At its meeting on June 24, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 21 individuals as 2026 Outstanding Volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system:

• Sue Albright, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Natural Resources/Horticulture
• Nancy Bond, Franconia Rec Center, Assistant Volunteer Program Coordinator
• Michael Bufano, Mount Vernon Rec Center, Ice Skate Monitor
• Deborah Burk, Providence Rec Center, General Support Assistant
• Bryan Campbell, Long Branch Stream Valley Park, Park Volunteer Team Lead
• Dave Eckhardt, Laurel Hill Golf Club, Golf Course Play Manager
• Mary Zook, Green Spring Gardens, Front Desk/Special Event/Education Program Support
• Avril Garland, Accotink Stream Valley Park, IMA Site Leader
• Nisha Jain, Oakmont Rec Center, Class Instructor
• Jean Johnson, Frying Pan Farm Park, Wagon Driver
• Jerome Johnson, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Course Director
• Susan Ju, Spring Hill Rec Center, Adapted Aquatics Assistant
• Chip Leonard, Colvin Run Mill, Blacksmith
• Bill Masker, Audrey Moore Rec Center, Front Desk
• Patrick McCormack, Archaeology and Collections Branch/James Lee Center, Archaeological Laboratory
• Vivian Morgan-Mendez, Nottoway Park, Site Assistant/Volunteer Program Coordinator
• Kim Nguyen, Cub Run Rec Center, Volunteer Program Coordinator
• Jerry Nissley, Huntley Meadows Park, Educational Program and Special Event Assistant
• Christine Reynolds (posthumously), Riverbend Park, Roving Trail Monitor
• Carol Tretkoff, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Resource Naturalist
• Naomi Yilma, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Youth Program Support

More than 10,770 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2026. They contributed 115,718 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.98 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force.

"Each year, our volunteers remind us of the extraordinary power of people coming together with purpose. Their commitment to restoring habitats, supporting programs, and caring for our parks creates a community where nature thrives and neighbors feel connected. Their impact reaches far beyond the work they do; it inspires all of us to imagine what’s possible when we serve something larger than ourselves," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole.

The Park Authority’s outstanding volunteers will be honored with a special evening of music and celebration at the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Night taking place on Thursday, July 16, as part of the Government Center’s Evenings on the Ellipse Summer Concert Series. The evening will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome and words of appreciation for our volunteers from Park Authority Board Chairman Timothy Hackman. Following the opening remarks, enjoy a memorable performance by Signature Live!

The Evenings on the Ellipse series takes place on the lawn in the ellipse area directly behind the Government Center at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. The venue is outdoors on a grassy area, so attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs to comfortably enjoy the performance.

If there is any concern regarding weather on the night of the concert, please call the Park Authority’s hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before the start of the concert for a status update.