January 2026 Newsletter

VOTE for the People's Choice photo!

Hundreds of residents grabbed coats and cameras to join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails.

Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo to the popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest on January 1. See all photo submissions for First Hike 2026.

The 2026 Director's Choice Award photo (pictured above) was taken by Kimberly Berona at FCPA's Huntsman Lake. See FCPA parks with small lakes. This and other Judges' Choice Awards have been announced.

A committee reviewed submissions and selected finalists for the 2026 People’s Choice Award; this award will be selected by popular vote!

Now YOU can Vote to help select the People's Choice Award winner!

Vote for your favorite First Hike Fairfax 2026 photo from among our finalists selected by FCPA's panel of judges.

Cast your vote by visiting the FCPA People's Choice voting webpage. Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced by FCPA on Thursday, January 15 and will receive a $100 Park Authority gift card, sponsored by the Park Foundation. It will also be featured in the February FCPF newsletter.

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!

Thank you for supporting Essential Operations

We are grateful to all who joined Wayne and Angela Valis to Help FCPF Keep FCPA Parks Thriving by making a meaningful gift to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Every gift helps and is very much appreciated! Fairfax County Park Foundation is sending an official acknowledgement letter, suitable for tax purposes, to each donor by regular or email.

Read this appeal letter online and learn how your gift will help FCPF help keep Fairfax County parks thriving.

Please Donate to essential operations today!

Honoring Kevin Ta, FCPF Board Director

The Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) Board of Directors elected Kevin Ta, as a Director in 2019. Kevin served two-terms of service as a valuable and respected member of FCPF Board through December 2025.

During that time, Kevin was an active member of the FCPF Finance Committee. His expertise, as a Certified Financial Planner, (CFP™), Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), was essential in updating existing policies and in creating investment policies. These documents continue to serve as parameters to guide the Park Foundation's financial management of donations.

Kevin's active participation helped FCPF, the fundraising arm for the Park Authority, to identify Edward Jones as a brokerage firm partner. Four long-term investment accounts have since been established to endow Fairfax County parks well into the future.

The FCPF Board is composed of volunteers to help attract support and develop partnerships to benefit our neighbors by enriching Fairfax County's 422 parks, improvement projects, and meaningful outreach programs.

Learn more about the FCPF board and directors!

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 2026 Judge's Choice Award photograph taken by Marijke Gate at Fairfax County Park Authority's Riverbend Park in Great Falls, VA.

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!