National Public Lands Day Volunteers Wanted!

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands.


Consider celebrating National Public Lands Day by participating in one of the Park Authority's volunteer opportunities taking place across Fairfax County. See the wide selection of service activities to protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of our treasured park system!


In partnership with Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), the Fairfax County Park Authority has developed new trail signage along the Cross County Trail honoring the legacy and contributions of Gerry Connolly. Please join FCPA and FCPF for an unveiling of the new signage on Saturday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m. a the Lake Accotink McLaren Sargent Pavillion.


Your gift can help FCPF support Trail Building and Care of FCPA parks. Donate today!

Register to Tour Oak Hill Open House

Step inside one of Fairfax County's oldest homes during the Historic Oak Hill Open House, located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale, VA


NEW THIS YEAR! Timed entry tickets will be required for all visitors to tour the interior of this historic home. To provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, 50 tickets will be available for each half-hour entry time, beginning at 4 p.m. with the final entry at 6:30 p.m. Register with FCPA in advance!


Tours of the historic boxwood gardens, an outdoor docent-led talk highlighting the history of Oak Hill and other onsite activities are free and open to the public. No ticket is required to enjoy these outdoor experiences.


Open House Tips:

-Historic Oak Hill is a private residence and is only open to the public during this special annual event on Friday, September 25 from 4-7 p.m.

-Visitors are encouraged to carpool and use available parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill (Wakefield Chapel Road & Braeburn Drive).


You can help FCPF support Camps, Classes, Adapted and Outreach Programs and Events like this. Donate today! 

Bug Fest is Back!

Bug Fest is Back on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, VA.


Come celebrate the tiny creatures that keep our world buzzing!

Join FCPA for insect safari hikes, live bug meet‑and‑greets, crafts, games, a buggy maze, and more!


Buy tickets ( $10 online and $12 at the gate).


Donate today to help FCPF support Camps, Classes, Adapted and Outreach Programs and Events like this.

ParktoberFest returns!

ParktoberFest is an annual fall festival featuring live music, food trucks, craft brews, artisan shopping, and family-friendly activities.


ParktoberFest is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cabell’s Mill grounds at 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA.


Admission and parking are free. Walking and biking are encouraged.


ParktoberFest is presented by the Friends of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park co-sponsored by Fairfax County Park Foundation in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority.


For more details, visit the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park website.


Donate today to help FCPF support Camps, Classes, Adapted and Outreach Programs and Events like this.

Honoring Jeffrey Fairfield, Esq.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and Park Foundation extend appreciation to Jeffrey J. Fairfield, Esquire for twenty years of service with the Ruth & Hal Launders Charitable Trust (RHLCT) upon his retirement.


In addition to providing the popular Arrowbrook Park to the Park Authority, RHLCT sponsors the Fairfax Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park, and is the Celestial Star Level Sponsor of the Summer Entertainment Series, specifically the Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park in Herndon, VA.


A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Jeff on August 29 by Park Authority Board Chairman, Tim Hackman; and Dranesville District Supervisor, Jimmy Bierman.


Pictured above (left to right) Tim Hackman, Park Authority Board Chairman; Jeff Fairfield, RHLCT; and Jimmy Bierman, Jr., Dranesville District Supervisor with Daughter

Learn how you can join the Ruth & Hal Launders Charitable Trust to support the 2027 FCPA Summer Entertainment Series. Donate Today!

Give a Car, Truck, boat or other motorized vehicle!

Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, motor-home or other vehicle to benefit 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 or other motorized vehicle!

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 boardwalk that meanders through Fairfax County Park Authority's Huntley Meadows Park, Birders and nature photographers flock to this beautiful destination conveniently located in Alexandria, 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!

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.


Support YOUR Fairfax County Parks!

Every gift helps and is greatly appreciated.


There are many ways to help parks, including

Combined Federal & Commonwealth of Virginia Campaigns

United Way Give a Car, Motorcycle, Boat or other Vehicle

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

Wills and Other Gift Planning

Give Stocks Bonds & Mutual Funds

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Gifts

Employer Matching Monthly Giving and Payroll Deduction

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