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Park Authority Wins NAGC Award for Excellence in Communication

The Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded a Blue Pencil and Golden Screen Award by the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) for excellence in government communications. The Park Authority was awarded third place in the educational/instructional video category for a tutorial video highlighting the use of the new Park Amenity Locator. With more than 420 parks and a widely diverse list of amenities throughout the park system, the Fairfax County Park Authority launched a new Park Amenity Locator to assist residents in finding parks and amenities throughout the county that appeal to their individual interests. Along with the new application, the Park Authority created a 99-second tutorial video to assist users in navigating the capabilities of the new tool. The NAGC’s Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards is an annual international awards program that recognizes superior government communication products and those who produce them. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Phase 1 of Mount Vernon Woods Park Renovation Beginning in June

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin Phase 1 of the renovation at Mount Vernon Woods Park. The Phase 1 contractor, DeBorn Construction, will mobilize on site with active construction activities beginning in June 2024. Weather pending, Phase 1 construction is expected to conclude by early 2025. Phase 1 of this project includes a new parking lot, shelter, playground, fitness area, multi-sport court and soccer field. Phase 2 is tentatively scheduled for 2025-2026 and includes the construction of a new skate park. Mount Vernon Woods Park is located at 4014 Fielding St. in Alexandria. During construction, residents should expect occasional traffic along Fielding Street. For more information about this project, please contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Mastenbrook Grant Approved To Fund Diamond Infield Renovation at Parklawn Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved matching funds in the total amount of $12,945 to support the renovation of the diamond infield at Parklawn Park through the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program. The applicant, Mason District Little League, has committed to providing half of the funding needed to install a new infield area, regrade the field following the existing grade scheme and add sod at the first and third base foul lines and third base coach’s box. The project budget totals $25,891 with the Mason District Little League contributing $12,946 toward the renovation. The construction of this project will be managed by the Mason District Little League in coordination with the Park Authority. A timetable for the project is in the process of being developed. The Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program encourages public-private ventures that improve Fairfax County parks and park facilities. It is designed to fill a gap between limited bond funding and the community’s desire for new or improved park facilities by assisting volunteers, community and user groups in improving park facilities by matching funds and in-kind services. Since 1999, the program has awarded approximately $2.2 million in grants for projects valued at more than $16.5 million. Grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to the maximum of $20,000 have funded such projects as trail improvements, construction of gazebos and shelters and athletic field improvements. To learn more about the Mastenbrook Matching Funds Grant Program and to submit an application, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website.

Fireflies Light Up the Summer Night Sky

The transition from spring to summer brings the enchanting light show of fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, to the evening skies. These fascinating insects use bioluminescence to attract mates, with males emitting a distinctive green flash. Firefly eggs and larvae also glow. However, despite their beauty, fireflies are declining due to light pollution, pesticide use and habitat loss. The good news is that you can attract fireflies to your yard by following these tips: Plant Native Plants: These help retain soil moisture and provide food and shelter for fireflies. Eliminate Invasive Plants: Replacing invasive plants with native species helps attract insects that fireflies eat, such as slugs and snails. Retain Leaf Litter: Fireflies need moist leaf litter to breed. Leave sections of fallen leaves in your yard to support their lifecycle. Reduce Outdoor Illumination: Fireflies are attracted to darker areas for finding mates. Even small amounts of light can negatively impact their ability to reproduce. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority blog website. After making your yard firefly-friendly, contribute to citizen science by reporting your sightings at the Firefly Atlas website. Are you ready to witness fireflies in the parks? Experience the magical dance of fireflies illuminating Fairfax County Parks with these upcoming programs: Fireflies in the Meadow: Saturdays, June 22, 29, and July 5, 8:30-9:30 p.m., $8 Register for Fireflies in the Meadow Firefly Walks: Lake Fairfax Park: Saturday, June 1, 8:30-9:30 p.m., $8 Burke Lake Park: Friday, June 28, 8:30-9:30 p.m., $8 Huntley Meadows Park: Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, 8-10 p.m., $10 Register for Firefly Walk

Commemorate Juneteenth with the Park Authority at Sully Historic Site

Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for a special Juneteenth commemoration event at the Sully Historic Site on Wednesday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will honor the significant contributions of people, originally under enslavement and continuing after emancipation, to the operation of Sully as a home and farmstead. The event will pay tribute to their lives and those of their descendants. Join in a commemoration of emancipation at this special event. Take a tour to better understand the daily life of people enslaved at Sully. Visit the dairy, smokehouse, kitchen and laundry, first floor of the main house, and a reproduction home for enslaved people. Interact with history interpreters, listen to storytellers, participate in activities and see the special exhibits. HealthWorks will be there for you to receive a free health screening and information. Food trucks will be on site. For more information or to learn more about Juneteenth in Fairfax County Parks, visit the Juneteenth webpage. View the Juneteenth celebration flyer Register for Juneteenth Celebration at Sully Historic Site Juneteenth is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.

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Adapted Recreation programs ensure fun for everyone.

Buddy up for learning and fun in Park Authority swim classes.

Fun, friends and adventures await in Park Authority camps!

Little ones learn best through play in programs tailored to their interests.

From the classics to modern moves, Park Authority dance classes are always in style.

From equestrian lessons to old-fashioned fun, there's something for everyone at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or have limited mobility, there's a fitness option for you in Park Authority exercise classes.

Spark your creativity in Park Authority fine arts and crafts classes.

Cultivate your love of nature with Park Authority gardening classes.

Enjoy comprehensive classes and practice facilities year-round at Park Authority golf courses.

Yesterday’s innovation is still full of fascination at Park Authority historic sites.

Learn to glide, swizzle and stop like a pro in ice skating classes.

Learn self-defense and build confidence in Park Authority martial arts classes.

Explore the great outdoors in Park Authority nature classes.

Whether you take a hike, cast a line or guide a boat, nature's perspective always changes in outdoor recreation classes.

Retire your air guitar and learn to make some real music in performing arts classes.

Your canine companion can bone up on everything from agility to obedience in Park Authority classes.

Explore new places and ideas in Park Authority merit badge programs.

Team up for fun and learn a new sport.

Budding engineers and computer programmers have fun learning in Park Authority technology classes.

Learn strategic games, investigate your family history, brush up on social graces and more!

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Camps and Spring Class Listings Available

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Summer Class Registration Underway. Register by May 3 and save $8.

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