Honoring Veterans, active-duty Military and Family

This Veterans Day, Fairfax County Park Authority is extending a special thank you to our U.S. Armed Forces personnel. On Tuesday, November 11, we invite veterans, active-duty military and their families to join us as we celebrate with FREE access to various activities, such as Rec Center admission, camping at Lake Fairfax Park and wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park.

This outreach is funded by the Fairfax County Park Foundation in partnership with the Park Authority. It is our way of saying 'Thank You for your service'!

See details for Honoring Veterans Day and other Fairfax County Park Authority Fall fun activities and events!

Your gift to FCPF will help sponsor access to camps, classes, adapted programs, and community equity outreach events like this. Donate Today!

Seasonal Fun!

Celebrate the holiday season in your parks!

Find Fall and Winter Seasonal Fun including Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park; Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park; Holidays at Colvin Run Mill; and more active events for your friends and family!

The Fairfax County Park Authority rounded up our seasonal fun into a handy list of holiday happenings in this FCPA holiday highlights list!

Your gift to FCPF will help sponsor access to camps, classes, adapted programs, and community equity outreach events like these. Donate Today!

Cars for Parks

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!

The Wonder Wagon is a Hit!

FCPA's first Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center is a special vehicle bringing environmental and nature programs to underserved and underrepresented communities.

WONDER stands for 'Wild Outdoor Nature Discovery Everywhere Revealed!"

In 2025 to date, the Wonder Wagon reached 7,400 individuals through 108 site visits. In addition to parks, the Wonder Wagon met residents where they are, at FCPA camps, senior centers, community centers, festivals, School-Aged Child Care (SACC) facilities, libraries, food distribution events, Earth Day Fairfax and many other events!

The popularity and overwhelming number of requests for the Wonder Wagon is proof that a second version is needed to adequately meet demand.

Based on experiences, FCPA is looking for a smaller vehicle that can easily fit into a single parking space. This nimbler electric or hybrid vehicle with a 150+ mile range, and climate-control throughout, with an awning canopy for shade will expand its service delivery to Fairfax County residents and continue to target their reach to children and families in low-income communities.

Help us reach the goal of $100,000 to purchase, outfit, and operate a second Wonder Wagon experience. See Sponsorship Benefits and Contribute Today!

Park Authority Board

The Park Authority Board is appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. These 12 appointees are comprised of one representative from each of the nine magisterial districts, plus three at-large members.

The Park Authority Board (PAB) sets policy and establishes priorities for the park agency. See more about the role of these dedicated members of the FCPA Park Authority Board.

The Fairfax County PAB Chairman, Kiel Stone, and PAB Liaison, Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D., are also ex-officio members of the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation expresses appreciation for the voluntary service of Park Authority Board members!

Way to Go, JoJo!

Thanks to all who participated in the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park's NASCOW race on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Congratulations to JoJo, pictured above, winner of the 2025 NASCOW FundRACER.

This fun event is also an important fundraiser for the care and feeding of the animals at Frying Pan Farm Park.

You can still donate to the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park to help.

United through Workplace GIving

To make a tax-deductible contribution to support your parks, consider a payroll deduction through United Way, the Combined Federal Campaign, or the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. The Fairfax County Park Foundation participates in numerous major workplace giving programs in the DMV!

As a proud partner of the United Way of the National Capital Area, we join their commitment to help build sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities through Fairfax County Park Foundation-supported programs and projects.

When you complete your employer's pledge form, select the FCPF code number (listed below). If you don't find the Park Foundation in your employer's charitable giving program, simply designate that your gift be directed to the 'Fairfax County Park Foundation'.

Retired or self-employed?

See how you may Set up Monthly Giving for Fairfax County parks!

Moment of Beauty in YOUR parks!

This month's Moment of Beauty features a dragon fly and feathers. It was captured at Fairfax County Park Authority's Huntley Meadows Park by award-winning photographer, Rena Schild.

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!