Tag: parks
Park Authority launches equity survey
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking input from the public on potential barriers that might be limiting people from taking full advantage of programs and amenities. The survey goes along with the draft Equity Study issued by the Park Authority last month. That study recommends revising the fee structure to ensure all residents, regardless … Continued
Park Authority proposes new fee structure
[ A new draft study by the Fairfax County Park Authority recommends changing the fee structure to bring more equity to the park system. The report suggests several strategies to make park programs more affordable to lower-income families. Together, these changes would cost approximately $26.6 million. The draft 2024 Equity Study was presented to the … Continued
Registration opens for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Despite the winter weather, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp. Registration for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale opens Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. These sessions fill up quickly, so it’s best not to wait. To register for all camps, visit Parktakes online and search for the camp title or … Continued
2023: The year in review
Here’s a recap of some of the major stories we covered this year. JANUARY Construction of new Seven Corners Fire Station underwayThe Seven Corners Fire Station on Sleepy Hollow Road is being replaced with a new larger building. A new sidewalk would improve pedestrian safety on Columbia PikeA planned sidewalk would fill in the gaps … Continued
Immediate action urged to save Lake Accotink
Save Lake Accotink, a grassroots community group, is urging Fairfax County to take swift action to dredge Lake Accotink e now and preserve the surrounding ecosystem before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors comes up with a long-range plan to preserve the lake. The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink delivered its Findings … Continued
First Hike photo contest set for Jan. 1
The Fairfax County Park Authority is bringing back its First Hike photo competition on New Year’s Day. To enter, take a walk through any Park Authority park or trail, take a photo, and submit it online by Tuesday, Jan. 2, for a chance to win a prize. The prizes, sponsored by the Park Foundation, include … Continued
Explore a park: Monch Farm Park
This article is part of our series on parks in the Annandale/Mason District area. The last piece in the series explored Deerlick Park. Monch Farm Park, at 6570 Edsall Road in the Alexandria area of Mason District, consists of a former farmstead that has evolved into a 10-acre meadow. There is a trail around the perimeter, … Continued
Park Authority honors volunteers
Every year, the Fairfax County Park Authority presents Elly Doyle Park Services Awards to individual volunteers and groups who have contributed their time or experience to improve recreational opportunities and help protect natural, cultural, or historic resources. The Park Board’s 2023 Chairman’s Choice Award was presented on Nov. 17 to three leaders in recognition of … Continued
The Lake Accotink Task Force is looking at the benefits of retaining the lake
The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink is looking at a broad array of issues – such as the impact on the environment, the habitat, recreation, and equity – as it develops a recommendation on how much of the lake should be saved. The task force is scheduled to present its findings to … Continued
Park Authority Board proposes fee increases
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is proposing fee increases at rec centers and other park facilities. Members of the public are invited to a virtual meeting on Nov. 15, 7 p.m., on the 2024 fee schedule. Anyone who wants to speak can sign up in advance by contacting the Park Authority’s Public Information Office … Continued
Eakin Park parking lot to close for repairs
The main parking lot at Eakin Community Park, on Prosperity Avenue, will be closed for replacement from Nov. 6 through the end of the month, the Park Authority announced. The other parking lot, at 8515 Tobin Road in Annandale, will remain open. Related story: Explore a Park – Eakin Community Park was the first park … Continued
New playground opens at Lake Accotink
Children have a new place to play at Lake Accotink Park. A new playground was officially opened on Nov. 2 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new playground has a tall climbing structure, a long twisty slide, musical features, a playhouse, dragonfly seesaw, large net for climbing, and a double swing allowing a parent to ride … Continued
Greening up the heart of Annandale
By James Albright The Annandale Greenway was designed to connect six parks in the Annandale area – running from Green Spring Gardens westward through the heart of the town and ending in Annandale Community Park. As of Oct. 21, a new park, the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, was inaugurated on Columbia Pike, adding a seventh … Continued
The community celebrates the new Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale
Annandale residents and county officials celebrated the opening of the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, at 7200 Columbia Pike, on Oct. 21. Annandale’s newest park is named for longtime community activist Eileen Garnett who died after a tragic accident in 2022. The park has a plaza area, a demonstration garden overseen by Hands On Harvests, a … Continued
Public invited to the grand opening of a new park in Annandale
The community is invited to the grand opening of the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The new park, at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale, is located between the ACCA Child Development Center and the Annandale Fire Station. The opening celebration will feature a ribbon cutting and welcoming remarks by … Continued