Fairfax County Park Authority

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Fairfax County Park Authority

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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.

09/06/2020

Here's one idea for how to spend a day in a park.
📷: Laura Strecker
https://bit.ly/2vLe8Dw
#greenspring #greenspringgardens #fairfaxparks #fairfaxcounty #gardens #gardenlife #gardening #painting #painters

09/06/2020

The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a virtual information meeting about the proposed Long Branch Stream Valley Trail Maintenance project on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will provide an update on the project, which includes reconstruction of about a mile of trail in Long Branch Stream Valley Park. https://bit.ly/31zogzX

09/06/2020

Have you explored the Children's Garden at Green Spring Gardens? It's an excellent learning opportunity, especially for kids who are schooling from home right now. See the video at https://bit.ly/32SE3JB

09/06/2020

How about an adventure with wildlife! Our nature centers have outdoor programs. https://bit.ly/3gpjQA6
📷: Charlotte Geary Photography
#fairfaxparks #fairfaxcounty #hiddenoaks #hiddenoaksnaturecenter #wildlife #snakes #parks

09/05/2020

A round of applause, if not a standing ovation, for scouts from Scouts BSA Troop 13. They freed 11 trees from being strangled by invasive English ivy (Yeah, that ivy's invasive) and pulled out more than 30 bags of invasive plants such as thorny multiflora rose, wineberry, amur honeysuckle, and Japanese stiltgrass. These guys spent 10 hours over two weekends volunteering in Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, and at least two of them plan to remove invasive plants in the park as their Eagle project. Like these guys! https://bit.ly/3dGyIIL

09/05/2020

Preschoolers benefit from daily outdoor play. Encourage their natural curiosity by exploring forest critters on either Sept. 9 or Sept. 23 from 10-10:45 a.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Naturalists lead a small group on a hike, in outdoor activities, and through a live animal introduction. Ages 4 and 5. Each session is $8 per child. https://bit.ly/3gTJX2k

09/05/2020

The Park Authority Board will hold a public virtual meeting on September 9 at 5 p.m. Details at https://bit.ly/3jIqG5D
📷: Native cardinal flower in Difficult Run Stream Valley by Sara Holtz

09/05/2020

Let's play some foot golf. We'll meet you on the course at Pinecrest. https://bit.ly/2ZnzmVf

09/04/2020

Mini golf at #JeffersonGolf is getting a makeover. Updates include new greens, enhanced landscaping, drainage and power washing of the ponds, and a fresh coat of paint for the pavilion. Follow us @GolfFairfax to stay posted on the reopening. #MiniGolf https://bit.ly/3lzKie1

09/04/2020

Did you know that swimming is prohibited in all ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and bays or from shoreline of water bodies owned or maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority without the express written permission of the Park Authority? Safety is the big reason. Another is health. You can see by this link that the Health Department discourages swimming in any county waters: https://bit.ly/2yT4fW9. Here's more information from state officials: https://bit.ly/3hCY1OY.
📷: Lake Accotink by Matthew Dryden

09/04/2020

There’s never been a better time to get fit at a Park Authority RECenter. Get a 60-day pass for $30. The pass is good for 60 consecutive days from the date of purchase. Sale going on now through Sept. 30. https://bit.ly/3gEujZe

09/04/2020

Today we present #35 of 50 reasons to love Green Spring Gardens: Wildlife. The gardens are home to a variety of wildlife. What animals have you spotted recently? Sept. 4 is National Wildlife Day. https://bit.ly/2vLe8Dw
#GreenSpring50

09/03/2020

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is scheduled to meet on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Find the board agenda and instructions on how to watch the meeting and provide comment at https://bit.ly/3jIqG5D.

09/03/2020

Spend a morning at Green Spring Gardens and enjoy an 'Outdoor Storytelling' experience. Throw down a picnic blanket or just sit in the grass and listen to a story. Program is for ages 2 to adult and runs Sept. 7 & Sept. 21 from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Cost is $3. https://bit.ly/2QV3W5S

09/03/2020

We're not letting up. We continue to follow safety guidelines in RECenters. https://bit.ly/3e2NJoG
📷: Vicki Gregory

09/03/2020

From Sept. 4-14, snap a photo with your dog near any body of water – lake, river, puddle, bathtub, sink or baby pool. Any water will work. Enter the photo in the Virtual Dog Daze contest for a chance to win prizes. Suggested entry fee of $10 per pup. https://bit.ly/32tzGVb

09/02/2020

Early fall class signup discounts end Friday. Register soon to save. https://bit.ly/2GK6zSJ

09/02/2020

It's the time of year when foggy, translucent webs appear in certain trees. It's perfectly normal. They are Fall Webworms, an insect native to our area that is commonly seen in late summer. The Park Authority does not treat webworms, or bag worms, in the parks. Overall, they do little harm to mature trees and are considered part of the natural ecosystem. They have a lot of natural predators. Here's more info: https://bit.ly/2QLAn74
📷: Ronald F. Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service, https://bit.ly/3hNj0i5

09/02/2020

The Park Authority is not the only Fairfax County Government agency with a page. We've got as many county Facebook friends as this guy has spots. There are county pages for police, fire and rescue, health, the animal shelter, libraries, the environment, climate, land use, homelessness, disabilities, children, 50+, consumer affairs, volunteers, housing, zoning, transportation, family services and more. Check them out at https://bit.ly/2Yrpewg
📷: Jane Gamble

09/02/2020

Bring your teddy bear or favorite plush toy to an outdoor teddy bear picnic in Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day on Sept. 9. Make a bear craft; hear stories and poems. For kids 3-9 years old. Cost is $7. https://bit.ly/3hy1PAY

09/01/2020

It’s time to find out all the details about the approaching Park Bond. Visit online for more details at https://bit.ly/2EDMxMa or request a virtual presentation in your community at [email protected]

09/01/2020

Picnic shelter capacity is reduced because of coronavirus, but park shelters are still available to rent. See https://bit.ly/2NnxmrE

09/01/2020

Job hunting? The Park Authority is seeking a motivated leader for its award-winning invasive plant management program. Details at https://bit.ly/2G7ZnmI

09/01/2020

Head out this month to Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks Nature Center to learn about dinosaurs. Go on an egg hunt. Look for tracks. Make a dino craft. For kids 3 to 8. Cost is $10. https://bit.ly/2EzWOZX

08/31/2020

Save the date. Sept. 1 is #WomensGolfDay. Take a swing at #BurkeLakeGolf #PinecrestGolf and #TwinLakesGolf with buy 1, get 1 FREE small buckets! Course ready? Sign up for the #NineandWine at #LaurelHillGolfClub at 4pm. #GolfFairfax #inviteher #driveon https://bit.ly/2z48gL4

08/31/2020

Time for a family shopping trip to a farmers market before the holiday weekend. Here's the market schedule: https://bit.ly/2JAB5Bg
📷: Shirl Walley

08/31/2020

Have you ever wondered what kinds of plants and animals are in Fairfax County parks and where you could get information about them? Well, have we got the web site for you: https://bit.ly/2JM25gt

08/30/2020

Flit your way over to Hidden Oaks Nature Center/Annandale Community Park to the butterfly metamorphosis-themed playground. Pretend to be munching plants along with the caterpillars, tuck yourself into a pretend chrysalis, and soar around flowers as you climb over monarch butterflies. https://bit.ly/2EzJh4O

08/30/2020

Congratulations to our colleagues at DPWES!! National award winners from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. We love working with you!

08/30/2020

Do you know what to do if you come across a possible fish kill or suspect pollution has entered a waterway? Take these two steps. Notify DEQ state officials through the 24/7 Virginia Emergency Operations Center at 800-468-8892. Notify county officials at https://bit.ly/32cVWCK
#fairfaxparks #fairfaxcounty

08/30/2020

There is a park bond on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Bonds fund things like renovations and upgrades for playgrounds, athletic field lighting and irrigation systems, picnic shelters and outdoor restrooms. More information at https://bit.ly/2EDMxMa

08/29/2020

Looking for a new plant to try? How about the cardoon? Learn a bit about it in our blog: https://bit.ly/2EjMJAs

08/29/2020

Parks offer virtual versions of our popular programs. There are scheduled offerings and online programs by request. They're appropriate for teachers, scout leaders, parents, homeschool co-ops and other groups or families looking to connect with nature and history from the comfort of home. See "Request a Virtual Program" at https://bit.ly/34KbOh0
📷: Laura Strecker

08/29/2020

Did you ever have a question about park rules? They're online at https://bit.ly/2FLjneQ
📷: Ruby-throated hummingbird by Jane Gamble

08/29/2020

We just want to say thank you. This is one quarantine “family” with scouts that recently came out to volunteer for an hour at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. They pulled out a mess of invasive bush honeysuckle. A great way to get outdoors. https://bit.ly/2z4xNn1

Address

12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, VA
22035

General information

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.

Telephone

(703) 324-8700

Website

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

Alerts

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Videos

RECenter members and guests are welcomed with new safety protocols. Make your reservation, wear your mask, and get moving!

Meet at the driving range. Swing into an outside family fun day to celebrate #nationalgolfmonth No experience needed. All balls and buckets are sanitized after each use. Open late! #BurkeLakeGolf #OakMarrGolf Follow us @golffairfax #juniorgolf #familygolf https://bit.ly/30ixnVn

Colvin Run Mill - Flood History Video Teaser

Join Educator Dani M. as she explains Tropical Storm Isaias' impact on Colvin Run Mill. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ffxparks for a longer video on the history of flooding around Colvin Run Mill.

Two farmers markets to choose from for tomorrow! 🍅🍍🥑https://bit.ly/2JAB5Bg

Our number one priority is keeping our guests and staff safe! Check the Park and Play Safety Guidelines we have in place to make it happen! #parkandplay @TheNGCOA @VSGA1904 @women_oc @LPGAAmateursWDC @LPGAGirlsGolf @PGA @GolfFairfax https://bit.ly/2MLfPcv

Fairfax Parks Mask-Making Team

When the Park Authority needed masks for essential workers in the parks, dozens of our employees answered the call and got to work! More than 5,000 masks have been made and distributed to employees in the parks and other agencies in Fairfax County. #WeAreParksAndRec

Oak Marr Fitness Director Hannah has an adorable partner for her yoga workouts ... who's not at all interested in demonstrating downward dog. 🐕

Roll the Dice Workout

Need a rainy day activity to get the whole family moving indoors? Check out this easy Roll the Dice Workout from South Run RECenter's Jessica G. For more ideas on at-home fun and fitness, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/virtual.

Our final winner in the 2020 Fairfax Parks Poetry Contest is JoonWon Lee of Oakton, a sixth-grade student at Oakton Elementary School. JoonWon’s inspiring pledge to the planet is one that we hope everyone will consider making this Earth Day. 🌍 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Fairfax County Park Foundation

Next up in our poetry showcase is Fairhill ES 6th grader Eleanor Kim - a winner in our grades 6-8 category. Eleanor’s poetic words transport us to the shores of Burke Lake and inspire us to clean up the world “little by little, hand in hand.” www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Fairhill Elementary Fairfax County Park Foundation

Our virtual poetry showcase continues with Sophie Yamaoka of Annandale - a 4th-grade student at Canterbury Woods Elementary School. Sophie’s colorful and inspiring words about planet Earth won her a top spot in our poetry contest for grades 3-5. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Canterbury Woods Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools Fairfax County Park Foundation

Jackson Stear of Burke, a 5th-grade student at Fairview ES, is the first of our poetry contest winners for grades 3-5. You just can’t help but smile while listening to this talented young man share his thoughts on taking care of local parks. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Fairfax County Park Foundation

Next up in our virtual poetry showcase is Ali Dane of Springfield, a first-grade student at Garfield Elementary School. Ali’s purr-fectly inspiring poem about cleaning up litter was a winner in our youngest age division. 😻 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Garfield Elementary School PTA - Springfield, VA Fairfax County Park Foundation

Our virtual poetry showcase kicks off with our youngest winner. Zahra Quraishi of Ashburn is a kindergarten homeschool student from Ashburn, VA. It’s a family affair for Zahra; her big sister Zoya won in this same category last year! www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/poetry Fairfax County Park Foundation

It's #MakeItMonday! Check out this Tote Bag tutorial from Hidden Oaks Nature Center – using only two materials! Try it at home and be sure to message/tag us with pics of your creations. For more ideas on at-home exploration, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/virtual.

Today's girls. Tomorrow's leaders.

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

30 Days for $30 Passes for New RECenter Members.

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

Hidden Oaks Nature Center's New Tree Sculpture

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

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