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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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

Tips and Tricks to Fishing in the Fall Season

By Jordan Jenkins. As the cooler weather comes along, some people may think fishing in Fairfax County is over, but the bite is just getting started! Fall is one of the best times of the year to get out on the water and catch some fish. In the fall, it is common for fish to begin stocking up and feeding more so they can get nice and big before the winter. Before getting out on the water in the fall months, there’s a few tips and tricks to the trade that can help you make fall your favorite fishing season.
Tips and Tricks to Fishing in the Fall Season

How to Target Individual Species

By Dan Grulke. Fairfax County lakes offer a variety of species from bass to bluegill. These fish have preferences, so you may need to choose specific baits to entice the fish you are trying to catch. Using basic tackle and techniques, here are a few tips and tricks on targeting specific fish. Largemouth Bass Largemouth bass can be found in most lakes in Virginia and the U.S. They are one of the most targeted freshwater species of fish out there. There are many ways to catch these fish, which have been proven effective.
How to Target Individual Species

Untold Stories: Freedom Hill Draws Family from Near and Far

Freedom Hill
The thirst for history from a more personal vantage point was on full display July 31, 2021, when a large crowd, including family members from several states, park neighbors, members of the Park Authority Board and staff, local officials, and History Commission members, gathered at Freedom Hill Park in Vienna for the inaugural Untold Stories program.
Untold Stories: Freedom Hill Draws Family from Near and Far

More Than Just Fishing

More Than Just Fishing
By Dan Grulke In its simplest form, fishing is casting a line with a lure or bait into the water in hopes of catching a fish. If that were all that was involved in this sport or hobby, few would continue to participate in it. So the real question is, “Why do people go fishing?”
More Than Just Fishing

Fall Fishing - Targeting Bass

Fall is here and cool, crisp weather has started to emerge as the leaves change their hues. This means it is time to get a pole in the water, and perhaps find yourself a trophy. The period between late summer and early fall is a great time to do some bass fishing if you have the right knowledge. This article will focus on the keys to successful, local fall bass fishing.  
Fall Fishing - Targeting Bass

Fishing with Children

By Dan Grulke There are many ways to enjoy a successful fishing trip with children. The main principle is to make it fun, end the fishing trip while they are still having fun and help them achieve a positive and attainable experience. Below are some of the techniques I use with kids in our fishing classes.
Fishing with Children

Striped Bass Fishing in Fairfax County

Striped Bass Fishing in Fairfax County
By Chase Brown
Striped Bass Fishing in Fairfax County

Maintaining Your Fishing Equipment

By Chase Brown Proper maintenance off all your fishing equipment -- including rods, reels, tackle, accessories, etc.-- is important in order to extend its life and get the most use for your hard-earned dollar. Just like a wizard who needs a properly working wand to cast magic spells, the same holds true for you and your fishing rod. Below are some tips on how to extend the life of your equipment. Rods
Maintaining Your Fishing Equipment

Cold-Weather Fishing

By Dan Grulke Although the numbers of fish caught per outing decrease during the colder months of the year, the cool temperatures provide the angler with a better chance at a trophy fish (for some species). Fish in area waters that are still active include the smallmouth bass, walleye and musky. In addition, the larger-sized members of these species are generally the fish that are more active. These aspects are what provides the angler with a trophy of a lifetime opportunity.
Cold-Weather Fishing

How to Shop for Fishing Tackle (Part 1)

By Dan Grulke How do I know what type of fishing equipment to purchase? Do I need an expensive fishing rod? What is the best fishing reel to get? The purpose of this article will be to answer some of these questions to simplify things for your fishing needs.
How to Shop for Fishing Tackle (Part 1)

Trout Fishing in Virginia

By Chase Brown With winter upon us, many anglers may have put away their fishing gear until spring. But the freezing temperatures can offer some phenomenal trout fishing if you know where to go and what to use. Trout is the common name for fish belonging to the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, Salvelinus, as well as the subfamily Salmoninae of the family Salmonidae. The most popular species that you can find in Virginia are the rainbow trout, brown trout or the brook trout.
Trout Fishing in Virginia

The Fishing Season is Finally Back

The Fishing Season is Finally Back
By Chase Brown Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!
The Fishing Season is Finally Back

Park Authority Earns V3 Certified Employer Status

V3
The Fairfax County Park Authority has become certified as a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. This designation serves as a welcome sign for veterans seeking employment with the agency. The V3 Program helps employers develop and implement long-term strategies and nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring and retaining Veterans.
Park Authority Earns V3 Certified Employer Status

Help with Some Spring Cleaning in the Parks in April

Help with Some Spring Cleaning in the Parks in April
Help tidy up your local parks and clear the earth’s arteries by volunteering for some spring cleaning in April. It’s a great way for individuals, families and groups to earn service hours, work on team building or simply give back to the local community.
Help with Some Spring Cleaning in the Parks in April

Oakton HS Students Remove Invasive Plants from Difficult Run

Oakton HS Students Remove Invasive Plants from Difficult Run

Laurel Hill Park Volunteers Honored by Virginia House of Delegates

Laurel Hill Park Volunteers Honored by Virginia House of Delegates
  Pictured from left to right are Delegate Tran and Team Leader Susan Laume  
Laurel Hill Park Volunteers Honored by Virginia House of Delegates

Volunteers Clean Up Lake Accotink Park on MLK Day of Service

Volunteers Clean Up Lake Accotink Park on MLK Day of Service
More than 30 volunteers bundled up and braved the cold to help Lake Accotink Park on this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.  
Volunteers Clean Up Lake Accotink Park on MLK Day of Service

Volunteers Spend Day Off Cleaning Up Rabbit Branch Park

Volunteers Spend Day Off Cleaning Up Rabbit Branch Park
Volunteers Spend Day Off Cleaning Up Rabbit Branch Park

 

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