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This is the official page for the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Mission: The Park Authority’s mission is to set aside public spaces for and assist citizens in the protection and enhancement of environmental values, diversity of natural habitats and cultural heritage to guarantee that these resources will be available to both present and future generations. Our vision is to create and sustain quality facilities and services which offer citizens opportunities for recreation, improvement of their physical and mental well being, and enhancement of their quality of life.
All FCPA facilities and parking lots remain closed. In light of Virginia’s shelter-in-place order, the Park Authority asks residents to use trails near their home to meet health and fitness needs. When possible, please avoid driving to trails. Find a trail near you: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy
S-o-c-i-a-l D-i-s-t-a-n-c-i-n-g. Keep doing it.
Mapping COVID-19 in Fairfax County through geospatial resources: https://bit.ly/2wNwisp
Ah, Mom, you're embarrassing me. I already washed behind my ears. 📷: Jane Gamble
County operating status - What's open, what's not: https://bit.ly/35zxhI9
WIcked hair!
Female hooded merganser. 📷: Jane Gamble
If you have a backyard birdfeeder packed with either suet or sunflower seeds, you've probably had visits from these guys. Downy woodpeckers sometimes swing by hummingbird feeders, too. 📷: Jane Gamble
The Park Authority has an FAQ sheet that answers many of the questions you've asked about parks and the emergency situation we face. You'll find information and a link to that FAQ on this web page: https://bit.ly/3aC4Hso
Reminder: All Fairfax County Park Authority parks are closed; trails remain open. For more information or a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding park closures, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/coronavirus.
Ready to solve a history mystery?
This heavy, cast iron frog was donated to the Park Authority to add to our historic sites. In the 19th century, how do you think it would have been used?
Need a hint?
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Don’t close the door on any possible uses.
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Did you guess that this heavy, decorative frog could be used as a doorstop? It was donated by Margaret Gaver, a Fairfax County resident who collected antiques and wanted to help decorate county historic sites, particularly Sully Historic Site.
You can find real frogs at parks throughout Fairfax County.
Question: In what season do we start to see tadpoles?
Answer: Early Spring
Question: In what type of water source will you find tadpoles?
Answer: Vernal Pools
How to help the community during the coronavirus event: https://bit.ly/2xuyghe
This one's for Virginia Tech fans. Hokie had a baby! Our favorite Black Angus Cow (Remember the runaway cow? That was Hokie.) delivered a bull calf at 6:30 p.m. on March 25. Keeping with the Tech theme, his name is Skipper, named after the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets' cannon whose sound rumbles across Blacksburg at home football games. The cannon was created by a group of cadets in 1963 for the rivalry game against Virginia Military Institute.
In celebration of Green Spring Gardens' 50th anniversary, we present #13 of 50 reasons to love Green Spring: Rock gardens. The park has a beautiful collection of alpine and rock garden plants that burst with spring color. http://bit.ly/2vLe8Dw
Virginia State Golf Assoc. is holding a bracket tournament for favorite courses. Vote for Laurel Hill Golf Club today!! https://bit.ly/2UE3mLn @GolfFairfax #GolfFairfax
The starting point for information about coronavirus in Fairfax County is this web page: https://bit.ly/3bvD0SP
Sigh........We're not the only ones today with closed parks.
A big cheer for our colleagues at Public Works. They've come up with a new field journal for kids. Explore nature through art, writing, and science.....and it's fun! It's online at https://bit.ly/2QLcQU3.
We are going to start your day with good news. Piggies at Frying Pan Farm Park! Our Hampshire sow Addie (short for Adidas) delivered her first litter of piglets a few days ago. The babes started coming at midnight on Friday, March 20, and it was about 4:30 a.m. when the last delivery arrived and Farmer Paul could say, "That'll do, pig." https://bit.ly/2vFMcB8
Ahhh, we have good news from Frying Pan Farm Park. Congratulations to Trixie and the farm staff. The Hereford cow delivered this beautiful bull calf at around 7 a.m. on March 23. https://bit.ly/2vFMcB8
Need something cute and fuzzy today? 📷: Jane Gamble
Please don't be these guys on park trails.
Please observe S-O-C-I-A-L D-I-S-T-A-N-C-I-N-G.
📷: Yvonne Johnson
Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, all Fairfax County Park Authority parks and amenities are closed to the public until further notice. Trails will remain open for individual use, not group use. Adherence to all social distancing recommendations will be required. The closures are in in response to Governor Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Closures will include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. More info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/coronavirus
While you're at home getting thoroughly acquainted with dust bunnies you didn't realize were there, we're going to continue trying to bring parks to you. Since Green Spring Gardens is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we did a little research into the park's history. Ever wonder how the park came to be one of the premier public gardens in the Washington metro area? Here's the answer: https://bit.ly/2Ud5hYn
Effective immediately, all Park Authority playgrounds, skate parks and restrooms will be closed until further notice. Signs will be posted at all affected locations. Please adhere to all closure notices and current social distancing recommendations. https://bit.ly/2U5dixb
Our colleagues at the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services have a field guide to plants and animals in Fairfax County. Make nature fun and educational. Appropriate for kids and adults. The guide is online. See it at https://bit.ly/2UnykqX
Fairfax County has an emergency blog for the latest information at https://bit.ly/2PNecxW
Fairfax County's 2020 Earth Day Fairfax Festival on April 25, unfortunately, is canceled. It makes sense under the current restrictions regarding sizes of gatherings and recommended social distancing. Health and safety is the priority. Vendors who have paid fees can get a full refund through FCPA’s Registration Office. Please be patient – there are lots of refund requests to process. https://bit.ly/2xfpHqu
Visiting our parks today? Please follow these guidelines:
⏱ Plan short visits to reduce crowding
👨🏼🦽- - - - 🏃🏽♀️ Stay 6 feet apart
👨👨👧👦👩👩👧👧 Avoid groups of people
🥤Take trash home with you
🚗 Do not park illegally
🌳 Respect our parks
Thank you.
Excellent example of social distancing at Lake Mercer.
If you are using our trails, kindly let people know when you are approaching from behind so they can move to the side and maintain a 6-foot distance. https://bit.ly/3dhfhay
Eight years ago, the United Nations designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests. A glass of water, a notebook, medicine, and a house -- they all have connections to forests, and forests are home to more than 80% of earth's terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. On this day, take care of your health, and do your singular part to protect the health of our local forests. https://bit.ly/2QxLYXy #fairfaxparks #internationaldayofforests
Need local info on coronavirus? The Fairfax County Health Department has it: https://bit.ly/314rklI
Although social distancing is in effect, we understand outdoor play is important. If you take your kids to a playground, we recommend wiping equipment with disinfectant wipes before and after use. Make sure kids clean hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, too.
Vote for Laurel Hill Golf Club today!! https://bit.ly/2WwZ9vz
Since Pattie's piglets are still in the barn at Frying Pan Farm Park and that part of the farm can't be accessed by the public at the moment, we figured we'd give you a peek behind the scenes as they nap under a warming heat lamp. See more newborn pics at https://bit.ly/2vFMcB8 📷: Yvonne Johnson
In addition to social distancing, please follow all park rules. Green Spring Gardens is a horticultural park with trails designed for pedestrian use ONLY. In order to protect this unique resource and AAM-accredited plant collection, please note that bikes, skateboards, roller blades, motorized devices, ball games and kites are always prohibited. https://bit.ly/33yi62q
Please note that Park Authority facilities are now closed until further notice. Open-air parks remain open; visitors should follow all social distancing guidelines. All programs through April 14 are also canceled. More info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/coronavirus
Don't forget to pre-order by March 21 for the Native Plant Sale sponsored by the Friends of Riverbend Park. Choose from native plants, ferns and shrubs suited for local climate and that benefit local wildlife. Proceeds from the sale benefit Riverbend Park. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2020/psa036
In celebration of Green Spring Gardens' 50th anniversary, we present #12 of 50 reasons to love Green Spring: Spring bulbs. These beautiful blooms brighten the winter landscape with an endless array of colors, shapes and sizes. http://bit.ly/2vLe8Dw
Naturalists have been telling us for years that toads are born from large egg masses. But we know the real truth. They develop inside of tulips! 📷: Carol Ochs
While our parks are open, we remind visitors to follow currently social distancing recommendations: limit groups to 10 or fewer and maintain a minimum of six feet between persons. Connect with the outdoors, not each other. http://bit.ly/33wnMKk
While our indoor facilities are closed, our outdoor parks and trails are OPEN! Being active outside is a great way to stay healthy and de-stress. Embrace what you CAN do outdoors!
*Please remember to following social distancing recommendations; avoid groups of 10+ people.
Cheery news. Pattie, a Hampshire Sow at Frying Pan Farm Park, gave birth to her first litter of piglets on March 8. And a nice surprise yesterday when staff went to feed the cattle. They found that Evee, a Black Angus Cow, had delivered her first calf, weighing in at 75 pounds! Since it was St. Patrick’s Day, he was named Guinness.
Please note that the three farmyard gates are closed at this time to limit public interaction in the barn and with staff. Therefore, the piglets are not on display. Evee and her calf will be out front on nice days. Park grounds/trails are open in other places -- just not at the barnyard. http://bit.ly/2vFMcB8
The community meeting on the Lake Accotink Park Master Plan Revision scheduled for March 31 is postponed indefinitely. Scheduling for the April 18 meeting is being re-evaluated. Details: http://bit.ly/2IR4QN1
The Bluegrass Barn concert featuring Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands at Frying Pan Farm Park on Sunday eve, April 26, is canceled due to traveling concerns. Ticket purchase fees will be refunded to park member accounts for future use. Call the registration desk, 703-222-4664, during business hours to have the fees refunded to your credit card. We regret the cancellation and thank you for supporting Bluegrass Barn. http://bit.ly/2l3cT0P
Be "green" today! Corral the kids in the kitchen and do a green scavenger hunt... find all the green foods in the pantry and refrigerator. Then talk about which one are the healthiest choices and do a taste test. #healthystrides
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, VA
22035
The Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded the 2010 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the park's and recreation industry's highest honor.
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To all the girls finding your passion in our parks, in the classroom and in our communities... we see you. And we can't wait to see what you have in store for us. #internationalwomensday
The recent rains have turned many of our quiet waterways into fast-moving rivers, leaving some trails impassable. This video is from Lake Accotink yesterday. Please use caution in the parks and report park damage here: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/tree-removal 📷: EA Dustin #turnarounddontdrown
Rehabilitated bald eagle release at Burke Lake Park.
The #3 spot on our Instagram countdown brings us back to to our first snow storm of the year on January 13, 2019. We all loved watching Frying Pan Farm’s draft horses Jeff and Charlie play in the snow!
Crush your workout routine with a mix of everything at the RECenters. 🏊♀️⛹️♂️🏋️♂️ 30-day pass for $30 through Dec. 31 for new members!
#Blackfriday is here! And so are special deals at #GolfFairfax this weekend! ⛳ http://bit.ly/2QtMN4B
Many of our most popular park programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Fairfax County Park Foundation. From the Discovery Trails bike giveaway to Burke Lake Park Ghost Train to our Summer Entertainment Series, we're grateful for their continued support of our growing park system! #GivingTuesday https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/
It's almost time for the Fall Golf Pass Sale!! Claim your #savings at pro shops in six #golf courses near you. http://bit.ly/2PzmPIC ⛳Burke Lake ⛳ Greendale, ⛳Pinecrest, ⛳Jefferson, ⛳Oak Marr ⛳Twin Lakes!
This weekend! Fun campfire programs at four parks across the county! http://bit.ly/2IWIfPC 🔥Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly 🔥Riverbend Park, Great Falls 🔥Lake Fairfax Park, Reston 🔥Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
Campfire programs are popping up at four parks across the county this Saturday, Nov 9, so there’s no excuse to stay indoors! http://bit.ly/2IWIfPC 🔥Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly 🔥Riverbend Park, Great Falls 🔥Lake Fairfax Park, Reston 🔥Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
🍁Do some fall leaf-peeping from the water this weekend. Paddle your way into #fairfaxfoliage at Lake Accotink in Springfield, to see glorious natural tunnels of orange, yellow and red leaves.🍁🚣https://bit.ly/367MXEb
We had a beautiful fall day to officially open the new synthetic turf field at Larry Graves Park in Falls Church this month. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the celebration! City of Falls Church Government More pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ffxparks/albums/72157711252127723
🎉WOW! We had such a great turnout for the Hidden Oaks’ 50th Anniversary Celebration this past Saturday🎉. A big shout out to everyone in the community who has supported Fairfax County Park Authority’s first nature center since 1969. 📸http://bit.ly/33P7b3d
Hop aboard the Ghost Train for a fun-filled Halloween ride at Burke Lake Park this weekend.🚂 http://bit.ly/2B340c5
"And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves..." - Virginia Woolf Check out the changing leaves in the parks this week! #fairfaxfoliage
In 1928, when Clinton "Cider Press" Jones invested in a cider press for his Fairfax farm, Fairfax County had 25,000 residents but 140,000 apple trees! Apples were a core Fairfax County industry. Come see his antique cider press in action at Frying Pan Farm Park's Harvest Days this weekend: October 19-20 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park
Learn how a chainsaw artist gave a tree new life after a lightning strike. Join us as we unveil the new tree sculpture and bench at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center 50th Anniversary Open House this Saturday, October 19! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-oaks-50th-anniversary
Raise your hand if you are looking for something for than a gym this #fall for you and your squad🙌. Your local RECenters have it all- fitness, sports, classes and play! FREE 7 day trial, up to 3 FREE coaching sessions, FREE body composition analysis, all access pass to nine Recenters & indoor pools + 15% OFF on memberships! Offer ends Oct.15! http://bit.ly/2llsR6B
Usually the buzz of a chainsaw means the end of a tree. This time, it’s the beginning of a piece of art. Chainsaw artist Andrew Mallon is hard at work carving a tulip poplar that was struck by lightning at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. Check out this sneak peak of his whimsical woodland carving! 🌳 🐿 🦊 🦉 🐍 Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2019/z-ir129
#throwbackthursday to our first snow storm of 2019. Our draft horses Jeff and Charlie enjoyed playing on the snow. January 13, 2019
It’s a PERFECT day to get on the Discovery Trail! Pick up a map, visit eight parks and redeem for this coupon book full of FREE summer fun in Fairfax parks. The books are $90+ in value and include: ✔️ One free night stay at a campsite ✔️ One free carousel ride ✔️ One free wagon ride ✔️ One free train ride ✔️ One free boat rental ✔️ One free boat tour ✔️ One free pedal boat rental ✔️ One free round of mini golf ✔️ One free RECenter pass (includes Cub Run RECenter leisure pool and Mt. Vernon Ice Rink) ✔️ Plus a chance to win a bicycle from Spokes! What are you waiting for? Get on the Discovery Trail today! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/discovery-trail-map
The iconic Virginia LOVE letters received a warm welcome from the animals at Frying Pan Farm Park today! The letters are visiting 11 sites in Fairfax County to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers. They will be on display at Frying Pan through August 4, before moving to their permanent location at the Workhouse Arts Center. Stop by, take a pic and share online! #FPLove #FXVA #LoveVA #gameonjuly Visit Fairfax ❤️ http://bit.ly/2HnPtdJ
On Wednesday evening, Frying Pan Farm staff were locking up Kidwell Barn when strong thunderstorms rolled through the area. Though they were safe inside the barn while filming the rain, they were a bit shocked when lightning struck nearby. The bolt appeared to hit the Lace Bark Elm tree outside the barn. No staff members or animals were hurt but we will have a Fairfax County forestry crew out to inspect the tree. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park
Beat the heat with a trip to The Water Mine at Lake Fairfax this weekend! Whether you’re toddling in the bubbling waters, sliding down three stories of fun or relaxing in the lazy river... there's something for everyone at this Reston water park! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine
Come horse around and visit the animals of Frying Pan Farm Park. 🐴 The Herndon farm is open daily for #FREE fun ... rain or shine! 🌧 #gameonjuly http://bit.ly/326Qnoi
Have you earned your Discovery Trail prize pack yet? Pick up a map, visit eight parks and redeem for this coupon book full of FREE summer fun in Fairfax parks. The books are $90+ in value and include: ✔️ One free night stay at a campsite ✔️ One free carousel ride ✔️ One free wagon ride ✔️ One free train ride ✔️ One free boat rental ✔️ One free boat tour ✔️ One free pedal boat rental ✔️ One free round of mini golf ✔️ One free RECenter pass (includes Cub Run RECenter leisure pool and Mt. Vernon Ice Rink) ✔️ Plus a chance to win a bicycle from Spokes! What are you waiting for? Get on the Discovery Trail today! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/discovery-trail-map
Thanks to Twitter user @ycwhite for sharing this video of debris on the Cross County Trail under the 495 overpass (near Wakefield Park). Please use caution as our crews work to clear debris from trails across the county following yesterday's rains. To report downed trees or damage, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/tree-removal
With so much to do at Burke Lake Park, you might need more than a day! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake
Check out all these folks who have done the #fcpamoonwalk on our Discovery Trail this year! Pick up a map, collect stamps and redeem them for a prize pack for even more fun in the parks this summer! 🚀 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/discovery-trail-map
A remnant of the Manassas Gap Railroad. It had quite a history for a rail line that didn't quite get to be a rail line. Its story is in our latest blog at http://bit.ly/2KKbcQh. #manassasgaprailroad #railroad
Jeff and Charlie did not let yesterday’s storms ruin their day. The draft horses cooled off in the rain while enjoying an afternoon snack at Frying Pan Farm Park.
Fairfax County’s Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony took place today at the new Public Safety Headquarters and we were humbled to be able to watch from the Park Authority offices next door. Fairfax County Police Chaplain Michael Shochet delivered this moving rendition of “You Raise Me Up.” Today we remember those who have given their lives in service to our home, we thank those who serve to protect us, and we are honored to have you as our neighbor. Fairfax County Police Department Fairfax County Government
Big thanks to everyone who came out to Sully Historic Site to celebrate SpringFEST Fairfax. We had a blast celebrating Mother Earth and can't wait to do it again next year!
Join us Saturday, April 27, 2019 (10am-4pm) at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly for our annual SpringFEST Fairfax Celebration! Bring the whole family to celebrate our beautiful planet with free entertainment, interactive exhibits, vendors, food trucks and more! Admission is free; parking is $10. www.springfestfairfax.org
Wondering where all the noise comes from? Vernal pools. This is what they look like – ponds of stable water in the woods. This one is right next to a park hiking path. The occasional rings on the surface of the water are frogs, perhaps wood frogs. The tweeting sounds are spring peepers. Those sounds will be joined soon by calls of the upland chorus frog, which sound like running your finger over the tines of a comb.
May luck be with you in all of your days, And green surround you every step of the way. Take some time to find a little green in the parks today! ☘️
Still figuring out summer camp plans? Give your kids a summer to remember in Fairfax parks. From kayaking to cupcake wars, we've got something for everyone! Explore options online or join us Saturday, March 9 for our annual Camp Expo! www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/camps
Looking to change up your fitness routine? Check out paddleboard yoga at South Run RECenter. Find classes now: http://bit.ly/2IUDQ1I
Fairfax County is beginning a strategic planning process to shape the future together – and we want to hear from you! What are your hopes for the future of our community? Challenges you see in living here? Top priorities? Take the short survey or join a community conversation in person. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/strategicplan
Fairfax County Land Use Planning
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 730Fairfax County Office for Children
12011 Government Center Pkwy, Ste 920Master Food Volunteers of Northern Virginia
12011 Government Center ParkwayFairfax County Volunteer Solutions
12011 Government Center Pkwy Suite 708Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
12011 Government Center PkwyAsian American Law Enforcement Association -
12099 Government Center PkwyNational Capital Region Incident Management T
12099 Government Center ParkwayFairfax County Citizen Corps Council - Social
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U.S. Army Recruiting Center Fairfax
11240 Waples Mill Rd, Suite 110
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Explorer Post 19
4600 West Ox Rd
Leesburg / Loudoun DUI Lawyer - Carleton Penn
4103 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 100
Fairfax City Economic Development Authority
10455 Armstrong Street
Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commissio
12000 Government Center Pkwy Ste 318
Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Home
12000 Government Center Pkwy, # 333
Career and Technical Education - Fairfax Coun
3877 Fairfax Ridge Rd
