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.
If you like Fairfax County's new (voluntary) glass recycling efforts, please don't leave trash at drop-off sites. The trucks that move the purple containers cannot collect trash. Illegal dumping requires a separate truck to pick up the mess.
Photographer Jane Gamble says cold air and backlighting are the keys to getting a photograph of a redwinged blackbird blowing smoke rings. She caught this one last week at #huntleymeadows. Look for these birds in marshes, meadows, pastures and along the edges of golf courses near water hazards. #fairfaxparks #birdsofinstagram #redwingblackbird
Cabell's Mill is more than 220 years old and operated as a mill until 1916. It then became a guest house that once hosted Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. You can see it on a visit to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. 📷: Patricia Greenberg http://bit.ly/38Y4QG4
No, it's not a tree that hacks computers. Rather, the hackberry tree is a native of the Mid-Atlantic, including Northern Virginia. It has the honor of being named the 2020 Urban Tree of the Year by the Society of Municipal Arborists. Info: http://bit.ly/31fvI1G
Some water birds stick around all winter and others merely pass through our region. Go on a Winter Waterfowl Hike at Riverbend Park on Friday, February 7 and see what birds you can find.
Register now ➡️ http://bit.ly/2S6uMYW
REMINDER! Summer camp registration opens tomorrow - February 4. Are you ready? Be sure you test your login and password early today to give yourself plenty of time to troubleshoot issues. Don't miss out on our popular summer camps! #reptilecamp http://bit.ly/2GK6zSJ
Superb owl fact: Owls have 3 eyelids: for sleeping, blinking and for keeping the eye clean. And with this sleepy pic, we're going to end another fascinating #Superbowl Sunday. Thanks to all those whoooo hung around with us today. 🦉 We think you're all winners!
📷 :Tyler Reber
Superb owl fact: Owls lay their eggs over the course of a few days, so there will always be a size difference in the owl siblings, as they hatch at different times.
#fairfaxparks #superbowl #superbowlsunday
Suberb owl fact: Owls don’t make their own nests. Instead, they take over the abandoned nests of other birds.
📷: Eric Atkisson
#suberbowl @superbowlsunday #fairfaxparks
Suberb owl fact: Most baby birds are just called chicks, but baby owls have their own special title: owlets!
📷: Don Sweeney
#fairfaxparks #suberbowl #superbowlsunday
Suberb owl fact: Owls are farsighted, meaning they can’t see things close to their eyes clearly. 👀
📷: Don Sweeney
#Superbowlsunday #fairfaxparks
TRUE or FALSE? Owls can rotate their heads in a full circle.
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FALSE! Owls can turn their necks 135 degrees in either direction, giving them 270 degrees of movement, not 360. We still think that makes them suberb owls. 📷: Keith Freeburn
#superbowl #fairfaxparks
Happy #superbowl Sunday - our fav day to share facts and photos about the superb owls in our parks! 🦉 Owls are generally solitary, but a group of owls is called a “parliament” as they are considered to be of a wise disposition.
📷: Ed Eder
#fairfaxparks #superbowlsunday
🏈 Take a peek inside our 24,000 square foot field house at South Run RECenter. The 160-foot by 100-foot lined synthetic turf playing surface is used for lacrosse, soccer, football and other activities. http://bit.ly/37MFnyH
Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with the popular Animal Sweethearts Dance at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Saturday, February 8.
❤️🦊🐦🐰🐊❤️
Spaces still available; register today: http://bit.ly/2U7mDq1
Fun...Friends...Fitness. Everything you need for great results is included in your RECenter Membership! Sign up before Feb. 14 to save 15% on 4- and 12-month membership️s.
👯 http://bit.ly/2VY2wJf
A little fire, just a little, is good for nature in our parks. This past Wednesday, there were two prescribed burns at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The SMASH meadow, north of Walney Visitor Center, and a small meadow near Cabell’s Mill were carefully burned to suppress non-native invasive plants and woody species and to enrich the soil. This was a team effort of ECLP staff, the Fire Department, Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch of the Park Authority, and a trained volunteer. 📷: Mike Bishop.
Railroad lines through Fairfax County were critical to both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War, and remnants of those lines are being preserved in some Fairfax County parks. Learn more in the latest issue of ArtiFACTS. http://bit.ly/38R3JI4
In celebration of Green Spring Gardens' 50th anniversary, we present #5 of 50 reasons to love Green Spring: Seeds. Start on your seedlings at this year's Seed Exchange tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, from 12:30-4:30pm. http://bit.ly/2RAT9z7
Don't forget! Today is the last day for the public to provide input on the Park Authority's 2020 fee adjustments.
More info ➡️ http://bit.ly/376c6iC
The Park Authority and the McLean Project for the Arts invite the public to an open house to discuss the potential for development of an arts and education center at Clemyjontri Park: Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30pm, McLean Community Center. http://bit.ly/2vsJQIP
At last week's meeting, the Park Authority Board elected 2020 officers. Congratulations to Chair William Bouie, Vice Chair Ken Quincy, Secretary Mike Thompson and new treasurer Timothy Hackman. More info: http://bit.ly/315XRYS
We have tee-rific news! ⛳ Burke Lake Golf Center's driving range was recognized as one of the Top 50 Public Ranges by Golf Range Magazine. 👏💯👏 http://bit.ly/37vQ7Bz
The Park Authority relies on volunteers and friends groups to help maintain and improve our 23,000 acres of park land. Learn how the community came together to plant new trees in Royal Lake's Lakeside Park. 🌳 http://bit.ly/30XETDt
Learn more about how Fairfax County is using parks to transform Tysons into a mixed-use destination. http://bit.ly/2GqU7HJ
TYSONS, Va. (WDVM) — Fairfax County is 10 years into transforming the Tysons area from a suburban office park to a multi-use area with park space. The county’s vision was to c…
Winter can be a beautiful time of year to take photos in Fairfax County parks, and the January issue of the Snapshots e-newsletter offers some tips on how to get you and your camera ready for a cold or snowy day.
📷: Kim Sharp
http://bit.ly/37uYVrr
What has four legs and sounds like a duck? Find out in our January blog offering. http://bit.ly/38OEnL3
🏞️ The Fairfax County Park Authority and Washington Gardener Magazine co-host the 15th Annual Seed Exchange at Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, Feb. 1. Gardening lectures, a seed swap, and expert planting advice. Plus a beautiful public gardens. 🌿 http://bit.ly/3a699jN #fairfaxparks #greenspringgardens #greenspring #publicgardens
Celebrate Chinese New Year with games, stories and crafts at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Saturday, January 25 (2-3pm). Ages 4+. $8. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2020/psa007
On behalf of all of the local strawberries at our farmer’s markets, we offer our condolences to Mr. Peanut. Our PB&J sandwiches will never be the same without you. #RIPeanut
Due to wet conditions, Jefferson Golf Course and the Lakes course at Twin Lakes and are closed today, Saturday, January 25.
🍁 How does maple syrup get from the tree to your breakfast table? Bundle up, watch and learn the old-fashioned process at the Maple Syrup Boil-Down at Colvin Run Mill on three Sundays this winter – Feb. 9, Feb. 23 and March 1. http://bit.ly/39XRScI
Fairfax County parks have something for everyone. #dollypartonchallenge
Pssss... We're not really on Tinder. But we know you'd swipe right if we were.
Today is Beer Can Appreciation Day. Really. We think that's a good idea, and we invite you to show some love, not just for beer cans, but for all cans. If you see one out in a park, exposed to the elements where it's freezing cold, stranded in a place where it could rust away into loneliness, show it some appreciation. Carefully pick up the can and any of its nearby friends, and gently place it and its buddies in a container where it can be properly recycled so that it can live a long, healthy, environmentally-friendly life. You'll feel good about it. #fairfaxparks #parks #recycle #beercanappreciationday
Number 4 of 50 reasons to love Green Spring Gardens. Art Classes. Green Spring offers drawing and watercolor classes throughout the year. #GreenSpring50 http://bit.ly/2Pt7eh1
🍬 Learn how to make candy with an old-fashioned taffy pull at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, February 8. ➡️ http://bit.ly/2NV444n
Join us for the next winter lecture at Green Spring Gardens. Hear from the gardener Judy Zatsick, who is carrying on in the spirit of Bunny Mellon at the Oak Spring Garden. Sat., Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at door. ➡️ http://bit.ly/2GjOdIm
Thank you to everyone who celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy by giving back to our community. Hidden Oaks naturalist Alex Doumbia led 800 people in a milkweed seed packet volunteer event at the Jewish Community Center in Fairfax. The event was presented by Volunteer Fairfax. For more volunteer opportunities in the parks, visit http://bit.ly/368BQti.
Head to Lake Fairfax Park to search for hidden treasure at a Geocaching Workshop on Saturday, February 8.
More info ➡️ http://bit.ly/2tFMGcT
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thanks to Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw, the Friends of Royal Lake and 60+ volunteers who celebrated Dr. King’s legacy with a day of service at Rabbit Branch Park. The group braved frigid temps to clean up the Fairfax park, including painting the park sign and removing 18 large bags of trash. #MLK
Keep moving forward.
Update: The Lakes course at Twin Lakes Golf Course is closed today, Sunday, January 19.
A week ago today, we had much warmer temps when 500+ people gathered at Burke Lake Park to watch a rehabilitated bald eagle be released. It was a beautiful sight and we can’t stop re-watching!
A rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into the wild at Burke Lake Park on Jan. 12, 2020. More information at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/anim...
The house at Sully Historic Site is currently closed through spring for renovation but it has seen plenty of cold winters - and frozen ink! When the house was constructed 200+ years ago, winter’s beauty would have offered many hardships. As the primary source of heat came from fires, entire wings of the house were closed off to minimize how much space needed to be heated, and in both the main house and the slave quarters people would make sure the fires kept burning. Even so, temperatures in the bedrooms would dip to below freezing overnight, and one letter describes how the ink in the inkwell had frozen solid. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site
Your pet can wear a sweater when it gets cold outside, but what do animals in the wild do to stay warm? Find out at the Winter Wonder Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Friday, January 24 at 4:30pm. Ages 4+. $8. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2020/psa008
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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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
Our parks were closed today but our talented animals at Frying Pan Farm Park spent the day making a video with advice on snow day fun. (Hint: it includes playing in snow!)
This weekend's snow storms seem to have mostly fizzled out, but we've got 30 seconds of tranquility in the parks thanks to last month's snow storms! Whether you're a snow lover or just need a moment of zen... enjoy!
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12099 Government Center PkwyFairfax County Office for Children
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Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Home
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Welcome to City of Fairfax Virginia
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Fairfax County Police Association
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National Capital Region Incident Management T
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