Honoring Veterans, Active Duty Personnel & Families! | | |
This Veterans Day, Fairfax County Park Authority is extending a special thank you to our U.S. Armed Forces personnel. On Wednesday, November 11, 2026 we invite veterans, active-duty military and their families to join us as we celebrate with FREE access to various activities, such as FCPA 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 America's Veterans!
Your gift to FCPF will help sponsor access to camps, classes, adapted programs, and community equity outreach events like this. Donate Today!
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The 2026 Park Bond Referendum is APPROVED!
Approximately 7 out of 10 (69.7%) Fairfax County voters supported the 2026 Park Bond Referendum, showing how much parks mean to our community.
Your support will help fund the next phase of capital improvements to Fairfax County’s parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, trails, and green spaces. These investments will create even more opportunities to connect, play, and learn for generations to come! We are grateful for the trust you place in the people who care for them every day.
Thank you for believing in FCPA's mission to care for our shared green spaces and enhance the quality of life for Fairfax County residents through recreation, wellness, and access to nature.
See more about the 2026 Park Bond!
| | | Help FCPF keep Fairfax County parks thriving! | |
After a summer of sweltering heat and torrential rain, we welcome the crisp, cool days of fall and all the wonderful ways to enjoy the season in our parks! There’s nothing quite like walking along a scenic trail, enjoying a playground, or picnicking and boating adventures surrounded by the beauty of autumn. These special places enrich our community and create lasting memories for generations.
One of those special places is Eakin Community Park, recently transformed through an extraordinary legacy of generosity. Seventy-five years ago, LeRoy Eakin, Sr. donated 14.5 acres of land that helped establish the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA). For five generations, the Eakin family has carried that spirit of philanthropy forward - donating additional 240 acres and establishing a family trust that continues to support our parks.
That remarkable commitment recently resulted in Eakin Community Park improvements. Today, a new pavilion, playground, parking lot, trails, interpretive signage and benches provide an inviting destination where families and neighbors can gather, explore, and make memories for years to come.
The Eakin family’s generosity is a powerful reminder that when we invest in our parks, we invest in the future of our community. Their legacy will be enjoyed by generations of visitors, and their example inspires us to contemplate the lasting impact our own generosity can have.
“On behalf of the Eakin Family, we invite you to share your time, talent, or treasure, please consider how you can help enrich your Fairfax County parks!
-Laura Eakin Erlacher, FCPF Board Chair
Last year, upon learning of the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s (FCPF) requirement to raise $150,000 for Essential Operations to help offset the impact of FCPA budget reductions, you and other donors rose to the challenge. Thank you!
Numerous modest gifts and major donations from generous FCPF supporters like you helped meet our goal of $150,000. Now, we need your continued help with the remaining $150,000 due this fiscal year. (Once this goal is met, Essential Operations funding may be designated by the Park Foundation Board to help your Fairfax County parks where needed most.)
Your gift for FCPF Essential Operations is critical - it will help sustain the salaries and administrative functions of the Foundation’s lean team of three. Together the Executive Director, Director of Development, and Finance Administrator provide the stewardship and structure for donations that directly benefit our 424 parks, spanning 23,500 acres, welcoming more than 26 million visitors each year.
Please donate $10,000, $5,000, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or whatever you can. Every gift makes a difference now and for the future of our parks. Donors giving $250 or more will be recognized as an FCPF Essential Benefactor on the FCPF website.
Your expression of support with your monetary gifts is greatly appreciated! THANK YOU for helping to sustain the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s mission for over a quarter of a century by supporting the county parks and programs you love!
Your donation TODAY will help ensure the Park Foundation’s viability for future generations!
Donate ONLINE by credit, debit or PayPal OR MAIL a donation to help FCPF support the parks that you love!
| | 2026 FCPF Eakin Philanthropy Awardees | | |
The Fairfax County Park Foundation congratulates the following 2026 Eakin Philanthropy Award winners recognized for their visionary financial and material contributions that significantly enhance Fairfax County parks!
The awards, named in honor of LeRoy Eakin, Sr. who donated 14.5 acres of land in 1951 which became Fairfax County's first park, were presented at FCPA's Elly Doyle Park Service Awards ceremony held on October 24, 2026 at Laurel Hill Golf Club.
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Judith (Judy) Ann Bailey, FCPF Legacy Circle member, (upper left) is honored posthumously for her thoughtful planning and generous bequest to FCPF to fund the Animal Attraction and Observation Area at the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.
The Gilbert McCutcheon Park Volunteer Team, (upper right) a grassroots group led by Steve Markle, is recognized for a robust Adopt-A-Park program, running the FCPA Invasive Management Area (IMA) effort with the proper removal and disposal of invasive plants, and fundraising for a playground and swings.
The Olmi Family (lower left) donated Fort Willard, a Civil War Fort to FCPA which is now a unique Fairfax County Park Authority Historic Site near Alexandria, Virginia. The Olmi Family Foundation made a significant contribution for improvements including an archeological study along with a gift for Essential Operations to help sustain FCPF’s mission of enriching Fairfax County parks.
Giant Food (lower right) has consistently supported Fairfax County parks since 2012 with generous in-kind gifts of food, beverages and refrigerated trucks for the USGA 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at Laurel Hill Golf Club; the FCPA Combo Classic Golf Tournament at Twin Lakes Golf Course; Dog Daze and the annual Healthy Strides 5K/10K race.
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Congratulations to all 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awardees - a truly inspiring group of volunteers and philanthropists whose work reminds us what leadership, service, and impact truly look like for Fairfax County parks!
This years winners below are with Park Authority Board members; FCPA Executive Director, Jai Cole; and emcee, Aimee Cho of NBC4, (pictured left) for making the award ceremony a truly heartwarming experience for all!
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Special appreciation is extended to Congressman James Walkinshaw, for speaking at the 2026 Elly Doyle Awards ceremony.
He is a Fairfax County park supporter and advocate, pictured at a recent event at FCPA's beautiful Royal Lake Park.
| | | Olmi Family members, Geno Olmi, Natalie S. Olmi, and Nenita Castillo Olmi, accept the 2026 Eakin Philanthropy Award from FCPF Board Chair, Laura Eakin Erlacher, pictured right. | | Paul Munch of the Gil McCutcheon Park Volunteer Team receives a 2026 Eakin Award. | | Harry Glasgow honored with Chairman's Choice Award | | |
Harrison A. Glasgow was honored posthumously for his decades of service. Fairfax County Park Authority Board Chairman, Tim Hackman, presented the FCPA Chairman's Choice Award to long-time partner, Nancy Vehrs, (pictured right with Harry) who proudly accepted on Harry's behalf.
Harry served as a member and Vice Chair of the the Park Authority Board then joined the Fairfax County Park Foundation as a director, then Board Treasurer and Board Secretary.
FCPF Director Emeritus, Harry Glasgow, exemplified sharing “time, treasure and talent” in public service, connecting people with the natural world. Read more about Harry's lasting impact on Fairfax County parks!
| | | You can help FCPF support Camps, Classes, Adapted and Outreach Programs and Volunteer recognition Events like this. Donate today! | | |
Two of the Fairfax County Park Foundation's lean staff team of three will will conclude their professional service following retirements on December 31, 2026.
After serving as Fairfax Library Foundation Executive Director for nearly a decade, Bobbi Longworth (pictured right) was appointed to the role of FCPF Executive Director in 2010. Margaret Thaxton (pictured left) joined the FCPF team as Director of Development in 2013.
Bobbi and Margaret expanded the Board of Directors, engaged individuals, organizations and grantors, established long-term investments to endow Fairfax County Parks, and expanded FCPF support for Fairfax County park improvements, outreach programs, and community events. Total giving significantly grew from $335,000 in 2010 to more than $5 million in 2025!
"This success is shared with our dedicated board members, park staff and volunteers." says Bobbi Longworth, "Fundraising is a team sport. On behalf of the Fairfax County Park Foundation, I extend heartfelt thanks to every donor whose generosity reflects their deep love for Fairfax County's 424 parks. Your time, talent and treasure make a lasting difference!"
| | 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 beautiful boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park that attracts nature photographers with a scenic forest, meadows, history and a wildlife-filled Wetlands in Alexandria, VA. Special appreciation is extended to birder, native plant aficionado, and amateur photographer, Nancy Vehrs, for capturing and sharing this photograph with us!
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!
FCPA Class or Reservation Questions?
FCPA Class Questions: 703-222-4664
FCPA Picnic Reservations: 703-324-8732
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 your subscription. please call FCPA 703-222-4664, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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