Park Authority | Park Authority

Park Authority

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

703-324-8700 | TTY 711

parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov

12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035

Jai Cole, Executive Director

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.

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USDGA

2022 US Disabled Open Golf Championship Comes to Laurel Hill Golf Club

Laurel Hill Golf Club has been selected as host of the 2022 United States Disabled Open Golf Championship, which will be held June 7 through June 9, 2022. Now in its fifth year, this national championship is the first of its kind to obtain world rankings for golfers with disabilities by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The 54-hole championship is open to golfers with physical and intellectual impairments with qualifications similar to the Paralympics and Special Olympics. Past tournaments have been held in Richmond, Virginia; Orlando, Florida, and most recently, Longbow Golf in Mesa, Arizona, in 2021. "Based on the number of Americans with disabilities, the number of golf courses we have in this coun-try, and the popularity of the sport of golf, there is no way we cannot successfully organize competitions across the United States," Jason Faircloth, founder of the association and this tournament noted. The US Disabled Golf Association (USDGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 to organize and provide competitive golf opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole noted that this tournament is a testament to the quality of our facilities and one more example of the agency’s ongoing commitment to accessibility for all. “We are incredibly honored to host this tournament. With the support of the expertise of our Golf Enterprise team, the location on this beautiful golf course, and the support from Park Foundation, this tournament is bound to be extraordinary,” Cole said. Laurel Hill Golf Club, one of the top municipal courses in the country, is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Designer Bill Love, whose credits include the Iron Forge Course at Penn National and Hunting Hawk in Glenn Allen, Virginia, has created an impressive 18-hole course on land that formerly housed the D.C. Department of Corrections facility at Lorton. For information, please visit the USDGA website, or contact Jason Faircloth at Jason@USDGA.net or 910-214-5983. For information about Laurel Hill, visit Laurel Hill Golf Club or call 703-493-8849. To contact the Fairfax County Park Foundation, visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website. Pictured from left to right are: Ryan Carmen, Assistant Director of Golf Enterprises; Jason Faircloth, Founder of the USDGA; and Jesse Coffman, Director of Golf Operations. The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a co-sponsor of this event and Visit Fairfax coordinated the US Disabled Golf Open host hotel. Media Note: Click on photo above to enlarge or download.

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Groundbreaking

Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Facility Breaks Ground

On Jan. 24, 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) in collaboration with other partners broke ground on the new Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Community leaders and project staff gathered to throw a symbolic shovel of dirt to commemorate the occasion. The Park Authority is developing this sustainable facility with the support of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends, community members, private and corporate donors, and voter-approved park bond dollars. The state-of-the-art interpretive center will host educational programming, offer rental spaces and serve as a gateway to the greater Sully Woodlands. A public ribbon-cutting and opening celebration will take place upon project completion in early 2023. For more information on the Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center, visit the project webpage. Pictured from left to right: Sajan Pokharel, Engineer, Fairfax County Stormwater Planning; Mary Olien, Operations Branch Manager, Park Authority Resource Management Division; Margaret Thaxton, Development Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation; Jennifer Grinnell, President, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends; Bobbi Longworth, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation; Tim Hackman, Dranesville District Representative, Park Authority Board; Ken Quincy, Providence District Representative, Park Authority Board; Paul Shirey, Project Management Branch Manager, Park Authority Planning & Development; Supervisor Kathy Smith, Sully District Representative, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Cindy Walsh, Park Services Division Director, Park Authority; Jai Cole, Executive Director, Park Authority; Aimee Vosper, Deputy Director/COO/CBD, Park Authority; John Shafer, Park Manager, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director, Park Authority; Eric Inman, Project Manager, Park Authority Planning & Development; Andy Miller, Building Branch Manager, Park Authority Planning & Development; Craig Carinci, Stormwater Planning Director, Fairfax County Department of Public Works; Jeremiah Huth, Architect, Quinn Evans; Katie Slattery, Principal, Quinn Evans; Richard Hillringhouse, Project Executive, Cooper Building Services; Kellum Maxey, Project Manager, Cooper Construction; and Heather Lynch, Project Manager, Park Authority Planning & Development. Find out more about how easy it is to support local parks by visiting the Park Foundation website. Media Note: Click on the photo above to download. See more photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzA3qp.

Winners Named in 2022 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest

On January 1-2, 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority joined park systems across the country to encourage everyone to start 2022 with a hike. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Despite wet weather, thousands of people came out to explore the Fairfax County Park Authority’s trail system and take steps toward improved health and fitness in the new year. More than 170 photos were submitted as part of the First Hike Fairfax 2022 Photo Contest presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Park Authority Executive Director, a panel of Park Authority judges and a public vote have determined the following winners: James Stone, Hidden Pond Nature Center People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card OR a 25-Visit FCPA Rec Center Pass More than 900 people voted on the People’s Choice Winner. With 122 votes, this photo of a bridge on the trails at Hidden Pond Nature Center received 13 percent of the vote, making it the most popular of the 24 finalists selected by the judges. Sarah Baldwin, Waverly Park Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card OR a 25-Visit FCPA Rec Center Pass A panel of judges thought this photo offered a unique perspective of our parks. Since fungi grow best under wet conditions, the photo highlights the beauty that emerges in the parks on rainy days. The sharp detail of the hymenium gills of a mushroom are beautifully framed by the towering trees. Erin Nicole Graf, Burke Lake Park Director’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole chose this photo of two children running through the trails at Burke Lake Park. “We had some fantastic photographs submitted and I loved them all, but this photo really spoke to me. As a mom of two kids, this photo captures the pure joy of the moment these children were set free to run and just have fun. Thank you, Erin, for sharing this moment with all of us.” Billy Swistak, Burke Lake Park Best in Show (Landscape/Scenery): $50 Park Authority Gift Card Judges really enjoyed the warm tones and framing of this photo. The lakeside scene – complete with geese peacefully floating on the water - conveyed a sense of tranquility that so many people seek in our parks. Ashley DeAntonio, Lake Fairfax Park Best in Show (People): $50 Park Authority Gift Card Judges thought this photo perfectly captured the spirit of First Hike Fairfax – different generations ringing in the new year on the Park Authority’s trail system. With a butterfly on his cap, the young nature lover is enjoying his perch on his dad’s shoulders. Elaine Starr, Huntley Meadows Park Best in Show (Wildlife): $50 Park Authority Gift Card Judges were amused by this photo of a blue heron landing on a row of turtles. They were also impressed with the photographer’s ability to capture this quick interaction with such detail. They appreciated how stunning the blue feathers were against the darker background. Mary Robinson, Lake Accotink Park Best in Show (Pets): $50 Park Authority Gift Card The Pets category was added this year following feedback from past participants. Judges were drawn to this pup’s cocked head and big brown eyes. In addition to the dog, they liked the photographer’s choice to include the train bridge, misty waters and tree reflection in the background. First Hike Fairfax kicks off a new year of Healthy Strides activities for the whole family. For more fresh ideas, visit the Healthy Strides web page and sign up for the e-newsletter with monthly tips to get you and your family energized. Find out more about how easy it is to support local parks by visiting the Park Foundation. For more information on First Hike Fairfax, visit the First Hike Fairfax web page Media Note: Click the photo to download See all First Hike Fairfax 2022 photos.

Health Food

Healthy Strides Presents Virtual Nutrition Workshops in April

Healthy Strides and the Rec Center team are joining forces to present two nutrition workshops to the community this April. Both workshops can be accessed through the Healthy Strides website. These online workshops do not require registration. Join Cub Run Rec Center’s Registered Dietician Thea on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2022, at noon for The Art of Sensational Salads. This workshop will explore fun ways to make salads more enticing. This workshop is perfect for those who are looking for a little motivation to eat more fruits and veggies. Join The Art of Sensational Salads at https://bit.ly/hs-042222-workshop. Meeting ID: 832 9793 4471 Password: 3arthD@y!! Join Providence Rec Center’s Registered Dietician Catherine on Arbor Day, Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. for Turning a New Leaf. Learn how to incorporate more green leafy vegetables into your day-to-day meals. Join Turning a New Leaf at https://bit.ly/hs-042922-workshop. Meeting ID: 851 8431 3291 Password: Arb0rD@y!!

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Elly Doyle Awards

Nominate Exceptional Volunteers for a Park Service Award

With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on the support of 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 the support of volunteers. The Park Authority is seeking nominations of individual volunteers for the 2022 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards or Elly Doyle Youth/Student Awards. Group and individual nominations are also being accepted for the Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award, Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award and the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award. All nominations are due by Friday, June 17, 2022. The nomination form is available at the 2022 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Nominations page. Nominations in all categories may be submitted by the general public, including Park Authority employees and volunteers. Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award: This pair of awards honors Ellamae “Elly” Doyle’s many years of service and accomplishments as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board. Fairfax County’s park system expanded and thrived during her tenure with the addition of significant open space, new recreational facilities and a commitment to preservation of local natural and cultural resources. The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award: Honors the retired Park Board member’s service and significant contributions to the Park Authority by recognizing outstanding teamwork and cooperation necessary to provide state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfax County parks. The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award: Honors historian, volunteer and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz by recognizing outstanding contributions to FCPA cultural preservation efforts. The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award: Recognizes Sally B. Ormsby’s many years of service as a citizen steward and honors others who help preserve and educate about local natural resources and the importance of the environment. The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award, a new award approved by the Park Board on March 23, 2022, recognizes significant, tangible contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses that help accomplish the Park Authority’s strategic priority to enhance diversity systemwide and foster a culture of inclusion in parks and/or within the surrounding community. All award recipients will be honored this fall. Additional information about the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards may be found at the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards page. For more information or for alternative formats of the applications, please contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662 or via Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Colvin Run Mill

Construction Affects Access to Colvin Run Mill

There is nothing as lovely as a visit to Colvin Run Mill in spring. However, it may now be a bit more difficult to reach Colvin Run Mill Historic Site due to highway construction. Starting this week and continuing through June 2022, all drivers leaving Colvin Run Mill will turn right and proceed to the east end of Colvin Run Road to access Route 7 eastbound and westbound as crews perform utility work and other construction activities at the west end of Colvin Run Road. Drivers entering the mill on Route 7 westbound will still be able to turn left on to Colvin Run Road at the Route 7/Delta Glen Court/Colvin Run Road intersection (west end of Colvin Run Road). Drivers entering the mill on Route 7 eastbound will still be able to turn right on Colvin Run Road at the Route 7/Carpers Farm/Colvin Run Road intersection. Site Manager Julie Gurnee said the site will place signage to ease visitors’ travels and access to the site. “Coming from the west, all visitors are able to turn onto Colvin Run Road at the first entrance (Delta Glen) to enter; but to exit to Route 7, visitors will all turn right out of the site to turn onto Route 7 at the Carpers Farm/Route 7 intersection,” Gurnee said. For more information, contact the site at 703-759-2771. Colvin Run Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls, Virginia. Visit Colvin Run Mill for more information.

Adapted Recreation Jobs

We’re Hiring; Join the FCPA Access and Inclusion Team Today

Do you have a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others? Are you interested in working with youth and adults with disabilities in a fun recreational environment? Look no further, we’ve got a job for you! The Access and Inclusion Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority has opportunities to work in a wide variety of positions in various locations throughout Fairfax County. In these positions, staff will teach new recreation and leisure skills, build relationships, gain experience for full-time work, and increase networking opportunities. The Access and Inclusion team supports summer camps, Rec-PAC, and recreation classes. The following opportunities are ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation, adapted physical activity, adapted physical education, special education, social work, recreation management, as well as someone already in a similar field interested in part-time work. Available positions include: Inclusion Leader – pay starts at $17.60 per hour. Inclusion Specialist – pay starts at $19.28 per hour. Behavioral Specialist – pay starts at $19.28 per hour. Adapted Aquatics Instructors – pay starts at $21 per hour. Rec-PAC Inclusion Leader – pay starts at: $13/hour (1st year) $14/hour (2nd year or has college degree) $15/hour (3rd year or is a teacher) Rec-PAC Inclusion Site Director – pay starts at: $16/hour (1st year) $17/hour (2nd year or has college degree) $18/hour (3rd year or is a teacher) View the full position description and apply online or send your resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. To view all employment opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit the Jobs and Internships website. Please note: All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.