Picnic Areas

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
703-324-8732 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105
Fairfax, VA 22035-5500
Morgan Chapin
Picnic Reservation Coordinator

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Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Reservable Areas

Picnic Reservations

Thank you for your interest in a Fairfax County Park Authority park for your picnic! We are proud of our parks and are confident that you will enjoy your day. Keep in mind sites are in great demand, so make your reservation early.

To make a reservation, please book online, fill out the web form, or submit an application. Once payment is received, a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) will be issued by email.  

  1. Book Online: For immediate permitting of select facilities and timeslots (available for rentals 10 or more days in advance)
    • Note: Special Requests may take additional time for the approval process. For rentals with no additional requests or issues, final permits will be issued 7-10 business days in advance of the reservation date.
  2. Web Application:  Please fill out the web form, this request will be sent directly to the Picnics Department. 
    • Note: Do NOT include payment information – once the form is received and reviewed you will be contacted to confirm availability, to collect payment information, and complete the reservation process.
  3. Download and complete the Picnic Area/Picnic Shelter Application and submit one of the following ways along with the appropriate payment.
    • Mail: FCPA Picnic Department – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500
      • Note: Do NOT mail cash payments; checks can be made out to "FCPA Picnics"
    • In person: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500  
      • Note: Contact us in advance for updated office hours and staff availability.
    • Fax: 703-653-6672 
      • Note: Please include payment information on faxed applications.

Web Forms or Applications may take up to 3-5 business days to process. Without a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) the reservation is not confirmed. The Picnic Department does not accept reservations over the phone. The Picnic Department stops accepting applications for the upcoming weekend Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.

*Full day reservations available 9 a.m. – Sunset. Rental fee is per day, single use rate. 
**Half day reservations are not permitted at this site.
¹ Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays.
² Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.

*Hourly reservations available sunrise to sunset. Rental fee is per 4-hour minimum time slot, single use rate. This unit is not web bookable. To book the Amphitheater, please submit a picnic application.
¹ Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.​​​​​​​
² Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Pond Shelter

Ellanor C. Lawrence ShelterSeating Capacity: 24
Maximum Capacity: 30
Tables: 5 (Exact amount may vary)
Grills: 1
Electricity: No
Prime¹ Full Day*: $85
Non-Prime² Full Day*: $60
 

AMPLIFIED SOUND AND INFLATABLES NOT PERMITTED AT THIS SITE.
Food Truck may be permitted at this site.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has a rentable picnic shelter next to the park's pond and across the street from Cabell's Mill.

 
Click for Availability Calendar

Ellanor C. Lawrence Amphitheater

Ellanor C. Lawrence Amphitheater

Maximum Capacity: 75
Electricity: Yes
Prime¹: $25/hr (4-hr minimum)
Non-Prime²: $15/hr (4-hr minimum)

 
Contact Picnic Department for availability

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Amenities

Visit Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

  • Softball fields
  • Baseball fields
  • Soccer fields
  • Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Visitor Center
  • Pond
  • Trails
  • Pond Shelter - Seasonal Portable Restroom (April - October); Amphitheater - Seasonal restrooms at the Visitor Center
Picnic Area Rules

Picnic at the Parks

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