The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards, recognizing exceptional service and contributions to the county’s parks, natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities.

The awardees will be honored during a recognition ceremony on Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation at Laurel Hill Golf Club.

Established in 1988, the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards honor the legacy of Ellamae “Elly” Doyle, whose leadership as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board helped expand the park system, preserve open space and enhance recreational facilities across Fairfax County.

This year’s honorees were selected for their dedication, volunteerism and commitment to protecting the county’s natural, cultural and historic resources. Awards are presented in five Fairfax County Park Authority categories, along with three Eakin Awards from the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The Elly Doyle Park Service Awards will go to:

• Tim Bowers: Since 2017, Bowers has led the Edible Garden project at Green Spring Gardens, guiding more than 40 Master Gardeners to grow and donate more than 8,000 pounds of produce to local food banks. He’s developed workshops, sustainable practices and community partnerships that enrich education and food access.
• Carolyn Gamble: Gamble retired as Huntley Meadows Park Site Manager after 30 years and has volunteered for more than a decade supporting the park and Historic Huntley. She created a major exhibit for their anniversaries and co-led efforts to increase park funding, strengthening community connection and advocacy.

Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards

• Cynthia Glakas: A Frying Pan Farm Park volunteer since 2024, Glakas serves as a docent, carousel operator and wagon driver. Her flexible, welcoming approach enhances visitor experiences, and she contributes personal crafts to enrich the historic setting.
• Paul Gross: Founder of Friends of Royal Lake, Gross has led community-driven improvements and advocacy for more than 10 years, resulting in new trails, park upgrades and environmental restoration. He also volunteers at Twin Lakes Golf Course, helping manage local leagues and events.
• Brian Keith: Keith has volunteered at Sully Historic Site since 2019, contributing more than 1,400 hours to trail maintenance and historic craft programs, enriching educational offerings with his expertise in traditional trades.
• Christina Tyler Wenks: Wenks led the successful 296-page Dark Sky designation application for Observatory Park at Turner Farm, dedicating more than 200 hours. As a NASA Solar System Ambassador, she promotes dark sky education and environmental awareness regionally.

Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award

• Marc Kohn: Kohn, president of USA Synthetic Rinks, has donated resources and educational support valued at more than $10,000 to Fairfax County Park Authority programs, including Earth Day events and youth recreation, exemplifying strong partnership and collaboration.

Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award

• Sara Holtz: Founder of the IMA site at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, Holtz has led more than 230 volunteer sessions since 2017, focusing on invasive removal, native planting, youth mentorship and community education to protect Fairfax County’s natural resources.

Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award

• Mary Lipsey: Lipsey has preserved and promoted Lake Accotink Park’s history through research, educational materials, artifact cataloging and youth history camps, demonstrating deep commitment to cultural stewardship.

Chairman’s Choice Awards

• Ken Quincy: Quincy served on the Park Authority Board (2007–2025), chairing key committees and leading civic efforts. His leadership ensured responsible park stewardship and expansion of recreational amenities across Fairfax County.
• Aimee L. Vosper: As Deputy Director, Vosper oversees key Park Authority divisions and fosters partnerships with the Park Foundation, advancing environmental stewardship and enhancing recreational opportunities countywide.

Eakin Philanthropy Awards (Presented by the Fairfax County Park Foundation)

• Helen L. Kafka: Kafka’s philanthropy supports numerous park outreach programs. As a Legacy Circle member, her estate gifts fund key initiatives and the Forever Fund, sustaining Fairfax County parks long-term.
• Pohanka Automotive & Scott A. & Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation: These partners enrich Fairfax County parks through Summer Entertainment Series sponsorships and Wonder Wagon vehicle donations, helping expand environmental education and community access.
• McLean Central Park Playground Team: This grassroots group partnered with the Fairfax County Park Foundation to raise nearly $500,000 for playground renovation through community fundraising and events. Special thanks to team leaders for their dedication.

For questions, contact the Public Information Office at ParkMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About the Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, securing grants, and building partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet the community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the foundation’s website or call 703-324-8582 for more information.