In commemoration of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025, veterans and active-duty personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families are invited to enjoy complimentary access to various amenities and activities throughout the Fairfax County park system. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service to our country.

Complimentary Activities Include:

• Rec Center Admission (includes entry to pools, fitness rooms, gyms/courts, and drop-in fitness classes)
• Camping at Lake Fairfax Park
• Wagon Rides at Frying Pan Farm Park

Please bring military identification to receive admission.

Help support Outreach Programs like this by Donating to FCPF!

The Fairfax County Park Foundation joins Fairfax County residents in expressing our condolences to Gerry Connolly's family on the passing of Congressman Connolly. 

Gerry was a long-time park friend and advocate who championed many FCPA projects and programs. His support for a 40-mile trail that spans the length of Fairfax County, led to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board officially naming the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail (GCCCT) in his honor in June 2014.

“This project is a true example of what can happen when the local community, volunteers, and our elected officials work together. Thanks to that effort we are leaving behind a real gem for future generations to enjoy,” stated Congressman Connolly.

His leadership was instrumental in creating the trails network during his years as the Providence District Supervisor, then Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The GCCCT is a strong symbol of community connections. It knits communities together that, in our fast-paced and diverse world, makes for a better life experience.

Help the most used amenity in Fairfax County parks. Donate for Trail Building and Care Today!

"On behalf of the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, I am pleased to welcome Ben Aiken, Paul Berry, Mark Buenavista, and Alyssa Keefe to the FCPF board! Their expertise and commitment to Fairfax County residents and the natural environment will help FCPF attract supplementary support to help Fairfax County park improvements, outreach programs, and community events."

-Laura Eakin Erlacher, FCPF Board of Directors Chair

Ben Aiken is a civic innovator and public sector leader with over 16 years of experience strengthening local government operations in Northern Virginia.

As Deputy Director of Fairfax County's Department of Code Compliance, he champions data-informed decision-making and inclusive community engagement to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

As a systems thinker, Ben brings expertise in strategic planning, community outreach, and operational excellence to his work. He has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led cross-functional teams, and brought innovative approaches to public involvement.

His commitment to environmental stewardship and equitable access to community resources aligns with a belief that strong public spaces are essential to building vibrant, connected communities.

Paul Berry is a former public school teacher, World Bank and IADB alum, and now serves as Vice President at Aegis Mobile. He attended Brown University where he studied Pure Mathematics, and later obtained graduate degrees from the University of Geneva, and the University of Chicago.

Paul has a long history of public service, and in 2018 Governor Northam appointed him to an advisory role in the Office of the Governor. The policy agenda Paul oversaw impacted nearly a million Virginians and addressed health, housing, education, and economic needs throughout the state.

During the pandemic, Paul served in the Medical Reserve Corps as a frontline health worker, deploying to testing and vaccination sites throughout Northern Virginia.

Paul lives in Reston near Baron Cameron Park, where he enjoys chasing his young child with his wife, Carly.

Mark Buenavista is a planner and registered architect with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, currently overseeing the department’s program to develop and finance affordable housing and community facilities serving households with low- and moderate-incomes. Mark’s public sector service in multiple jurisdictions over the last decade has focused on land use, public-private partnerships, transit-oriented development, and placemaking initiatives at the intersection of design, finance, and politics.

Prior to joining local government, Mark practiced in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland planning, designing, and constructing projects ranging from custom residential to mixed-use developments and institutional buildings.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

Mark lives in West Springfield with his wife and two children and is an avid patron of Burke Lake Park, Huntley Meadows Park, and Audrey Moore Rec Center. When he is not spending his time outdoors, Mark is crafting his latest home brew recipe.

Alyssa Keefe, MPP, serves as Senior Vice President of Policy and rejoined the Federation of American Hospitals in December 2024. Prior to joining the Federation, Alyssa served as the System Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy for CommonSpirit Health, a health system operating over 140 hospitals in 22 states.

Alyssa has spent over two decades working with hospitals and health systems, including time at FAH, where she was responsible for advocating on behalf of FAH members with federal agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, FDA, CDC, and HRSA.

Alyssa spent nearly 10 years providing regulatory and legislative analysis and expertise on numerous Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and health policy issues impacting providers as Vice President for Federal Regulatory Affairs with the California Hospital Association (CHA). Prior to joining CHA, Alyssa was the managing director of the Hospital Quality Alliance, a public-private partnership committed to public reporting and improving the quality of care provided by hospitals.

Alyssa lives in Alexandria, VA, with her husband, Jason.

Message from FY 2024 FCPF Leadership

It is said that ‘many hands make light work’. The same can be said for the tremendous impact that thousands of individuals, like you, can have on YOUR parks! We are continually awed by the generosity of Fairfax County citizens and the love they express for their parks.

In Fiscal Year 2024, your generosity resulted in the Fairfax County Park Foundation raising $2,414,365 in monetary and in-kind support for hundreds of enriching programs and projects that supported FCPA in carrying out its mission!

We hope you enjoy reading about the variety of programs that YOU helped make successful! And remember, it’s never too late to help. Your contributions are critical to the continued success of providing quality programs!

Through your volunteer efforts, donations from a Donor Advised Fund, IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution, Stock Gift, or leaving a Legacy gift in your will, you can and DO have an impact on the quality of life in Fairfax County!

Thank you!

Anita Herrera, FCPF Board of Directors Chair, FY 2024

and Roberta A. Longworth, FCPF Executive Director

FCPF extends appreciation to Microsoft Corporation for their support of the Park Authority’s IMA (Invasive Management Area program) and as Garden Plot Stewards. (See the full Microsoft Donor/Volunteer Profile.)

Through their partnership with the Society for Ecological Restoration, Microsoft donated more than $31,000 to help remove invasive species and plant native plants in parks.

The Park Authority has more than 23,000 acres. Unfortunately, more than one-third is infested with non-native invasive species of plants and shrubs that cause ecological or economic harm.

Microsoft also donated $10,000 worth of garden folding seats and tool kits that were donated to our garden plot stewards who had been with the program for ten years or more. The gardeners appreciated the garden kits that helped them to work low to the ground in a comfortable position.

“Due to knee replacements, I can’t kneel, so being able to sit while I plant and weed will solve a problem for me. What a nice donation from Microsoft”, stated a grateful gardener.

You can join Microsoft to help the Invasive Management Program in Fairfax County parks. Learn how to Donate and Volunteer Today!

FCPA's Summer Entertainment Series performances are held outdoors and include Arts in the Parks shows just for children! So, pack your picnic baskets, umbrellas, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy evenings of music in the parks!

Call the HOTLINE at 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour before the start of the show for rain cancellations. Check back for complete schedule of all performances can be found on the FCPA's Summer Entertainment Series website.

Join the sponsors whose voluntary donations ensure that these popular concerts, movies, and children's shows remain free for all to enjoy!

Look for more detail in our next Newsletter.

Funds are being accepted by FCPF to support FCPA's Summer Entertainment Series - Donate Today!

Fairfax County parks welcome your leashed 4-legged friends like these buddies at Lake Accotink Park. Photo submitted by L. Shaub.

Donate and learn more about FCPA Dog Parks and Programs!

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

Park Amenity Locator | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Register now for FCPA Summer Camps and Classes and find MANY other great FCPA Programs and Events online!

Go Green with E-Parktakes!