703-324-8702
TTY 711
Elizabeth Ittner, M.S.,
Certified Wellness Practitioner
Step into 2020 with a healthy hike! Dress for the weather and get out to a parks…we have trails for all experience levels and abilities. Participate in First Hike Fairfax. To learn more, visit First Hike.
For more info about Scott's Run, visit Scott's Run
TAKE THE STAIRS TO SEE WHERE I STAND TALL AMONGST THE TREES.
Join the 2020 MISSION: GET ACTIVE Scavenger Hunt and head out to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to solve the clue. ACCEPT THE MISSION! Visit the SCAVENGER HUNT tab on the Healthy Strides webpage to download your Scavenger Hunt form and get started earning prizes!
Being active outdoors supports health and wellness. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is the GET ACTIVE in the parks! Visit Fairfax County Parks to connect with nature and your health.
Follow along with the 2020 Healthy Strides calendar and complete this scavenger hunt throughout the year. Parks can be visited in any order. Use the clue associated with the featured park to guide you to an attraction unique to that park. Prizes are awarded based on number of parks visited and items found on this list. Good luck and have fun!
| # | FEATURED PARK | CLUE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scott’s Run Nature Preserve 7400 Georgetown Pike McLean, Virginia |
Take the stairs to see where I stand tall amongst the trees. |
| 2 | Cub Run RECenter 4630 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, Virginia |
You can find me swimming in the RECenter lobby. |
| 3 | Pinecrest Golf Course 6600 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, Virginia |
Species of bird seen on the Audubon International sign. |
| 4 | Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Road Fairfax Station, Virginia |
From here, you can drop a line far into the lake. |
| 5 | Lake Fairfax Park 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive Reston, Virginia |
This place of ups and downs provides all the energy needed to make you go. |
| 6 | Lake Accotink Park 7500 Accotink Park Road Springfield, Virginia |
I forever sit on top of the weathervane at the marina. |
| 7 | Lee District Park 601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia |
These can be used to make music on Chessie’s Trail. |
| 8 | South Run Park 7550 Reservation Drive Springfield, Virginia |
It’s a special place at the front entrance to South Run Park where all the plants grow. |
| 9 | Clemyjontri Park 6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, Virginia |
I hop along the pages, yet I never move. |
| 10 | Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria, Virginia |
My plaque will tell you the year I was built. |
| 11 | Frying Pan Farm Park 2709 West Ox Road Herndon, Virginia |
I’m big, red, the animals live inside and my name is posted over the door. |
| 12 | The Turner Farm 925 Springvale Road Great Falls, Virginia |
How far does the sidewalk go? |
Click HERE to download and print your form. Clues, locations and submission instructions are found on the form.
Visit the featured parks throughout the year in any order. Follow the clues to find the items at each park. Check the FCPA website ahead of time for park hours. Don’t forget to take pictures of your mission – we’d love to see you in action!
When you have visited at least six (6) parks or found at least six (6) items, submit your completed scavenger hunt form between March 1 – December 15, 2020.
The more featured parks you visit and clues you solve, the more prizes you earn!
GOT PHOTOS? Snap a photo of yourself completing your scavenger hunt mission in the parks OR of you doing something healthy in the parks. Your photo may be featured on our website! Send your photos to FCPAHealthyStrides@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Make healthy strides in your own life by joining the Healthy Strides Wellness Book Club! This club is for adults and meets at different Fairfax County Public Library sites each month. Discussion on the featured books will be led by a Healthy Strides Ambassador, on topics in health, fitness, nutrition and wellness.
2020 Schedule and Book List to be released soon… check back!
PROGRAM LAUNCHING IN 2020
Play an important part of creating a healthy culture and community in Fairfax County! We are seeking people who are passionate about health and wellness, who are familiar with FCPA’s Healthy Strides program, and who want to tell a story of community wellness through parks. As a Healthy Strides Ambassador, you can participate in any of these roles:
What is Park Rx?
There are currently more than 400 studies that demonstrate the numerous health benefits that nature provides. FCPA’s Park Rx program is encouraging local medical practitioners to act on this research and prescribe park visits and activities as a way for managing chronic health conditions. There will be resources for patients and practitioners on the Healthy Strides website, coming soon.
All Healthy Strides Ambassadors receive a Welcome Packet, including a special Healthy Strides Ambassador t-shirt, water bottle, and “Ask Me” pin, as well as the benefits of being an FCPA volunteer.
APPLY TO BE A HEALTHY STRIDES AMBASSADOR — YOU WILL BE CONTACTED IN 2020 WITH MORE DETAILS
COMING IN 2020
Connect with new people, breathe fresh air… Get OUT and WALK! Healthy Strides Walking Groups meet at local parks on a weekly basis. Walk distance, level of difficulty, and population vary by group. All walking groups are led by a trained Healthy Strides Ambassador.
Welcome to Healthy Strides – giving you 12 Steps for a Healthier Year! Don't miss out on this year's great wellness opportunities in the Fairfax County community!
The Healthy Strides program is free* and anyone can participate at any time.
This program is designed to:
Contact Us
Healthy Strides Program Coordinator:
Elizabeth Ittner, M.S., Certified Wellness Practitioner
Wellness Program Coordinator, Fairfax County Park Authority
Email | FCPAHealthyStrides@fairfaxcounty.gov
January is Thyroid Awareness Month and Glaucoma Awareness Month.
1: New Year’s Day 2020
