Tag: parks
An interpretive sign honors a Black community displaced by eminent domain
A few decades ago, there was a thriving close-knit Black community called The Pines in what is now Pine Ridge Park on Woodburn Road in Annandale. It was a place where everyone was related or knew one another, where children played outdoors all day, built forts, and picked blackberries and cherries. It’s also the site … Continued
Park bond funds could be used for Poe Terrace Park
Poe Terrace Park in Annandale could be in line for a much-needed renovation if voters pass the $180 million park bond on the Nov. 3 ballot. In addition to $89 million to replace the aging Audrey Moore Rec Center in Annandale, the bond includes $19 million to renovate existing parks. The Fairfax County Park Authority … Continued
Sidewalk and fence installed at Justice Park
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has completed the $900,000, 825-foot sidewalk on Peace Valley Lane next to Justice Park. The sidewalk had been bitterly opposed by nearby residents, who complained that the funds could be better spent on more worthy projects. Among other issues, they argued the sidewalk wasn’t needed because, since it was … Continued
Join the Tree Rescue Extravaganza
Come out and help your neighbors save a tree! Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM is sponsoring the countywide Tree Rescue Extravaganza II from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1. PRISM, which stands for Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, is a coalition of agencies, nonprofits, and residents who come together to tackle invasive species in a region. … Continued
Park Authority honors exemplary volunteers
The Fairfax County Park Authority has honored 17 individuals and entities with 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards, including three volunteers who have supported parks in Mason District. The Elly Doyle awards recognize “exceptional service and contributions to the county’s parks, natural and cultural resources, and recreational opportunities.” Green Spring Gardens volunteer Susan Voss received … Continued
Deer hunting season underway in parks
Fairfax County’s deer management program, which uses bowhunters to reduce the deer population, started on Sept. 12. Bowhunters who meet the county’s standards are allowed to hunt deer in designated county parks Monday through Saturday from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Parks remain open to the public during deer hunting season, … Continued
Renovations planned for two playgrounds in Mason District
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovating playgrounds at seven parks throughout the county this fall, including two in Mason District. Construction will begin on upgrades to the playgrounds at Bren Mar Park on Edsall Road and Lincolnia Park 6295 Eighth St., in September. The projects are expected to be completed in December. The … Continued
Only a few more shows in the parks this summer
You’ve got only a few more chances to catch a free concert in Mason District this summer. Due to funding cutbacks by the Park Authority, only eight Spotlight by Starlight concerts are scheduled for 2026 in Mason District Park. a significant reduction from recent years. The most recent performance, featuring the Falls Church Concert Band … Continued
Park Authority honors volunteers
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is honoring 21 individuals as 2026 Outstanding Volunteers. They were recognized by their peers for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system. The honorees include the following volunteers at Mason District/Annandale park facilities: According to the Park Authority, more than 10,770 … Continued
Work starts on Justice Park sidewalk
Construction began this week on a sidewalk at Justice Park that residents say is unnecessary and a waste of money. The $900,000 project consists of an 825-linear-foot concrete sidewalk, five feet wide, along the south side of Peace Valley Lane across the street from Justice High School. It is expected to be completed by the … Continued
Park bond includes funds for new Audrey Moore Rec Center
The ballot for the General Election on Nov. 3 will include a proposed $180 million park bond and a $75 million bond for community health and human services facilities. The Board of Supervisors on June 23 authorized the bond referendums to be presented to voters. The bond for parks and park facilities includes $89 million … Continued
Penny Gross: Summer concert cutbacks are ‘heartbreaking’
Former Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, the driving force behind the creation of the Spotlight by Starlight outdoor summer entertainment series, says it’s a “great disappointment” that the Fairfax County Park Authority has significantly cut back the number concerts this year. There will only be eight Spotlight by Starlight concerts at Mason District Park this … Continued
Viewpoint: What will become of Lake Accotink?
By Paul Gilbert One of Fairfax County’s most beloved parks is at a crossroads – and Fairfax County wants your input. Lake Accotink draws 250,000 visitors a year. Along with Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax, it is one of three lakefront parks that serve as the anchor attractions of the Park Authority system. Think of … Continued
Softball fields at Wakefield Park improved
The softball fields at Wakefield Park have been upgraded, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced on June 11. The improvements include renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, new fencing, new batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers. Field 8 has been converted into a state-of-the-art synthetic turf surface. Wakefield Park … Continued
New resources available for invasive plant management
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched an apprenticeship program to train new Invasive Management Area site leaders, enabling the IMA program to expand to more local parks across the county. Removing invasives leads to better stormwater management, more birds and other wildlife, an improved tree canopy, and better water filtration, says Whitney Redding, one … Continued