First Hike 2021 Winning Photos
On January 1-3, 2021, the Fairfax County Park Authority joined America’s state parks including Virginia State Parks to encourage everyone to start 2021 with a hike. In Fairfax County, it’s a great way to appreciate more than 450 miles of trails and to set the bar for a new year of fitness and outdoor activity.

This year’s contests included special prize amounts of $70 to commemorate the Park Authority’s 70th anniversary. Nearly 200 hikers submitted photos as part of the First Hike Fairfax 2021 Photo Contest presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

More than 1,000 people voted on the People’s Choice Winner. With 167 votes, the photo above submitted by Mike Crosby featuring the Huntley Meadows boardwalk received 16 percent of the vote, making it the most popular of the 30 finalists selected by the judges. 
 

Learn more about FCPA Trails and the FREE Trail Buddy App!
Calling all Park Lovers
In honor of Valentine’s Day, let us know why you love Fairfax County parks.
Your ‘love letter’ may be featured in the March FCPF eNewsletter!

Need some inspiration?
  • Start off by stating the purpose of your 'love letter'
  • Recall a sentimental memory
  • Transition to the things you love about Fairfax County parks
  • Remind the park when you first met and how your life has changed since
  • Reaffirm your commitment
  • End with a line that sums up your love.

Simply e-mail your love letter to FCPF by March 1, 2021.

All entrants who provide an address will receive a complimentary 'I LOVE Parks' sticker!
The Buzz
about Spring
Camp & Classes
View Spring Parktakes Online for outdoor, indoor and virtual class options that are available in a wide range of interest areas!

Register by Friday, February 19 to save $8 on each Fairfax County Park Authority Class and camp.

FCPA Class & Camp Questions? Call 703-222-4664 
The History (and Future) of Banks Park
There is always something new to learn and appreciate about the unique features throughout 427 Fairfax County parks. The Olander Banks Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks Park is a 10-acre neighborhood park on Telegraph Road in Lee District with a most interesting history.

See the 2011 park master plan for a detailed background of Banks Park. Dedicated volunteers continue to work together to improve this community park as they have for years.

In 2020 Carolyn Banks Summers, the eighth child of Olander and Margaret received the Elly Doyle Park Service Award for her service. Enjoy this short video clip that debuted at the virtual award ceremony last year.

The Fairfax County Office of Family Services also recognized the family in their February 2021 issue of the Golden Gazette in a feature story entitled 'The Gravel and Grit of Olander and Margaret Banks'.
Supervisor Lusk at Banks Park
“I am so delighted that Olander Banks had the vision and desire to transfer his family property to the Fairfax County Park Authority. This land in the Kingstowne/Franconia area has become a community asset that is used and appreciated by many of our Lee District neighbors.
Parks like the Banks property, located in urban areas provide a unique refuge for residents to connect with nature. The Banks Family understood the importance of retaining this asset for this and future generations.
Additionally, we have also been thinking about future uses for this property. To that end, my office has been working with the FCPA to initiate a process to define future community-supported amenities that can be programmed at this location. We will share details on this effort later this year.”
 Parks Greatest Needs  

Your unrestricted gift to Fairfax County Park Foundation, helps us to meet the greatest need of Fairfax County parks and outreach programs.

FCPF is grateful for supporters like you who instill hope for the future!

Acknowledgement letters, suitable for tax purposes are mailed or e-mailed to all donors. Your tax advisor can confirm benefits allowed via the CARES Act, extended into 2021 for a new $300 above-the-line charitable deduction for those who file a standard deduction; and up to 100% of Adjusted Gross Income if you itemize!

Contributions are welcome anytime – read the Park Foundation’s printable FCPF appeal letter.

Donate online. No gift is too small and every bit helps!
Fiscal Year 2020
Highlights 

The past fiscal year was like no other in FCPF's 20 years. While some donations were understandably delayed, many individuals were inspired to contribute to Fairfax County Park Foundation for the very first time. A number of donors set up monthly contributions to help.

See highlights, Annual Report and Financial information for FCPF which earned the highest Platinum Level of Transparency by GuideStar.

While the pandemic has changed our daily lives, the Fairfax County Park Authority adapted, just like you. As families and friends creatively found ways to stay connected, so did your parks! 
Enter Now through March 17
The 2021 Student Poetry Contest celebrates 70 Years of Excellence in Fairfax County parks and National Poetry Month.

Students in grades K-8 are asked to write original poetry about how your local parks have made Fairfax County a greener, cleaner, healthier place to live, work and play.

All participants will receive a certificate and opportunity to compete for prizes and a chance to read their poems in the 2021 Virtual Poetry Showcase in April. Fairfax County Park Foundation is pleased to sponsor this annual contest and prizes.

See more information and how to enter prior to the March 17 deadline!
Moment of Beauty
Witch Hazel in bloom
Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312

Donate $50 or more to the Moon Gate Garden Project and add a leaf on Our Giving Tree!
Honor or memorialize a loved one at this beautiful park!