Families, friends, and community members gathered at Muddy Hole Farm Park on Nov. 4 to celebrate the opening of a brand-new playground and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon exploring nature. Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with Supervisor Rodney Lusk, the event marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground, adding an exciting feature to the park.
"This is what the parks are all about," commented Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole, seeing children and parents enjoying their evening in the park with the Wonder Wagon and on the new playground. "We’re in the business of fun, and there’s no more rewarding experience than seeing so many neighbors coming together and having a great time talking and playing together."
The new playground equipment replaced a pre-existing equipment that was originally installed in 2002 and was in need of replacement. The playground was designed to provide a modernized playground experience for children between the ages of 2 and 12. The new equipment includes a slide, climbing and sensory features and a double-bay swing set. The playground surface was also replaced with Poured-In-Place surfacing for added safety and accessibility.
The evening’s festivities also featured the Wonder Wagon, the Park Authority’s popular Mobile Nature Center. Visitors of all ages participated in games, hands-on educational activities, and interactive exhibits that brought local wildlife and ecosystems to life. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for the community to connect with the outdoors and discover the new amenities that Muddy Hole Farm Park has to offer.
Supervisor Lusk shared his enthusiasm for the event and the new park facilities, stating, “I am thrilled that we were able to replace the aging playground equipment and bring in modernized features that will continue to serve as a fun and safe gathering place for children and families from the surrounding neighborhood. Our parks bring us together to play, relax, and just enjoy time as a community, and I’m confident this playground will create lasting memories for years to come.”
See photos of the ribbon-cutting
The 13.6-acre Muddy Hole Farm Park is located at 7941 Kidd St. in Alexandria. In addition to the new playground, the park includes tennis and basketball courts and open fields for recreation. For more information, contact the Park Authority’s Communications Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.