Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director
Fairfax County Park Authority

What We Do

The Park Authority Mission is to enrich quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

Department Resources

Related Resources

Registration Now Open – Make Your Play

Spring Camps | Summer Camps | Spring Classes & Events 

Upcoming Public Meetings/Events

There will be an in person meeting of the Park Authority Board, in the 9th Floor, Park Authority Board Room of the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Honoring Best of Braddock Award Recipient: Margaret Thaxton

Honoring Best of Braddock Award Recipient: Margaret Thaxton We’re delighted to celebrate Margaret Thaxton, director of development at the Fairfax County Park Foundation, on receiving the Best of Braddock “Most Can-Do Public Employee” Award.

Since Margaret joined the Park Foundation’s small fundraising team over 12 years ago, annual revenue to support Fairfax County Park Foundation has grown from $607,699 in FY 2012 to a record $5.26 million in FY 2025. Those dollars have helped make possible many projects and programs, including the upcoming 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration at Sully Historic Site, the Turtle Playground, Braddock Dog Park, Wakefield Skate Park and the Braddock Nights Summer Entertainment Series.

A Fairfax County resident for more than 40 years, Margaret brings both professional fundraising expertise and deep local roots. Her talent for connecting donors with community needs has had a lasting impact on parks and residents in the Braddock District and across Fairfax County.


 

Park News

 

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Park Authority Blog: Our Stories

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FCPA An Award-Winning Park System

FCPA Nationally Acclaimed

 

golf
Longer days, greener fairways and more chances to play are just around the corner. Get ready for the season and save during the Golf Fairfax Spring Pass Sale, March 19 to April 3. Stock up on rounds now and enjoy savings that make it even easier to play all season.
Camp Staff
Looking for a fun summer job where you can make a difference? The Fairfax County Park Authority is now hiring camp counselors and camp directors for camps operating from mid-June through mid-August.
family skating
Embrace the spring season with a night out all ages will enjoy at an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night. Gather the crew, whether it’s family or friends, and head out to Franconia Rec Center as its gym transforms for the night into a skate rink.
kids climbing wall
Earth Day Fairfax will be an unforgettable day of fun, education and community. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Earth Day Fairfax is the county’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are asking for your help.
Providence Rec Center: Two-Week Closure Begins March 23
Fairfax County Park Authority plans on conducting facility maintenance, cleaning and improvements at Providence Rec Center, 7525 Marc Drive, Falls Church. To ensure customer safety during this work, the Rec Center will be closed from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, April 5.
rock climbing wall
Earth Day Fairfax is around the corner! Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day celebration will take place at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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