Alert:
"This year’s theme, Build Together, Play Together, reminds us that parks are built not just with trails and playgrounds, but with the shared experiences of the people who use them. From planning new spaces to enjoying a game, a walk, or a class together, our parks are shaped by community, and they’re where community comes to life."
On Thursday, July 14, Fairfax County officially proclaimed July as National Park and Recreation Month, recognizing the vital role parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities play in building healthy, connected communities.
The celebration took place during Evening on the Ellipse at the Fairfax County Government Center, where county leaders including Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and Park Authority Board Chair Kiel Stone presented the official proclamation and honored the 2025 Outstanding Volunteers who help our parks thrive.
Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with activities that bring people together! This year’s theme, Build Together, Play Together, is all about community connection.
Get involved:
Come out, meet your neighbors and help make our parks even better!
Fairfax County parks offer inclusive experiences for individuals of all abilities — from sensory-friendly play zones to accessible trails to adapted programs.
Join inclusive programs designed for all ages and abilities! From award-winning adapted aquatics to dance, fitness, music, nature and sports, Fairfax County Park Authority offers structured, supportive classes led by experienced instructors.
Get out and hike, bike or walk with over 22,000 acres of land, the Park Authority is the leading provider of active and passive recreational facilities in the region. Enjoy over 334 miles of trails in the County’s park system alone.
This July, escape the heat at one of our many waterfront parks!
Bring joy with carousel rides, mini-golf and train excursions:
Challenge yourself at the newly opened rock climbing wall and bouldering area at Mount Vernon Rec Center. Discover your inner strength and learn a new, exciting sport!
Take to the ice at one of Mount Vernon Rec Center’s NHL-sized ice rinks! Live out your figure skating dreams or simply cool off from the summer heat.
Experience the sport that’s sweeping the nation- pickleball! This racquet-based sport is the perfect casual social activity for all ages. Find a pickleball court near you using the Fairfax County Park Amenity Locator.
As part of Park and Recreation Month, we are celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals. Our dedicated professionals build strong, vibrant and resilient communities through their dedication and commitment to the field of parks and recreation. Park and recreation professionals play a key role in ensuring all community members have equitable opportunities to get active. Want to join our award-winning team?
Learn more at #joinFCPA.
"FCPA is a place that feels like home, and it has given me the opportunity to grow into the professional I want to be,” says Kimesha Junkins, Operations Branch Manager for the Park Services Division. “My current position has been the most challenging and rewarding position I have ever held, and it is a true honor working with the Park Service's Leadership Team, Rec Center Mangers, and various Divisions within the Park Authority!"
"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead the Mount Vernon Team and reopen the Mount Vernon Rec Center doors to the community," says Sands Smith, manager of Mount Vernon Rec Center. “I have gotten to the position today by being dependable, working effectively with my team members and actively seeking unique experiences within the Park Authority."
"It’s all about creating memories. Whether it’s the annual Lake Fairfax Park fireworks show celebrating the 4th of July, Summer Camp and Volunteer opportunities. There’s nothing like seeing different cultures enjoying the park in multiple facets. It provides the glimmers I need to keep creating."
"As a parks and recreation professional, building community means creating spaces where people can play, connect and thrive. At Twin Lakes Golf Course, we bring this to life with 36 holes of championship golf, practice facilities, adult leagues, group lessons for all ages, and much more. Seeing people bond, grow, and find joy in golf is what makes my work so rewarding."
"My job creates opportunities for people to meet and form connections that go beyond the workplace. This builds relationships between people who wouldn’t normally get together, and I think that’s the amazing part of my job."
"Our first step is designing inclusive and welcoming spaces with amenities for all ages and abilities—a collaborative effort that includes both internal and external stakeholders. Neighborhood parks are more than a destination; they are the pulse of the community. By focusing on equity, engagement, and enjoyment, we can transform physical space into a place to recreate, which supports community well-being. We work hard to ensure that these spaces are safe, well-maintained and open for business. We are in the business of fostering community, health & wellness and a place of belonging."
"Farmers Markets make a big county like Fairfax feel smaller. Each week, neighbors mingle, share stories with the vendors they know and love, and get to connect over delicious local food. As one customer recently pointed out, ‘Everyone just seems happy here.’ From fresh food drives to composting competitions, I am proud to help residents connect with each other, their farmers and their county."
"There is a special superpower that our Long Range Planning team offers to help create spaces for people to play, connect, and thrive. It’s through the power of connection and community building. It can be a bit behind-the-scenes because it’s done before development and construction take place. An integral part of our park planning process is meaningful and inclusionary community engagement to help us work with the community to identify, prioritize, and implement their vision for parks and open space within their community and throughout the county. This partnership between the residents, community groups, and other county agencies ensures we’re working alongside residents to create a park system that reflect their park visions. I’d say we plan together, build together, and play together!” "
"My engineering internship is helping me grow both technically and personally. I am gaining insight into project lifecycles, improving my field and reporting skills, and seeing firsthand how thoughtful, inclusive park design serves the community. These lessons are shaping my understanding of the industry and its impact on people’s lives, which are lessons I’ll carry into my future career. "
"As an HR intern with Fairfax County Park Authority, I support employee engagement, internal communication, and retention efforts. This role is helping me grow my HR skills while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the workplace for a diverse workforce."
This new facility features an expanded Ice Arena, modern Fitness Center and the Park Authority’s first ever climbing wall.
Explore four exciting additions to the park system—two brand-new parks and two revitalized community favorites. Each space offers fresh, thoughtfully designed features that meet the unique needs of its neighborhood.
Mount Vernon Woods Park - This all-ages destination includes a playground, multi-sport court, open play field, fitness area and more—with a new skate park coming soon.
Ruckstuhl Park - Nestled in Vienna, this peaceful retreat features a playground, outdoor fitness stations, ADA-accessible trails and a picnic pavilion—perfect for neighborhood strolls and quiet afternoons.
Hybla Valley Park - Now home to a vibrant, all-ability playground and a reimagined multi-sport court, this park also boasts improved parking and enhanced accessibility for the surrounding community.
McLean Central Park - This community hub has been transformed with an inclusive playground, expanded pavilion seating, upgraded courts, refreshed fitness areas and enhanced trails and landscaping.
These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for all.
To find a park near you and explore everything Fairfax County parks have to offer, visit Park Amenity Locator.