Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Park News

Stay Informed

Get the latest information on what is happening at the Park Authority. Contact the Public Information Office for archived news items at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Celebrate the Outdoors and a New Playground at Ruckstuhl Park May 17

ruckstuhl park
Join the Fairfax County Park Authority and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik for a morning of free outdoor fun on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Ruckstuhl Park, located at 7545 Idylwood Drive in Falls Church.
Celebrate the Outdoors and a New Playground at Ruckstuhl Park May 17

Score with Rec Center Membership: Sale and Open House in May

Rec Center Open House
Find your path to health and wellness at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. Become an annual member and score a 15% discount when you purchase during May. Explore your neighborhood Rec Center for free and connect with other community members during the Open House event on Thursday, May 22.
Score with Rec Center Membership: Sale and Open House in May

Celebrating 50 Years of Wetlands Wonder at Huntley Meadows Park

Huntley Meadows Park
Huntley Meadows Park is turning 50 years old. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to celebrate five decades of wetland conservation, wildlife habitat and outdoor discovery at one of Fairfax County’s most beloved parks. This milestone also marks the 200th anniversary of nearby Historic Huntley, adding even more reasons to celebrate this spring.
Celebrating 50 Years of Wetlands Wonder at Huntley Meadows Park

Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly doyle logo
With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.
Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Fresh Flavors Return to the Fairfax County Farmers Markets for the 2025 Season!

Mount Vernon Farmers Market
The wait is over—Fairfax County Farmers Markets are back open for business! Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these beloved markets connect residents with local farms and food producers across ten locations countywide.
Fresh Flavors Return to the Fairfax County Farmers Markets for the 2025 Season!

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week and Discover the Magic of the Night

Dark Skies Turner Farm
Ever wonder what you’re missing when the lights stay on? This International Dark Sky Week, April 21–28, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites you to reconnect with the wonder of the night—and learn how to protect it.
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week and Discover the Magic of the Night

Embrace the Vibrancy of Asian Culture at Fairfax County Parks' Asian American & Pacific Islander Festival!

AAPI celebration
The Fairfax County Park Authority is thrilled to announce a lively and enriching celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Mason District Park on Saturday, May 10, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a day of culture, community and fun, with activities and entertainment for all ages.
Embrace the Vibrancy of Asian Culture at Fairfax County Parks' Asian American & Pacific Islander Festival!

Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly doyle logo
With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.
Park Authority Accepting Nominations for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Jose Peralta Appointed to Sully District Seat on Park Authority Board

Jose Peralta
The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that Jose Peralta has been appointed by Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith to represent her district on the Park Authority Board. Peralta will serve a term through March 2026.
Jose Peralta Appointed to Sully District Seat on Park Authority Board

Gold Rush Sale: Get Your Discounted Pass for The Water Mine

Water Mine
Get your ticket for staying cool this summer by hitting the gold rush sale — purchase discounted season passes for The Water Mine. Don’t miss your chance to secure this deal, purchase by Monday, May 26.
Gold Rush Sale: Get Your Discounted Pass for The Water Mine

Kids Are Invited To Learn and Grow With Park Authority Preschools

Preschool
With a commitment to high-quality early childhood education, Fairfax County Park Authority preschools are where learning begins and growing never stops. Throughout the school year, these programs help children develop the essential skills they need for success in full-time school.
Kids Are Invited To Learn and Grow With Park Authority Preschools

Entertainment, Education and Excitement at the Fairfax County Earth Day 2025

earth day
Plan the perfect celebration of Mother Earth at the Park Authority’s 2025 Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site.
Entertainment, Education and Excitement at the Fairfax County Earth Day 2025

Huntley Meadows To Host Open Hire Event To Fill Camp Positions

Huntley Meadows Park
The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting an open hire for camp positions at Huntley Meadows Park. Job seekers are invited to the open hire on Saturday, April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Stop by anytime to meet staff from Huntley Meadows Park, apply for a position, interview on site and potentially walk away with a job!
Huntley Meadows To Host Open Hire Event To Fill Camp Positions

Park Authority Welcomes Public Comment on Proposed Dual Use Basketball and Futsal Court at Dunn Loring Park

dunn loring park courts
The Fairfax County Park Authority is exploring plans to resurface and expand the existing basketball court at Dunn Loring Park. The proposed redesign would transform the current court into a dual-purpose space, combining basketball and futsal to better serve the community.
Park Authority Welcomes Public Comment on Proposed Dual Use Basketball and Futsal Court at Dunn Loring Park

Burke Lake Golf Course Powers Up with Solar Just in Time for Earth Month

Solar Array
Burke Lake Golf Course is going green in a big way this Earth Month with the activation of a new 55-kilowatt rooftop solar array, now generating clean, renewable energy atop its clubhouse. This installation is part of a broader solar initiative across Fairfax County facilities and marks the third solar array to date installed by the Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA.
Burke Lake Golf Course Powers Up with Solar Just in Time for Earth Month

Team Up and Tee Off: 2025 Spring Golf Tournaments

Team Up and Tee Off: 2025 Spring Golf Tournaments
Hit the greens and test your skills in Golf Fairfax’s exciting lineup of spring tournaments! Partner up for fun competition this season. Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited to showcase their skills. Registration opens 45 days before the event. 
Team Up and Tee Off: 2025 Spring Golf Tournaments

Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia

Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia
Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia 
Park Authority Recognized as a Top Employer for Interns in Virginia

McLean Central Park Celebrates Grand Reopening with Community Ribbon Cutting

McLean Central Park Celebrates Grand Reopening with Community Ribbon Cutting
On the morning of Saturday, March 29, community members, local officials and park supporters gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of McLean Central Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
McLean Central Park Celebrates Grand Reopening with Community Ribbon Cutting

Please Pardon Our Dust: Two Fairfax County Dog Parks to Undergo Renovations

Please Pardon Our Dust: Two Fairfax County Dog Parks to Undergo Renovations
The dog parks at Chandon Park and Blake Lane Park will soon undergo renovations to enhance the visitor experience. The planned improvements will include converting the park surfaces to stone dust, with necessary dirt work and grading to ensure long-term durability.
Please Pardon Our Dust: Two Fairfax County Dog Parks to Undergo Renovations

Spring Brings Exciting Events to the Parks

Spring Brings Exciting Events to the Parks
Celebrate all things spring with Fairfax County Park Authority. From new blooms to egg hunts, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy in the parks this season.  Celebrate all things spring with Fairfax County Park Authority. From new blooms to egg hunts, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy in the parks this season.
Spring Brings Exciting Events to the Parks

Fairfax County Park Authority Launches Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment Survey

parks count, our parks, our future
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is excited to launch the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment online survey to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. Community input is essential to shaping the future of Fairfax County’s parks, and we want to hear from you. 
Fairfax County Park Authority Launches Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment Survey

Mount Vernon Rec Center Hiring Instructors for Exciting New Programs

Mount Vernon Rec Center Hiring Instructors for Exciting New Programs
Mount Vernon Rec Center Hiring Instructors for Exciting New Programs

Celebrate and Learn as a Family at Earth Day Fairfax!

Family at Earth Day Fairfax
In addition to all the fun and excitement, Earth Day Fairfax is all about teaching new skills and simple tricks you can do at home that have a huge impact on the world outside. Join us at Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the county’s largest Earth Day celebration.
Celebrate and Learn as a Family at Earth Day Fairfax!

Celebrate the Grand Reopening of McLean Central Park March 29

Ribbon Cutting
The Fairfax County Park Authority – in partnership with Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, The Fairfax County Park Foundation and The McLean Central Playground Team – is pleased to announce the official ribbon-cutting to commemorate the reopening of McLean Central Park.
Celebrate the Grand Reopening of McLean Central Park March 29

Free Wellness Opportunities with Healthy Strides

Woman doing yoga pose
Fairfax County Park Authority’s Healthy Strides program helps improve health equity and empowers residents to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. Make strides to improve your health and wellness from any location, for free, with the Healthy Strides Wellness Workshops and virtual fitness classes.
Free Wellness Opportunities with Healthy Strides

Pardon Our Dust: Revitalization Work at Oakmont and Franconia Rec Centers

Park Maintenance
The Fairfax County Park Authority is undertaking significant revitalization projects at Oakmont and Franconia Rec Centers to enhance pool air quality for swimmers and spectators. These efforts align with the county’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles, and operations by 2040.
Pardon Our Dust: Revitalization Work at Oakmont and Franconia Rec Centers

Spring Pass Sale: Swing Big, Save Big

Person golfing
Spring is here, bringing warmer days and big savings on golf rounds! Now is the perfect time to stock up and hit the greens like a pro. From March 20 to April 4, golfers can save on weekend and weekday passes at Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Laurel Hill (senior rounds only), Oakmont, Pinecrest, and Twin Lakes golf courses. Spring pass deals include:
Spring Pass Sale: Swing Big, Save Big

Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries at Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley

Wetlands Awareness Day
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to celebrate two significant anniversaries in 2025: the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park and the 200th anniversary of Historic Huntley. These milestones highlight the enduring historical and environmental importance of these beloved sites.
Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries at Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley

Special Olympic Athletes in Fairfax Shine at Adapted Swim Meet

Oakmont Rec Center
On March 1, athletes gathered at Oakmont Rec Center to put their skills to the test at the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Adapted Swim Meet. FCPA Special Olympic swim teams gathered at this event to showcase their skills, gain confidence and prepare for upcoming competitions. This time trial is more than just a qualifier, it’s a celebration of perseverance and teamwork.
Special Olympic Athletes in Fairfax Shine at Adapted Swim Meet

Level Up Your Swim Skills for Summer

Learn to swim
As summer approaches, prepare for the season with water safety in mind. Fairfax County Park Authority hosts many classes and educational opportunities that prepare people of all ages to be safe in and around the water. All year, the Park Authority offers hundreds of swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult. The following six-week class sessions build skills and increase your suite of swim skills:
Level Up Your Swim Skills for Summer

Now Recruiting Volunteers for Earth Day Celebration

Earth Day
Earth Day Fairfax is happening on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic site in Chantilly, Virginia. Earth Day Fairfax is the County’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are seeking volunteer support to make this annual event a success!
Now Recruiting Volunteers for Earth Day Celebration

Fairfax County Park Authority and Greater Oakton Community Association Partner To Preserve Historic Oakton Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse signing
On March 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Greater Oakton Community Association officially finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to support the historic Oakton Schoolhouse in Oakton, Virginia. To mark the occasion, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy and several members of GOCA joined FCPA for a special celebration on Friday afternoon.
Fairfax County Park Authority and Greater Oakton Community Association Partner To Preserve Historic Oakton Schoolhouse

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Elly doyle logo
With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Please Pardon Our Dust: Construction at Hybla Valley Park

parking lot
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin revitalization work at Hybla Valley Park. Contractors will mobilize on site and active construction is scheduled to begin the first week of March. Weather depending, active construction is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025.
Please Pardon Our Dust: Construction at Hybla Valley Park

Park Authority Seeks Community Input on Olander and Margaret Banks Neighborhood Park Renovation

Park News
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a public meeting to discuss the Olander and Margaret Banks Neighborhood Park. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20, from 1-2 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library (7250 Commerce St., Springfield) in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2. Located at 7400 Old Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Banks Park is a 10-acre green space in the Franconia District, adjacent to the Kingstowne community.
Park Authority Seeks Community Input on Olander and Margaret Banks Neighborhood Park Renovation

Earth Day Festival Returns to Sully Historic Site on April 26

Earth Day
Spring is around the corner and Earth Day Fairfax is almost underway! Mark your calendar for Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day extravaganza at the Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 26. Celebrate our world with a day filled with games, entertainment, food and hands-on crafts, exhibits and activities. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Earth Day Festival Returns to Sully Historic Site on April 26

Help Shape the Future of Fairfax County Parks: Join the Park Authority for a Needs Assessment Community Meeting

Parks Count
The Fairfax County Park Authority is launching the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. We want to hear from you! Your feedback will help guide improvements to amenities, facilities and programs for the next five years.
Help Shape the Future of Fairfax County Parks: Join the Park Authority for a Needs Assessment Community Meeting

Pohick Interceptor Rehabilitation Project To Temporarily Impact Cross County Trail

Cross County Trail closure
 
Pohick Interceptor Rehabilitation Project To Temporarily Impact Cross County Trail

Fairfax County Park Authority To Begin Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements at Wakefield Park

Wakefield Courts
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin renovating the tennis and pickleball court areas at Wakefield Park (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) to enhance playing conditions and increase dedicated courts for pickleball.
Fairfax County Park Authority To Begin Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements at Wakefield Park

Park Authority Classes Offer Something for Everyone

magic camp
Spring into action with Fairfax County Park Authority classes. Learn a skill, pick up a new hobby, dive into a favorite pastime and get active with a range of fitness and recreation opportunities in and around your local parks.
Park Authority Classes Offer Something for Everyone

Park Authority Seeks Community Input To Preserve Peake Cemetery History

Peake Family Cemetery
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to preserve the Peake Family Cemetery located in the Mount Vernon District. This project is part of the Park Authority’s ongoing work to preserve and restore historic cemeteries in Fairfax County.
Park Authority Seeks Community Input To Preserve Peake Cemetery History

Experience the Magic of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park

Experience the Magic of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park
Experience the Magic of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park

Sun Shines on Patriot Park North for Historic Opening Day

Patriot Park Ribbon-Cutting
Despite a few early raindrops, the sun broke through the clouds as the Fairfax County Park Authority, Board of Supervisors and hundreds of local little leaguers and their families celebrated the historic opening of the county’s new state-of-the-art baseball/softball sportsplex at Patriot Park North on Saturday, April 15.
Sun Shines on Patriot Park North for Historic Opening Day

Teens Learn To Lead as Camp Counselors In Training

Counselors in Training
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking teenagers looking to develop their leadership and communication skills to become Counselors in Training (C.I.T.). The C.I.T. program is open to teens ages 14 and older and provides real-world experience in planning and leading activities for elementary-aged children participating in FCPA camps and Rec-PAC.
Teens Learn To Lead as Camp Counselors In Training

Explore the Wonders of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park

Wetlands Awareness
Explore a thriving wetland sanctuary during Wetlands Awareness Day! Join us in celebrating the significance of Huntley Meadows Park and get connected with the treasured homes and habitats of the wildlife throughout the park on Sunday, May 7, from noon to 4 p.m.
Explore the Wonders of the Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park

Poetry in the Parks Comes to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

ECLP
It’s National Poetry Month and Arab American Heritage Month. Celebrate both at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park with the first in a series of Poetry in the Parks events.
Poetry in the Parks Comes to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Marcos Suarez

Meet Marcos! Name: Marcos Suarez Position: Area 4 Manager, Park Operations Division, Fairfax County Park Authority
Marcos Suarez

Gina Sando

Get to know Gina Sando! Name: Gina Sando Position: Visitor Services Manager, Resource Management Division, Fairfax County Park Authority.
Gina Sando

Charlie Allen

Meet Charlie! Name: Charlie Allen (They/Them/Theirs)  Position: Intern, Access and Inclusion Branch, Park Services Division, Fairfax County Park Authority.
Charlie Allen

Fishing for Future Generations

Fishing for Future Generations
Fishing is a sport that everyone can participate in and brings many people pleasure. Fish is also one of the healthiest dinners people may choose to eat. Our fisheries are not a finite resource, so we must learn to protect them to ensure that future generations may enjoy the sport. Here are a couple of tips to follow that will help each angler be a steward of the angling community.
Fishing for Future Generations

 

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