Experience the joy of this dog-only swim and have an all-around good time at this season-ending swim event for dogs when The Water Mine goes to the dogs to benefit your parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Family fun includes a Canine Resource Fair.

The popular Dog Daze end-of-summer event will return on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 9 am - 1 pm at The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Virginia.

Net proceeds from $10 per dog from Dog Daze will help fund Fairfax County parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Click here for more information.

Since Every Day is a Dog Day, please enjoy a day of fun with your four-legged friend at FCPA’s off-leash Dog Parks or along hundreds of miles of Park Trails!

Learn more about the Park Authority’s dog-focused activities programs, like agility, obedience, fitness, and other ‘paw-some’ events on FCPA’s Dogs of Fairfax County webpage. 

Donate to help Dog Parks and Programs!

A partnership that the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Fairfax County Park Authority have appreciated since 2009 is that with Transurban, the operator of the 495/95/395 Express Lanes.

“At Transurban, we're more than the roads we operate; we're dedicated to supporting communities along the 395, 95 and 495 Express Lanes. We're long-time supporters of the FCPF, actively working to improve the environment and community well-being. Our goal is to help deliver more sustainable communities along our corridors—where people can live, work, and play for the long term.” -Amanda Allen, Transurban Government and Community Relations Manager

Transurban’s most recent donation was for an Invasive Management Area (IMA) project at Churchill Road Park. Not only did they make a monetary donation, but Transurban employees volunteered for an IMA Workday project and cleared invasive vines at Churchill Road Park.

“Transurban’s contribution was used to treat about 1.5 acres of parkland and trees struggling under the weight of several invasive vines. Transurban employees also joined us at an IMA Workday to volunteer their time and energy. These volunteers helped to weed and mulch around recently planted native trees and built individual protective cages around oak trees and dogwoods. They also helped to remove weeds around the park’s playground. With the IMA Programs limited budget and staffing, our volunteers’ contributions to invasive plant management and maintenance of restoration plantings are highly valued and appreciated.” -Gloria Medina, FCPA IMA Manager

Volunteers are critical in helping the Park Authority manage invasive species on parkland. IMA Donations further protect the parks by giving a greater capacity to control invasive species through contractor support where volunteers may not reach.

Interested groups may reach out to the IMA Program online to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly is a state-of-the-art interpretive center for the community to learn about animals, wildlife, and preservation.

A focus on STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math) education is enhanced through ‘R’ for Recreation. STREAM will help pique interest and inspire Fairfax County youth, while also intriguing visitors of all ages.

Every gift helps and contributions in any amount are welcome and appreciated! 

• The Archimedes' Screw (pictured) is the final STREAM educational feature available for a $10,000 sponsorship to be recognized on a plaque in the LOOP.
• Sponsors giving $1,000 or more by September 30, 2024 will also be inscribed on a permanent bronze plaque to be installed onsite.
• Generous donors of $500 or more will be listed on the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center webpage.

Donate with Credit/Debit or Paypal!

This snapshot of vibrant sunflowers in the garden

at Frying Pan Farm Park was captured by Nancy Vehrs.

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Share your favorite 'Moment of Beauty' photo by email for a possible feature in a future FCPF newsletter!

Use the Park Amenity Locator to find a picturesque park near you!

Park Amenity Locator | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)