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Special Olympic Athletes in Fairfax Shine at Adapted Swim Meet

On March 1, athletes gathered at Oakmont Rec Center to put their skills to the test at the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Adapted Swim Meet. FCPA Special Olympic swim teams gathered at this event to showcase their skills, gain confidence and prepare for upcoming competitions. This time trial is more than just a qualifier, it’s a celebration of perseverance and teamwork. “The season's start at Oakmont Rec Center is a testament to the power of community support and the extraordinary spirit of the athletes,” said Lucia Valentino, FCPA Adapted Aquatics Instructor and Special Olympics Swim Coach. “The Fairfax County Park Authority's Special Olympic swim teams are a shining example of community and dedication, comprising 150 athletes from five local Rec Centers. These teams provide athletes with disabilities with the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and competitive environment.” This program promotes inclusion and physical fitness, while showcasing the boundless potential of the athletes. FCPA Special Olympic swim teams will continue competing through the season. Teams are part of FCPA’s Adapted Aquatics program that provide individualized swimming and water activities for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Anyone interested in signing up for adapted swim programs can learn more by visiting the Adapted Programs website. “Learning to swim is such an important skill for anyone to have. We provide training and shadowing opportunities,” said Linda Crone, volunteer manager for Adapted Aquatics. The Adapted Swim Meet and the entire Adapted Aquatics program depend on a dedicated team of volunteers. Fairfax County Park Authority has the largest Adapted Aquatics program in Northern Virginia, with more than 150 volunteers who range in age from 14 to 80 years old. Anyone age 14 and older can volunteer. Sign up at by visiting the Volunteer Fairfax website.

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Level Up Your Swim Skills for Summer

As summer approaches, prepare for the season with water safety in mind. Fairfax County Park Authority hosts many classes and educational opportunities that prepare people of all ages to be safe in and around the water. All year, the Park Authority offers hundreds of swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult. The following six-week class sessions build skills and increase your suite of swim skills: Baby & Me (6 months-18 months) Toddler & Me (19 months-3 years) Pee Wee Paddler (age 3-7) Swimming for Children (age 6-12) Stroke Mechanics (age 6-18) Children motivated to learn with a little competition can sign up for a team in FCPA’s Summer Swim League. Those ages 6 to 14 who know the basics can level up their skills with weekly practices and put these new skills to the test in the league’s swim meets. Register for a Swim class by the June 16 deadline Those looking for focused, private and semi-private swim lessons can sign up for One on One Swim Lessons or Small Group Swim Lessons. These opportunities help students improve aquatic proficiency, gain confidence and build skills in the pool with the guidance of the FCPA’s talented instructors. FCPA does not stop there, our talented staff are taking water safety education into classrooms around Fairfax County this spring. Through June, aquatics staff are hosting Get Set, Get W.E.T. (Water Education Training) to educate thousands of local preschoolers about lifeguards’ role in keeping swimmers safe and the essential rules everyone should follow to ensure safety at the pool. The program features an interactive, short presentation designed for small groups of children. Sessions are packed with engaging stories and games that make learning about water safety both fun and memorable. Children get introduced to various water safety props, such as life jackets and rescue tubes, and receive coloring sheets that reinforce key water safety messages. “A comprehensive water safety program such as Get Set, Get W.E.T. is essential in promoting accident prevention by equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in and around water. Through engaging education, practical demonstration and interactive activities, these programs instill a deep understanding of water hazards, the importance of supervision, and lifesaving techniques, ultimately reducing the risk of water-related accidents and fostering a culture of safety," said Sarah Barrack, Lifeguard Training Coordinator for FCPA. FCPA is committed to equipping everyone in the community with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy water safely this summer. Learn more by visiting the Swimming webpage.

Fairfax County Park Authority and Greater Oakton Community Association Partner To Preserve Historic Oakton Schoolhouse

On March 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Greater Oakton Community Association officially finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to support the historic Oakton Schoolhouse in Oakton, Virginia. To mark the occasion, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Park Authority Board Member Ken Quincy and several members of GOCA joined FCPA for a special celebration on Friday afternoon. Originally built in 1897 by carpenter James Thompson, the Oakton Schoolhouse was the third school constructed in the Oakton community. Over the years, it became a vital hub, hosting fundraisers, religious gatherings and student talent shows. In 1944, businessman Irvin Payne purchased the building, repurposing it as a hardware store and garden shop. The schoolhouse changed hands several times before FCPA acquired it in 2003 to preserve its historical significance. GOCA, established in 2019, is dedicated to fostering community connections and preserving Oakton’s historic and environmental assets. The organization shares local information, collaborates with HOAs and other groups, and develops programs that enrich the community. Under the MOA, GOCA will use the Oakton Schoolhouse for events, meetings, rentals, historical presentations, classes, theater productions and educational programs. This partnership strengthens the connection between the community and Park Authority-owned historic sites, ensuring continued outreach, engagement, and growth. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2025 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to operate this nationally recognized park system without their dedicated service. The Park Authority is now accepting nominations for the annual Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding contributions of volunteers. Online nominations are open for the following awards: Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award – These awards honor Ellamae “Elly” Doyle’s many years of service and accomplishments as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board. During her tenure, Fairfax County’s park system expanded significantly, adding open space, new recreational facilities, and a strong commitment to preserving local natural and cultural resources. This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers for their outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks. The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award – Recognizes outstanding teamwork and cooperation in providing state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County parks, honoring the service and contributions of retired Park Board member Harold L. Strickland. The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award – Honors historian, volunteer, and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz by recognizing exceptional contributions to FCPA cultural preservation efforts. The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award – Recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of Sally B. Ormsby’s dedication to environmental stewardship and education about local natural resources. The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award – Recognizes significant, tangible contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses that enhance diversity systemwide and foster a culture of inclusion within parks and the surrounding community. Nominations are due by Friday, May 2, 2025. The nomination form is available on the nominations page. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the general public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers. Award recipients will be honored later this fall. For additional details, visit the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards webpage. For more information or alternative formats of the application, please contact the Public Information Office via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Now Recruiting Volunteers for Earth Day Celebration

Earth Day Fairfax is happening on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic site in Chantilly, Virginia. Earth Day Fairfax is the County’s largest Earth Day celebration, and we are seeking volunteer support to make this annual event a success! Join us for a daylong event featuring games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors and activities geared toward increasing our understanding and enjoyment of the world around us. The event attracts nearly 5,000 people from across Fairfax County annually. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including:  Set-up attendants Check-in greeters  Nature and recreation activity attendants  Guest assistance   This is a fantastic service opportunity for students seeking service hours or community members looking to give back. Through a variety of service activities, volunteers will impact community and planetary health while having fun throughout the day! All volunteers must be 15 years old or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional detail in individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer Fairfax website . The 2025 Earth Day Festival is made possible in partnership with 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. For more information about the Park Foundation, visit its website or call 703-324-8582.

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.

Park Authority events are entertaining, educational and fun!

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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