Symbols of love within nature include this heart-shaped leaf from an Eastern Redbud tree, native to Fairfax County and other geographic regions of Eastern North America. | | Ready, Set, Go to FCPA Camps! | | |
Prepare for an experience that young campers will never forget at Fairfax County Park Authority’s camp. Explore the spaces still open for exciting camps happening across Fairfax County this spring and summer.
See the following Camps Planning and Registration links and resources, all conveniently available on this handy FCPA Camps Webpage!
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2026 Camp Guide: Explore the full suite of spring and summer camp offerings.
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My Summer Camp Planner: Download to make notes of registration codes and open registration dates to track your top choices.
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Camp Spreadsheet: Use this spreadsheet to sort and filter available camps and Extended Care offerings for children by their age, the week, the type of camp and the location.
Did you know that you can make a Scholarship donation to FCPF while registering for FCPA Camps and Classes?
To help your neighbors in need access camps, classes, adapted, and equity outreach programs, simply add your voluntary gift at registration or donate to FCPF online!
| | First Hike People's Choice photo | | |
As the winner, Nathan Kennedy will receive a $100 Fairfax County Park Authority gift card, sponsored by the Park Foundation.
The 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest invited park enthusiasts of all ages to kick off the new year by exploring local parks and capturing their adventures through photography. The contest was a tremendous success, with more than 250 photo submissions and more than 500 residents participating in the People’s Choice Award voting.
This year’s inspiring First Hike submissions showcased the diverse landscapes, wildlife and recreational opportunities found throughout the Fairfax County park system, as well as precious moments that captured the enjoyment of both people and pets as they visited our parks. To view a full collection of this year’s photo submissions, visit the First Hike Fairfax 2026 Flickr album.
Thank you to all our participants for their enthusiastic support of this year’s First Hike event. We encourage everyone to continue exploring and enjoying our parks throughout 2026. Whether you’re hiking a scenic trail, observing wildlife or simply enjoying a moment of peace in nature, there’s always something new to discover.
Donate today for Trails. This fund helps the Park Authority to build, maintain and beautify trails - the most used amenity in Fairfax County parks!
| | Celebrate the Lunar New Year! | | |
The FCPA Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Saturday, February 21 from 6–8 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Course, 6201 Union Mill Road
Clifton, VA 20124.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Fairfax County Park Authority! Enjoy an evening filled with festive traditions, including:
- Hands-on crafts and cultural games
- Tasty samples of Asian cuisine
- Live performances of martial arts, dance, and music
- Stories and history behind this vibrant holiday
$10 per person (Ages 3–Adult | Children must be accompanied by a registered adult) Register by Thursday, February 19, at 11:59 p.m.
The celebration, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, aims to bring the community together for a joyous observance of this significant cultural event.
Donate today to help FCPF support Camps, Classes, Adapted and Outreach Programs like this. This fund helps your neighbors in need enjoy enriching programs! FCPF will send a written confirmation, suitable for tax purposes, to recognize your voluntary gift!
| | Sponsor FCPA's Summer Entertainment Series! | | |
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series features popular concerts, children’s shows and outdoor movies in 11 local series. High-quality acts are held at 17 venues across Fairfax County. These series are accessible and provide important connections for the community.
In 2025, 35,000+ attendees enjoyed 4 outdoor movies, 189 free live performances by outstanding local and national touring groups. With such diversity of genres, the FCPA Summer Entertainment Series has something for everyone.
FCPF is seeking support to keep the good vibes going into 2026!
See the numerous benefits and recognition opportunities of becoming a Summer Entertainment Series Sponsor today!
| | The Olmi Family continues to make a Difference! | | |
Fort Willard, a Civil War Fort, was constructed in 1862 as part of the defense system for Washington, D.C. It was donated by the developers of Belle Haven, Gene and Helen Olmi, Sr. and Gene and Natalie Olmi, Jr. Now Fort Willard is a Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Historic Site near Alexandria, Virginia.
The Olmi Family Foundation recently made a significant contribution to the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) for improvements at Fort Willard Circle. FCPA cultural and natural resource staff will oversee Site Stabilization including tree work and invasive plant species management. The generous gift will also fund an Archeological Study to confirm location and condition of Fort structures and to enhance access to Educational Opportunities at the site.
FCPF Executive Director, Bobbi Longworth, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Geno Olmi and Nenita Castillo–Olmi for their Family Foundation’s generous gift of appreciated stock.
Join the Olmi Family to enrich Fairfax County parks by donating Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds to FCPF today!
| | Give a Car, Truck, Boat or other motorized vehicle! | | |
Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, motor-home or other vehicle to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Not only will you get rid of an unwanted vehicle without the hassle and expense of trying to sell it, you will get a tax deduction to the fullest extent of the law. Your donation will support FCPF’s essential operations which are necessary to sustain FCPF, the fundraising arm dedicated to enriching your beautiful Fairfax County parks!
Giving is fast and easy - and vehicle pick-up is free through our partner CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services). We accept cars, trucks, boats, and motor homes - even if not in operating condition.
Learn how YOU can Give a Car!
Please submit the CARS online form or give a call to CARS at 855-500-7433. It's that easy to initiate your vehicle donation today!
| | Moment of Beauty in YOUR parks! | | |
This month's Moment of Beauty features the First Hike Staff Snapshot, taken by Paul Nicholson at Fairfax County Park Authority's Fred Crabtree Park in Herndon, VA.
Paul's photo stood out for its simple yet striking view of the trees that anchor our land. This image of towering trees provides perspective, connection, and evokes a shared sense of stewardship. As the FCPA Staff Snapshot Award recipient, Paul's photo will be featured in the spring edition of Parktakes magazine.
We would love to publish your Moment of Beauty in a future newsletter. Please share your original photo, naming the FCPA park, your name, and any description to the FCPF email.
Use the Park Amenity Locator to find a picturesque park near you!
Park Amenity Locator | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)
| | Find Upcoming Camps, Classes, Programs and Activities! | | |
Register now for FCPA Camps and Classes and find MANY other great FCPA Programs and Events online!
Go Green with E-Parktakes!
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is pleased to host the E-edition of Parktakes magazine, an alternative to the print copy that is mailed to subscribers.
Leaving the Area? If you wish to cancel your Parktakes Subscription, log in to your account with your email address and password and update your member details. Change the Parktakes Subscription field to No to unsubscribe. If you want to cancel your account and no longer receive email notices, visit Parktakes Account Cancellation.
If you need assistance managing our subscription. please call FCPA 703-222-4664, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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