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

Nature Camp

The Fairfax County Park Authority is preparing for another busy spring and summer camp registration season! To help camp families, the Park Authority is introducing some changes to support an efficient registration process for this year’s camps. After receiving customer feedback during our 2024 camp registration period, we learned that the number of devices logging into the system can overwhelm our vendor’s online platform. We’ve worked with our vendor to correct the error that led to last year’s challenges. As an added measure to help moderate user volume on the registration system, registration for spring and summer camp will be split evenly within Fairfax County depending on the location camps take place: Green location camps — Register starting Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. (add to calendar) Blue location camps — Register starting Thursday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. (add to calendar) The Park Authority has prepared several resources for helping parents prepare for the upcoming spring and summer camp registration, including: 2025 Camp Guide: Explore the complete listing of camp opportunities and other key details needed to register. Camp Search: Use this online system to search for camps and register when the time comes. FAQs: Browse these questions and answers about the registration split! Camp Planner Sheet: Write your top choices with their Catalog IDs and the registration date before registration opens to make the process quick and easy the morning of. Camp Website: Check our Camp Hub for all the latest information and the resources mentioned above. Color-Coded Camp Location Map: Use this to identify camp location and their Green or Blue Team designation. Camp Spreadsheet: Sort camps by student age, date, type of camp and location. Please note that waitlists for all summer camps will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 1. Children enrolled in camp will have a summer they’ll never forget, making friends, building memories, and enjoying experiences that keep their minds and bodies active. FCPA brings the wonders of the camp experience not only to children but also to preschoolers, teens, adults and people of all ages with disabilities. There’s something for everyone with FCPA’s summer camps! So set your clocks, make those wish lists and get online to register in February! Be sure to visit the Park Authority's Camp website for the most up-to-date camp information, and keep up with the camp conversation on social media using #FCPACampTuesdays. If you have any questions, please contact FCPA Camps team at camps@fairfaxcounty.gov. Media inquiries may be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Park Board Officers
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board held its election of officers at its virtual meeting held on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The board unanimously elected Braddock District Representative Kiel Stone as Chairman; Dranesville District Representative Tim Hackman as Vice Chair; Franconia District Representative Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter as Secretary; and At-Large Representative Dr. Abena Aidoo Hewton as Treasurer. Board officer positions are outlined in the Bylaws Governing the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and include Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are elected annually by the members of the Park Authority Board at the beginning of the calendar year. Members to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The 12-member board includes one representative from each of the county’s nine magisterial districts and three at-large members. This public body is responsible for setting policy and establishing priorities for the Park Authority. For more information, visit the Park Authority Board website.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Ring in the Lunar New Year with an evening of fantastic entertainment, traditional crafts and delicious cuisine at the free Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Clifton. This year’s celebration promises another unforgettable experience, featuring: Traditional Lunar New Year performances, including music, dance and cultural showcases. Interactive crafts and games for all ages to immerse in the holiday spirit. Delicious Asian cuisine available from local food trucks. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to honor this rich cultural tradition and enjoy an evening of community connection. The event highlights the beauty of cultural diversity and creates a space to learn, celebrate and share in the joy of the Lunar New Year. The Twin Lakes Golf course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton. For more details, visit the Lunar New Year website.  Register for the Lunar New Year celebration View the Lunar New Year flyer
two people looking at files
Embark on a journey of cultural richness and historical significance this Black History Month with engaging programs in Fairfax County parks. Join in honoring and exploring the vibrant tapestry of Black heritage though interactive events, programs, exhibits and offerings for all ages. Programs include: Black History Month at Historic Frying Pan Church, Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 1, noon-3 p.m., Free Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery, Historic Huntley, Feb. 27, 1-2 p.m., $12 Black History Month at Historic Frying Pan Church, Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 15, noon-3 p.m., Free Paths of Freedom Seekers, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Feb. 23, 3-4 p.m., $8 Remembering Metilda- An Enslaved Child at the Mill, Colvin Run Mill, Feb. 22, 1-2 p.m., $9 Park visitors are also invited to come discover the resources parks use to uncover the history of Fairfax County families and learn what resources you can use to find your ancestors’ stories. Visit Colvin Run Mill Historic Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Green Spring Gardens, Huntley Meadows Park and Sully Historic Site to see our informative displays throughout the month of February. Visit the Park Authority’s Black History Month webpage for additional activities and resources to celebrate and commemorate Black history and culture in Fairfax County parks.
Meridian Mustang Golf Team
Golf Fairfax congratulates Pinecrest golf instructor, Tim Sample, on his outstanding achievement of leading the Meridian High School golf team to its first Virginia state championship in school history. Tim Sample was recognized in the Washington Post's 2024 Fall All-Met: Golf coverage. Sample took on the role of head coach for the Meridian High School in Falls Church, just weeks before the start of the season. Leveraging his coaching expertise and passion for the game, he helped transform the team’s potential into a championship performance. Under his guidance, the Meridian Mustangs achieved an upset victory over Kettle Run in the Virginia 3C region tournament and secured the Class 3 state team title by five strokes. At Golf Fairfax, Tim shares his expertise with golfers of all ages and skill levels, helping to foster a love for the game while honing their skills. “Tim’s success with the golfers at Meridian reflects the dedication and talent he brings to our program at Pinecrest,” said Tyler Tschantz, General Manager of Pinecrest Golf Course. “We are proud to have him on our team, inspiring golfers both on and off the course.” For more information about golf instruction at Pinecrest Golf Course, please visit the About Golf Fairfax webpage.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTICE - SAVE ALL DATES!

To make things easier, camp registration will be split between two dates based on camp location.

2025 Spring and Summer Camp Registration Start Dates: Tuesday, February 4 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, February 6 at 9 a.m.

2025 Spring Class Registration Start Date: Tuesday, February 11 at 9 a.m.
Check the camp website for updates!

Discount on Annual Membership in January

​During January, enjoy 15% off annual Rec Center memberships. Buying a membership provides unlimited access to any Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center. Enjoy pools, gym equipment, drop-in fitness classes and tracks/courts. Purchase membership online or in person at the Rec Centers. 


 

Park News

 

Featured Videos

Park Authority Blog: Our Stories

park authority blog

FCPA An Award-Winning Park System

FCPA Nationally Acclaimed

 

Fairfax Virtual Assistant