puppet show fans, circle Friday, November 23, 2018, on your calendar. There are puppet shows scheduled at two parks that day.
Visit Frying Pan Farm Park for fun and discovery with the “Tanka Tales” puppet show. Through life-sized puppets, children will learn the importance of respecting themselves, each other, and the environment. Tanka Tales places an emphasis on…
As the temperatures drop and those days at the beach become a distant memory, bring a little ocean spirit back into your home with the “Family Fun: Ocean Terrarium Workshop” at Green Spring Gardens.
In this workshop, learn about oceans and create an ocean ecosystem open terrarium. Fill it with coral-shaped succulents, sand, shells and an ocean animal figurine. The program on…
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is offering activities throughout Thanksgiving weekend to keep everyone in the family entertained.
Take a break from the Black Friday rush. Satisfy your curiosity and sweet tooth with one howling good campfire at the “Coyote Campfire” on Friday, November 23, 2018. Listen to coyote calls, take a hike and make s'mores as you learn about these wily canines.…
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…
Youngsters love making farm animal noises. Why not give them a taste of real farm life?
Come to “Little Hands on the Farm: Fall” at Frying Pan Farm Park to learn what it’s like to live or work on a farm. Children interact with farm animals, hear a story and create a craft. There are two sessions on Monday, November 12, 2018: children ages two and three meet from 9:45 to 10:30…
Green Spring Gardens is offering three programs in November and December to help you decorate for the holidays.
Make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece during the program titled “Workshop: Thanksgiving Table Arrangement.” From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018, designer Chuck Mason will lead you through fresh flower designs. Pick up techniques for adding dried…
Sit back and relax as you watch the sun go down on the “Burke Lake Sunset Cruise” on Saturday, November 17, 2017.
Take an early evening tour of the lake at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy the sounds and sights of sunset at the park while taking in the views from aboard the park’s tour boat. Learn about the lake itself and the plants and animals you see along the way. The cruise begins half…
Fall is the perfect time to gather the family together and get cozy around a crackling campfire. Let the folks at Lake Accotink Park set the spark with their fall lakeside campfire program.
Participants age three to adult are invited to enjoy a campfire and s’mores on November 16 and November 30, 2018. A different area of the park will be explored each week and there will be a new…
Want to shake up the regular bedtime routine for a night? Then bring the kids to the “Animal Pajama Party” at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
Dress your kids in their pajamas and come to the nature center to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish goodnight to exhibit animals that make their home in the center. Children are invited to bring their…
Wind down your Wednesday with a campfire and wagon ride. Meet at Cabell’s Mill to enjoy a wagon ride through the Rocky Run Stream Valley. Return to the crackling campfire to roast turkey hot dogs and s’mores. We provide the hot dogs, condiments and smore’s but feel free to bring side dishes and drinks. The program will run on Wednesday, November 14 and again on Wednesday, December 12, 2018…
Skip the lines at the mall and bring the family to meet and take pictures with Santa at Pinecrest Golf Course’s new indoor family learning center.
On December 1 and 8, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., enjoy a family-friendly brunch complete with favorites like blueberry and banana pancakes, breakfast bake with eggs, bacon and cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt granola parfaits,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin construction to improve the surface of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail between King Arthur Road and Woodburn Road during November 2018. The trail will be re-paved between King Arthur Road and Woodburn Road. Funding for design and construction of this $412,700 project is provided through voter-approved Park Bonds.
The contractor,…
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…
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 Ellmore Farmhouse in Frying Pan Park, at 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon VA.
The Resident Curator Program, provides a unique opportunity for individuals, non-profits and…
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…
Don’t get left at the station. Take a ride on the Turkey Train at Lake Fairfax Park on Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Kids ages three to adult will enjoy taking a spin around the park on Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad. See how Eastern Woodland Indians hunted and how their tools were made. Create your own Thanksgiving-themed craft to take home. This event begins at 11 a.m., and…
Bring your homeschool student (age 6 to 12) or group of students for hands-on learning designed to enrich your understanding of Fairfax County history. Explore food production from garden to table, play historical games and make a toy. Bring a picnic lunch and stroll the park before or after the program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
There are several…
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…
Open young minds to the wonders of history this fall.
In the “History for Small Fries” program at Sully Historic Site, children age one to five will enjoy a story and craft as they discover how things were in the olden days. Through their senses, children can experience how different things smelled, looked or worked. The program runs Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 10 to 10:45…
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…
Rainy weather slowed construction but some things are just worth the wait, and the renovations at Backlick Park are one of them. Ribbon cutting ceremonies will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. The public is invited for brief remarks, and light refreshments.
This $1 million-dollar project, funded by the 2016 Park Bond, brings new life to this 8.9-acre park…
On Saturday, November 17, 2018 official ribbon cutting ceremonies will be held at Monticello Park located at 5313 Guinea Road in Burke, VA. The much-anticipated event marks the completion of construction and brings new recreational amenities to this neighborhood including an obstacle course/playground, off-leash dog park, multi-use area and trails. Supporting infrastructure including park…
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…
What did kids do for fun in the years before smartphones and video games? Come to Historic Huntley on Saturday, November 17, 2018, to find out.
Register for “Make Old-Fashioned Toys at Historic Huntley” and take a journey into the past. Make simple toys to take home and play games like those the children who once lived at Historic Huntley enjoyed. A special children's house tour…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold its 41st Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Audrey Moore…
Bones and bats are on the agenda in two park programs on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Discover what bones and teeth can tell us about the life of an animal in the “Animal Skull & Spine Stories” program at Huntley Meadows Park. Become a bone detective and use a magnifying glass and microscope to examine and touch real animal skulls and bones. Dissect an owl pellet and take home…
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…
Everyone knows that Fairfax County residents love their trails! In fact, recent community surveys by the Fairfax County Park Authority found that our robust system of trails through stream valleys, parks and woodlands are among our most popular amenities. Unfortunately, sometimes it…
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
As we embrace the first autumn breezes of the season, the Fairfax County Farmers Markets will be hosting a Fall Harvest Celebration at three market locations. Fall marks one of the most abundant times of the year. Fall favorites like pumpkins and apples will start rolling into season. Kids are invited to paint pumpkins, play fall harvest bingo, and show off their costumes. In celebration of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority is marking National Public Lands Day with multiple activities across the county on multiple days. The 25th Annual National Public Lands Day, a designated day for outdoor lovers to give back to nature, is Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Local parks are celebrating the occasion on more than one single day.
Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Va., opens the…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, to receive public comment on a proposed exchange of property in the Mason District.
The Park Authority proposes to exchange approximately 1,000 square feet of currently disturbed property in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, that is identified on the Fairfax County Real Property Identification…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is reopening the historic Ellmore Farmhouse property, at 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon VA, for the Resident Curator Program. Previous efforts to find a qualified curator for this property were not fruitful and applications will be considered once again.
The Resident Curator Program provides the unique opportunity for individuals, non-profit and…
They’re all happy and dry in their stalls.
Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Va., has become a temporary home for nine horses that are from areas affected by the havoc surrounding Hurricane Florence. Frying Pan is on an emergency Virginia Equine Evacuation Site list, and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park sent out notice to its approximately 6,000 members that Frying Pan could lend a…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin maintenance work on a trail in Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park in Herndon, Virginia in September.
The project consists of milling and paving approximately 12,000 linear feet of trail from the existing bridge near Kingstream Circle to Wiehle Avenue and from Wiehle Avenue to Dranesville Road. The contractor, Tibbs Paving, Inc. will be…
The Fairfax County Health Department has determined the need to spray pesticides to control adult mosquitoes in parts of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax based on its mosquito surveillance activities for West Nile virus. Weather permitting, spraying will take place on Monday, August 27, 2018, between 8 a.m. and noon at the following locations:
Kings Park Park, 8717 Trafalgar…
The Wilton Woods playground will close temporarily to make way for new playground equipment.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon start work on the Wilton Woods Playground Replacement Project. Wilton Woods is located at 3701 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site the week of August 27, 2018. The project will replace the aging…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Judy Nitsche the winner of the 2018 Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award for bringing back to life a garden that was enjoyed by inhabitants of Sully more than 200 years ago. In her volunteer role at Sully Historic Site, Nitsche assisted staff in proposing major repairs and upgrades to the garden and walking paths to preserve and protect a…
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has announced that the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division (RMD) and four of its sites have received AAM accreditation. AAM establishes the standards through which museums are recognized for their commitment to excellence, accountability, and professionalism, and the organization says that “as the ultimate mark of distinction…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Sully Historic Site volunteer Olivia Lamm of Herndon, Va., the 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Award Student Honoree. The annual Elly Doyle awards recognize individuals and organizations that contribute outstanding volunteer service to the Park Authority, and one student honoree is named each year.
Lamm has been a volunteer at Sully for…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board has named two individuals and one organization as recipients of the 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards recognize outstanding volunteer service to the Park Authority and are the agency’s top honor for volunteer service. This year’s recipients are Laurel Hill Park volunteer Michael Applegate, Hidden Oaks Nature Center volunteer…
There are lots of golfers who would love to improve their game. With that in mind, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Pinecrest Golf Course in Alexandria will open a newly-renovated indoor training facility known as the Valis Family Golf Learning Center. The center is named for Wayne and Angela Valis who provided funding for the center’s new TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator.
The updated…
An American art form that made sculptures and figurines more accessible to the general public is spotlighted this month on the Fairfax County Park Authority’s artiFACTS website.
Early chalkware pieces were designed to mimic more expensive figurines imported from the Staffordshire Potteries in England, and they gained popularity in the United States for their affordability and…
The Fairfax County Park Authority understands that residents love their trails. In fact, recent community surveys found that our robust system of trails through stream valleys, parks and woodlands are among our most popular amenities. However, sometimes construction may close or restrict access to a particular trail section.
Stream restoration within Indian Run Stream Valley Park…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is preparing the historic Lahey Lost Valley property, located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, VA, for the Resident Curator Program.
The Resident Curator Program provides the unique opportunity for individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements in beautiful public park settings such as Lahey Lost…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Green Spring Gardens volunteer Tatiana Lisle the recipient of the 2018 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award. Lisle was recognized for her work to protect pollinators by managing bees at Green Spring Gardens.
The park beekeeper is also the volunteer organizer of Green Spring’s popular Honeybee Day, which is held in…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) the recipient of the 2018 Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award. FROGS, which has just marked its 25th anniversary, has a membership base of more than 1,500 individuals who offer financial and volunteer support at Green Spring Gardens located in Alexandria, VA.
The organization…
The Water Mine will go to the dogs this September with a season-ending event benefitting the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax County Park Foundation. Dogs and dog lovers are invited to join us on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park will open for dogs-only swimming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Dogs can swim in Rattlesnake River and…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is extending the period to submit applications for curatorship of the historic Ash Grove property. The new deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 14, 2018.
FCPA is accepting applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the historic Ash Grove House, located at 8881 Ashgrove House Lane in Vienna,…
The first residents of Sully lived there more than 200 years ago, but today Sully Historic Site is home to a new family: chimney swifts. These small, migratory birds recently moved into the chimney of the original 18th century kitchen and made a temporary home.
Chimney swifts migrate in the fall to Peru or elsewhere in the Amazon Basin in South America. They are protected by the…
The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF), the charitable organization dedicated to support Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) parks and programs, has announced three honorees of 2018 Eakin Philanthropy Awards. These annual honors go out to individuals or organizations for their exceptional efforts in support of county parks and their programs and initiatives.
The Washington…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant that will help purchase new canoes for Riverbend Park. The Park Board awarded the $3,000 grant to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB) at its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.
FORB requested the grant money to replace ten existing canoes that were purchased in 2010. The canoes…
Round out the summer with family fun and celebrate National Golf month with nine holes of golf at three Fairfax County golf courses. In August parents pay for their 9-hole round of golf and accompanying kids and teens (ages 8-17) will receive their round for no charge. Mention Family Golf Month to receive this offer. This offer is valid Monday through Friday all day; and weekends after 1…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) will hold a joint public hearing on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Oaks Room at Twin Lakes Golf Course, 6201 Union Mills Road in Clifton, VA. The hearing will focus on the proposed adoption of an amendment to Park Regulation Section 1.17, Remote-Control Devices and Powered…
A newspaper likely used as insulation in an old property is now part of the Park Authority’s historic archives and is featured in this month’s edition of artiFACTS.
This 1917 newspaper, discovered during demolition of a dilapidated old house, was folded open to a story about a female suffragette. Read about her defense of the suffragette movement and her…
Don’t get sick from the bite of a tick or mosquito when you’re outside enjoying the parks this summer. That’s the message from the Health Department’s MC Bugg-Z - also known as Andy Lima. He is a full-time bug biologist (and part-time rap artist) who is part of the agency’s Disease Carrying Insects Program – a group that monitors tick and mosquito populations in Fairfax…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on the Pohick Stream Valley Trail in Burke Station Park. This project may impact parking and access to trails.
Construction will consist of approximately 2,400 linear feet of 8-foot wide paved trail, landscaping, and a new prefabricated fiberglass pedestrian bridge. Accubid Construction Services, Inc., will be mobilizing on…
Driving range renovations are now underway, causing closure of the Oak Marr Golf Complex’s driving range. This driving range, owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, will be significantly improved. The current, fully-lighted 78 hitting station range with 30 covered and/or heated stations will be upgraded with regrading for improved drainage and playability, new target…
Four Fairfax County Park Authority RECenter pools will be closing for regular, periodic cleaning and maintenance next month.
If your local pool is on the list, consider trying out another county pool during the temporary shutdown. Remember that RECenter passes are valid at all nine Park Authority RECenters. As always, we encourage pass holders to visit other non-impacted RECenters…
The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF), which provides financial assistance and advocacy on behalf of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), has elected new officers for two-year terms that will run from July 1, 2018 until June 30, 2020.
John Osborn, Principal Vice President & Credit Officer at Burke & Herbert Bank, will serve as Chair and Michael Gailliot, President…
Enjoy a blast from the past with drive-in movies for the family at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Starlight Drive-in Cinema in Centreville, Virginia.
Every Saturday night in August, the fun will begin before the opening credits even start to roll. There will be music, food and children's activities from 6 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Centre. The movies begin at dark. Bring coolers,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved three Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants that will be used to improve safety at athletic fields at Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly, help restore a meadow at Marie Butler Leven Preserve in McLean, and enhance the equestrian program at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Action came at the June 27, 2018 meeting of the Park Board.
The…
A natural history interpreter from Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, Virginia, is being honored by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the organization is recognizing 30 Shining Stars of Interpretation in 2018, and Hidden Oaks Visitor Services Manager Suzanne Holland has been added to the prestigious list.
Each of NAI's 10…
Giving credit where credit is due is the order of the day at Clemyjontri Park in McLean, Virginia when officials and local philanthropists, civic organizations, supporters and Park Authority staff will gather to celebrate the completion of new amenities at this popular park. On Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 10 a.m. the public is invited to brief ribbon cutting ceremonies as the new trackless…
The fish community looks good at Lake Fairfax. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) recently conducted a fish survey at the lake. Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk, Mike Isel and Robert Willis of VGDIF brought a boat with electrofishing equipment to the lake on Monday, June 11, 2018.
During a survey, a boat is driven around the shoreline, and an electrical…
The story of a landscape at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Green Spring Gardens has been added to the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) at the Library of Congress, where it will be held in perpetuity. HALS is a permanent federal program which documents significant historic landscapes throughout the United States and its territories.
The
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovation work on the Idylwood Park parking lot next month. The park is located at 7715 Virginia Lane in Falls Church, VA. The parking lot will be fully renovated by Southern…
From ecological restoration to the removal of invasive plants, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division is making strides on its Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP). Park staff recently briefed the Park Board on long-term accomplishments and future plans stemming from the NRMP passed by the Board in 2014.
In the fourth year of the NRMP, staff continued…
It was a big day for the Fairfax County Park Authority when awards were recently handed out at the annual meeting of the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). Park staff received eight 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards for communications work ranging from the agency’s annual report and social media postings to individual writer portfolios.
At its June…
Do a good deed for butterflies while beautifying your yard with a native plant garden.
Come to Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, July 14, 2018, for a program on “Native Plants for Butterflies.” Horticulturalist Brenda Skarphol leads you on a butterfly safari in the gardens at Green Spring. She will highlight native plants that are great for both home gardens and for butterflies.…
Get an introduction to fishing and boating in the “River Fishing by Boat” program at Riverbend Park. It’s being offered on two Fridays in July – July 13 and July 27, 2018.
In this program, participants age five to adult will fish for smallmouth bass and sunfish from a canoe or jon boat. The two-hour lesson starts with an introduction to boating and fishing basics. Previous…
See the park wonders that others have captured with their cameras and get some tips on how to make the most of your DSLR or smartphone camera in the July issue of the Park Authority’s Snapshots Newsletter.
For folks who rely on a smartphone for photography, this edition of Snapshots provides pointers from a professional on how…
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…
Expand your flower arranging skills by attending a workshop on Ikebana – the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement.
Green Spring Gardens is offering “Floral Workshop: Ikebana Flower Design” on Saturday, July 21, 2018. In this workshop, you will learn about the rich symbolism and fundamentals of Ikebana and leave with an arrangement of your own.
The floral workshop…
Huntley Meadows Park is offering adventures into nature through several summer camps. Nature Quest camps have a variety of themes as they explore the plants and animals that put the wild into the park’s wildlife.
Campers 11 to 15 years old will dive into Nature Quest’s animal kingdom for four days the week of July 2, 2018. There’s no camp on July 4. Nature Quest campers ages 6 to 11…
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…
The votes are in, and readers of Northern Virginia Magazine have put Burke Lake Park and Our Special Harbor at Lee District Park on the magazine’s Best of NoVA 2018 list.
Burke Lake Park was described as “an outdoor playground designed with almost every interest in mind.” The magazine hit the park’s highlights by suggesting, “Bring your clubs and play some golf. Have little ones?…
Lake Fairfax Park will host its annual fireworks show on Saturday, June 30, 2018. (Rain date July 1, 2018). Come to the park early and spend the day. The park opens at 7 a.m. The Water Mine water park opens at 10 a.m. You can rent a boat from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food vendors will be onsite as well near the park’s main office. There will be a $10 per car parking fee.
The children can…
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,…
It’s time to ring the bell and mark the official opening of the 2018 Government Center Farmers Market in Fairfax, VA. The opening will be held at the market’s new location near the front of the Government Center building.
The market will open at 2:30 p.m. however, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, members of the Park Board and other local officials will be on hand for…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin Phase I construction at Monticello Park located at 5315 Guinea Road in Burke, VA. The $1.5 million dollar project includes construction of a playground, off-leash dog area, buffer area, multi-use area and trails, as well as supporting infrastructure including storm water management facilities, a parking lot, walkways, utilities, fencing and related…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has named Dr. Abena Aidoo to the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board to fill the at-large vacancy left by Walter Alcorn, who is retiring after serving 2 ½ years on the Park Board. Action came at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 20, 2018.
Dr. Aidoo brings a wealth of experience in tourism and events management to the Park…
Farmers market customers will now be able to purchase cups of coffee as well as freshly roasted beans starting in 2018! This year the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) farmers markets will host locally roasted coffee pilot programs at select locations. The goal for the pilot is to boost market attendance, improve customer experiences and provide small local roasters a sales outlet. The…
A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 30, 2018, to discuss options for the management of Lake…
Get outdoors this summer and spend time by the water with a rewarding job at Riverbend Park.
Riverbend Park is located along the Potomac River and is currently hiring for three positions – Fishing Instructor, Kayaking Instructor and Stand-Up Paddleboarding Instructor.
The Fishing Instructor will lead fishing programs for children’s birthday parties and public and private…
Take a break from the ordinary and spend a fun-filled summer at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park working with children on hands-on explorations of nature and history.
This Fairfax County Park Authority facility located in Chantilly, VA is currently hiring for two positions – Summer Education Director and Summer Education Teacher. Both positions are 40 hours per week for a limited…
Pardon our dust! Construction will soon begin at Clemyjontri Park located at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean, VA. Project contractor McGee Civil will be mobilizing on site within the next two weeks, and active construction activities will begin later this month. This project includes construction of a 65-space parking lot, trails, fencing and stormwater management. This expansion is set for…
Restoration work on the highly degraded stream within Long Branch Falls Park is set to begin. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start in early April 2018. Long Branch Falls Park is located at 5021 King David Boulevard in Annandale, Virginia.
The project involves…
The Tin Man of Wizard of Oz fame had a hard, outer shell and so do the ceramics featured in the March edition of artiFACTS.
This month in artiFACTS, explore a type of earthenware most often found in either white or blue with hand-painted or sponged decorations of various colors. See samples of these once-popular ceramics on the artiFACTS…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a new Cultural Resource Management Plan (CRMP) to coordinate agency-wide efforts to achieve the cultural resource preservation mission of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA). Approval came at the Board meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
View the
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved two Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grants at its meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. One grant will benefit the Lee District Park Family Recreation Area and the other will provide improvements at Fred Crabtree Park.
Park Authority Board members approved a $20,000 grant to the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund. This grant and a…
As the tulips and daffodils spark up from the ground in the wake of spring, the Wakefield, Herndon, Burke, and Reston Farmers Markets jump into the season, opening for business in April. During this time of the year, you will find fresh asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, apples, salad greens, meats, cheese, baked breads, honey, ice cream and plant seedlings for your home garden at these…
Celebrate spring with the opening of the Garden Gate Plant Shop at Green Spring Gardens.
The shop reopens for the new growing season on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to choose from the latest selection of plants for your home. You will find shrubs, native plants, wildflowers, ornamental grasses and unusual perennials and annuals. Rediscover an old…
Get ready for the greatest golf savings of the season with the Golf Fairfax Spring Pass savings spectacular. The more you play, the more you save! From March 26 through May 6, 2018 save up to 25 percent when you purchase multi-round passes at Fairfax County Park Authority facilities including Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Oak Marr, Pinecrest and Twin…
It’s the same great event returning to Sully Historic Site! Participate in a day full of free, environmental, and health-focused family-friendly activities and games at this year’s SpringFest Fairfax –a celebration of Earth and Arbor Days on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, Va. Presented by Clean Fairfax…
Volunteers play a critical role at the Fairfax County Park Authority, and now is the time to recognize their invaluable contributions with a nomination for a 2018 Elly Doyle Park Service Award. Everyone is invited to submit nominations to honor the outstanding volunteers and numerous organizations that support park programming and initiatives in Fairfax County.
The Elly Doyle Park…
Construction work will begin soon at Burke Lake Park to improve Marina Road from the Burke Lake Information Center to the Burke Lake Road marina parking lot.
The improvements will include widening of gravel shoulders, installation of drainage swales and ditches, and rock lining installation of swales and drainage ditches to better accommodate the existing storm water flows and reduce…
This summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC summer camp program will operate at more than three dozen elementary school locations around Fairfax County on weekdays from July 2 through August 9, 2018. During the summer, staff will be assigned to a site and work daily from 8:15 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. Lots of qualified applicants are expected to apply so plan on attending an early open…
Golf Fairfax is committed to the development of youth in the game of golf. Introduce your 8-17-year-oldto the FUNdamentals of golf with one-hourjunior clinics. Junior clinics are the perfect opportunity to test drive the game before investing in more advanced instruction and equipment.
Kids and teens will learn basic golf rules and etiquette, get familiar with different types of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority continues its national award-winning program to combat invasive plants this spring.
The Invasive Management Area (IMA) program was established in 2006 and the annual highlight of the program is the spring Take Back the Forest effort. This year, Take Back the Forest begins on Sunday, April 1, 2018 and runs through May. During that timeframe, the Park…
As part of an ongoing system-wide effort to improve service reliability at South Run District Park and its surrounding residential communities, Dominion Energy will be replacing the aging and outdated distribution line within this area. Work on this project will begin in early-March and will conclude approximately one month later. As part of Dominion’s effort, access and temporary closure to…
Work to install a 120-foot monopine pole and to construct the associated, fenced telecommunications equipment compound within George Washington Park is getting underway. Network Building and Consulting, on behalf of T-Mobile, has contracted with Stoehr Companies to perform this previously approved telecommunications project.
During construction, there will be additional traffic along…
Consider a job at one of the county’s most unique employment sites. Frying Pan Farm Park preserves and interprets farm life of the 1920s to 1950s, and it is looking for folks to fill a variety of positions to help others learn about an enjoy this popular Fairfax County park.
If you enjoy fresh air, history, nature, baby animals and working with the public, Frying Pan Farm Park may…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board voted to name an athletic field at South Run Regional Park in honor of Jack Nolan, a longtime leader and supporter of youth soccer in the Springfield District.
At its meeting on February 14, 2018 the Park Board voted to change the name of Athletic Field 5 to Jack Nolan Field. A public ceremony is scheduled for mid-May to mark the…
Looking for a unique venue for your spring celebration? Par-tee with Golf Fairfax and enjoy unique and affordable dining and entertainment options for your guests. Four golf courses offer venues that include beautiful golf scenery, flexible dining options and enjoyable entertainment options:
Laurel Hill Golf Club
8701 Laurel Crest…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to renovate park facilities at Backlick Park located at 4516 Backlick Road in Annandale, VA.
The contractors, will be mobilizing on site shortly with active construction activities beginning in March. This project includes the installation of a new shelter and tables, additional of a connecting accessible trail, installation of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the installation of a new playground for Wakefield Park at its meeting on January 24, 2018. The park, located in the Braddock District, is among those benefitting from funding in the 2016 Park Bond to replace playground equipment throughout the county that has exceeded its useful life.
Although the equipment at Wakefield Park has…
Who is thinking about summer? You should! Registration for summer camps begins Thursday, February 8, 2018. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 1,900 summer day camp options at 100+ locations. Camps held at RECenters, nature centers, historic sites, lakefront parks, golf courses and schools offer a variety of camp formats. These camps feature plenty of fun and friendship building…
There is a class for everyone this spring at Fairfax County Golf courses: from children new to golf to experienced golfers who want to improve their game. Golf is an excellent family sport and can be played for a lifetime!
Golfers or all ages and skill can take advantage of classes at Burke Lake Golf and Pinecrest Golf Academies. Starting New at Golf (SNAG) classes cover basic golf…
Work to restore Dead Run within McLean Central Park and Dead Run Stream Valley Park between Old Dominion Road and Churchill Road is set to begin shortly.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has contracted with Meadville Land Service, Inc., to begin work this month. The project involves restoration of approximately 3,000 linear feet of stream in…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on the Lisle Park Playground Replacement Project in Falls Church.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site shortly, and active construction is scheduled to begin in March 2018. The project includes replacement of the existing playground equipment and related site work. Lisle playground will be closed during the construction period.…
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin to work on the Griffith Park Playground Replacement Project, which will force closure of the playground during the construction period.
Contractors will be mobilizing on site shortly with active construction activities beginning in March. The project includes replacement of the playground equipment and related site work. Contingent on…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has elected its officers for 2018. At a meeting on January 24, 2018, the Park Board voted to return William G. Bouie, who represents the Hunter Mill District, to his tenth term as Chairman. Providence District Representative Ken Quincy will serve as Vice Chairman. Michael W. Thompson, Jr. of the Springfield District returns to the post of Secretary, and…
Fairfax County’s parkland is growing again with the acquisition of eight acres of land near Loisdale Park in Springfield, VA.
The two parcels, one 7.6 acres and the other 0.4 acres were a donation from L and F Darby Lane LLC. The properties are considered an addition to Loisdale Park and will remain vacant until or unless they are included in a future master plan.These parcels…
Staying fit and feeling great just got easier with the Fairfax County Park Authority. Cub Run RECenter’s Fitness and Wellness program recently expanded to include chair massage and health coaching. Licensed massage therapists can help eliminate painful muscle tension. Getting rid of that pain can potentially result in increased ability to exercise in the future as well as overall better…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) acreage continues to grow with the acquisition of 7.33 acres of land from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), which will be combined with 6.13 acres of existing parkland at Chantilly Park.
This acreage in the Sully District was transferred to the Park Authority from the BOS in November 2017. It originally was part of a larger…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved it’s first-ever Parks and Recreation System Master Plan at its meeting on December 13, 2017.
With a 10-year time horizon, the Great Parks, Great Communities Parks and Recreation System Master Plan will guide the agency to meet growing and changing community needs. This long-range, comprehensive park system master planning effort builds…
Restoration work on the Pohick Creek Tributary located within Greentree Village Park is set to begin shortly. The Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division and Utility Design & Construction Division have contracted with Environmental Quality Resources, LLC for the work which will start in January 2018. Greentree Village Park is located at 6600 Field Master Drive in Springfield,…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has published the FY 2017 Strategic Plan and Annual Report. This document celebrates “A Place in Time” as Fairfax County concludes its celebration of the 275th anniversary of Fairfax County. The park system report notes a host of memorable events, vital accomplishments and progress on many fronts.
Inside this report, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill…
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved three sports-related Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program requests at its meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
Board members approved a grant of $20,000 for the Great Falls Lacrosse Association. Funding will be used to install a practice wall adjacent to Field #4 at Great Falls Nike Park, which can be used to help…
The Fairfax County Park Authority has started a public planning process that will update the master plan for Lake Fairfax Park. A public meeting will outline current conditions and amenities, explain the process and discuss potential revisions to the existing plan this November.
This 482-acre park is located in Reston, Virginia and is owned and operated by the Park Authority.…
Starting the week of October 23, 2017 a short section of Holmes Run Stream Valley Trail will close to allow completion of an emergency sanitary sewer repair project. Depending on the level of repairs required, an approximately 1,500-foot section of trail could be closed for up to a year.
The trail follows Holmes Run from the outfall of Lake Barcroft south to Cameron Run Regional Park.…
Stream restoration work scheduled to begin this month at Mason District Park will force closure of some trails in the park.
The project involves the restoration of approximately 1,575 linear feet of Turkeycock Run using natural channel design techniques.The primary goal of this restoration is to stabilize the channel and prevent future erosion and degradation along the stream.This…
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…
