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Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
703-324-8702

Mission, Vision, and Values

The Mission, Vision, and Values describe the essence of the Park Authority and guide the agency's decisions on policies, practice, and plans.

History

On December 6, 1950, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority was authorized to make decisions concerning land acquisition, park development and operations in Fairfax County, Virginia. To date, 13 park bond referenda have been approved between 1959 and 2016. Today, the Park Authority has 427 parks on more than 23,000 acres of land. We offer 325 miles of trails, our most popular amenity.


Recent News

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: January 11, 2024

The following News Releases were posted today: - Winners Named in 2024 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest - Summer Camp Registration Opens Jan. 23 - Open Houses Planned at All Park Authority Rec Centers Jan. 24 - Gardeners Gear Up For…

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FCPA News and Information Update - January 05, 2024

Vote Now: First Hike People’s Choice Award Voting Is Open Park News Archive Click here for More…

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Apply Now To Be a Vendor, Exhibitor at 2024 Earth Day Festival

The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Applications are now being accepted for vendors and exhibitors to participate in this the…

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Park Authority Seeks Input on Mount Gilead Curator Application

The Fairfax County Park Authority is beginning the evaluation of a new curator application for the Mount Gilead historic property located in the Sully District at 5634 Mount Gilead Road, Centreville. The evaluation will include multiple livestreamed…

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New Year, New You at Park Authority Rec Centers. Join in January and Receive a 15% Discount

Start the new year off on the right track by becoming a member of Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Rec Centers. January offers the perfect opportunity to start a new fitness routine with Rec Center annual memberships on sale throughout the…

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Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Frying Pan Farm Park

Dive into the spirit of community and discover the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center’s Martin Luther King Jr. Service and Learning Event. Enjoy a dynamic and engaging activity that will have…

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Enjoy a Celestial Time at the Park Authority’s Stargazing Extravaganza

Brace yourselves for an out-of-this-world experience. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites you to be a part of some captivating astronomy events! Stargazing Spectacular Jan. 13 (5:30 – 7:45 p.m.) at Burke Lake Park Join…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: December 28, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Jon Eisman Named as a Top Golf Instructor in Virginia - Keep Off the Naughty List While Playing With Your New Toys in the Parks - Protect Your Parks, Properly Dispose of Live Christmas Trees …

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Fairfax County Park Authority News - December 14, 2023

The following News Releases were posted on Dec 14, 2023: Park Authority Board Approves Fee Adjustments Effective Jan. 1 Mastenbrook Grants Approved To Fund Three Park Improvements May the 4th Be With You at the Health Strides 5K/10K …

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: December 07, 2023

- Festive Fun Awaits; Discover the Joy of the Holidays in a Park - Expanding Accessibility in Fairfax Parks and Recreation - Local Farmers, Producers Invited To Join 2024 Farmers Markets - Trail Restoration Work Begins in South Run Stream Valley…

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FCPA News and Information Update: November 30, 2023

- Popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest Returns In 2024 - Santa Claus Is Coming to Our Parks Starting This Weekend! Park News…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 22, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Authority Honors Volunteers at 2023 Elly Doyle Awards - Resident Curator To Open Turner Farmhouse for Breakfast Dec. 2 - Park Authority Celebrates Completion of New Stewardship Center -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 20, 2023

FCPA News & Information Update: November 20, 2023 The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Board Grants Funding To Add Swing Set to McCutcheon Park - Hit the Greens and Save with the Black Friday Golf Pass Sale -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 09, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Community Celebrates New Playground at Lake Accotink Park - Three Park Authority Farmers Markets Remain Open Into December - Park Authority Board Approves Name Change for Oak Marr Sites Park…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 02, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Take the Plunge with the Park Authority’s Aqua FLEX Pass - Eakin Community Park Parking Lot To Close for Replacement - Golf Fairfax Honors Military Service with Military Monday -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: October 26, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Authority Board Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fees - Grant Funds Awarded for McLean Central Park Playground Park News Archive Click Here for more…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update October 20, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Unmask Historic Heroes from the War of 1812 at Colvin Run - There's Still Time for Halloween Fun with Park Authority Activities - Join the Friends of Lake Accotink Park at First-Ever Beaver…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update October 12, 2023

The following News Releases were posted this week: - Rec Center Energy Projects Earn Leadership Award - Join the Park Authority for the 2023 Bat Festival at Wolf Trap - Huntley Meadows Gift Shop Reopens Prior to the Holiday Season! - Golf…

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FCPA News And Information Update: October 06, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month with the Fairfax County Park Authority! - Park Authority Farmers Market Fall Harvest Festival Begins Oct. 11 - Grant Funding Brings Breath of Fresh Air to…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update September 28, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Authority Dog Parks Named Among Northern Virginia’s Best - Sip, Savor and Celebrate Cider Making at Colvin Run Mill - Solar Eclipse Extravaganza at Fairfax County Parks! - Get…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update September 21, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: Top 5 Festivals to ‘Fall’ in Love with Fairfax County Parks Fall Tournaments Tee Off at Golf Fairfax Explore Park Authority Rec Centers for Free on Sept. 27 Franconia Park Court…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: September 14, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Authority Presents Proposed FY 2025 Budget, Welcomes Public Comment - Register Now for Teacher Workday Camps - Friends of Lake Accotink Park Awarded Grant from The Starbucks Foundation …

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - September 7, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: Explore the Fall Garden Festival at Green Spring Gardens Celebrate Grandparents' Day with Fairfax County Parks Batter Up! Braddock Park Batting Cages Reopen Park Authority To Celebrate Official…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - August 31, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Virginia Native American Festival Comes to Riverbend Park - Removal of Deteriorated Structures at Lake Fairfax Park To Begin - Dogs Run Free at the Frying Pan Farm Park Indoor Arena - Work Set…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - August 24, 2023

- Dog Daze Returns to the Water Mine Sept. 9 - Frying Pan Farm Park, Friends Celebrate New Bird Enclosure - Volunteer Opportunities Abound on National Public Lands Day - Be an Artist This Fall with Fairfax County Park Authority -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - August 16, 2023

- Join the Fun at Lake Accotink Park Celebration Day - Bee Informed: Living with Bees, Hornets, Wasps in Fairfax County Parks - Cross County Trail Repairs Get Underway Next Week - Enjoy a Fall Outdoor Overnight Adventure at Burke Lake Park …

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - August 9, 2023

- Residents Find Fun, Relaxation and Community at Fairfax Parks - Rec Center Pools To Close Temporarily for a Deep Cleaning - Experience Colorful Begonias at Green Spring Gardens Click here for More Information About "Fairfax County Park…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - August 2, 2023

- Rec Center Upgrades To Include Benefits to Patrons and Environment - Celebrate National Golf Month with Golf Fairfax - New Park Amenity Locator Makes Finding the Right Park Easy - Celebrate National Farmers Market Week -- Aug. 6 to 12 -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - July 26, 2023

The following News Releases were posted on July 26, 2023: Resident Curator Applications Now Accepted for Mount Gilead; Public Meeting Scheduled Gardeners Gather To Open Laurel Hill Community Gardens Reserve a Tee-rific Time -- August is…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - July 20, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: -Park Authority To Break Ground on Energizing Upgrades at Spring Hill Rec Center -Enjoy the Thrill of the 2023 4-H Fair and Carnival -Golf Fairfax Tees Up for Tournaments of Champions …

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - July 13, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: ‘Drive-in’ to the Starlight Cinema This August Ribbon-Cutting Set for Laurel Hill Community Garden Plots Compete To Be the Next Junior Golf Tournament Champion Celebrate Community in…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - July 07, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Park Authority Seeks Community Input on New Planning Strategy - Fairfax County Park Authority Cultivates Conservation, Culturas Unidas During Latino Conservation Week - Fairfax County Parks Are…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - June 29, 2023

Click here to View the Information About "Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - June 29,…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - June 21, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: Park Authority Seeks Information for Potential Sports Tourism Project Park Service Awards Nomination Deadline Extended to June 30 Open House for Community and Prospective Curators at Mount Gilead…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - June 14, 2023

Fairfax County Park Authority The following News Releases were posted today: Technology Meets Tradition at the New Eisman Golf Academy Performance Lab Farmers Markets Aim To Recycle 4 Tons of Compost in June International Performances…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - June 7, 2023

The following News Releases were posted today: - Accotink Creek Crossing Completes 4-Mile Trail Loop - Kick Your Job Up a Notch with the Park Authority! - Last Call for Summer Camps; Register Today! - Let’s Go Fly a Kite … Safely! -…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 31, 2023

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 31, 2023 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-078 Mastenbrook Grants Approved To Support Improvements at Two Parks IR-079 Celebrate Juneteenth at Fairfax…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 24, 2023

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 24, 2023 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-075 You Don’t Have To Go Far for Summer Fun at Fairfax Parks IR-076 Resurfacing Work Begins on…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 17, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-070 Swimming, Alcohol Banned at Scotts Run Nature Preserve IR-071 Ribbon Cutting for the Accotink Creek Crossing Set for June 3 IR-072 Volunteer Fairfax…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News - May 4, 2023

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - May 04, 2023 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-057 Park Authority Wins NAGC Awards for Communications IR-058 Our Special Harbor Named Among…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News - April 26, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted on April 26, 2023: IR-052 Up the Fun Factor with Golf Fairfax Tournament Play IR-053 Historic Open House Events Set at Two Lorton Sites IR-054 Double Your SNAP Benefits at…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News - April 19, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-050 Celebrating Culture, Connections at Culmore Community Day IR-051 Sun Shines on Patriot Park North for Historic Opening Day The following Public Service Announcements…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update - April 13, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted now: IR-046 - Join the Fairfax County Park Team with a Job by the Water IR-047 - Make a Difference in Your Community with Fairfax County Parks! IR-048 - Wheels Up for ‘Skate the Wake’…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News - April 5, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-042 Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Northern Virginia’s Best Campgrounds IR-043 Enjoy Free Family Fun at Hidden Pond Nature Center Open House IR-044 Farmers…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : March 29, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-039 Park Authority Fee Adjustments To Take Effect April 1 IR-040 Park Authority Adds New Summer Camp Location in Lorton IR-041 Be an Environmental Hero and Help…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : March 23, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-036 Work Set To Begin on Unique Neighborhood Park in Annandale IR-037 Park Authority Executive Director Earns MORE Recognition IR-038 Park Authority Secures Spot…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : March 15, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-032 Earth Day Fairfax Returns to Sully Historic Site IR-033 Franconia District Park Renamed Grove Point Park IR-034 Apply Online for Summer Rec-PAC Scholarship…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : March 08, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-027 Multiple Volunteer Opportunities Available at Earth Day 2023 IR-028 Park Authority is Back on the Ice at The St. James IR-029 Stars Will Come Out During One…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: March 1, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-025 Mastenbrook Grants Approved To Support Improvements in County Parks IR-026 Lake Accotink Dam Maintenance Expected To Begin Mid-March The following Public Service…

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Work To Begin on Sugarland Run Bridge Replacement

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will soon begin to install a new pedestrian bridge in the section of Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park between Heather Down Drive and Eddyspark Drive. This replaces a bridge that was removed 15 years ago and…

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Come Out and Play; Get Paid To Be a Camp Counselor!

Do you enjoy the outdoors, sports, arts and crafts? Are you a strong leader who enjoys inspiring and mentoring children? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Fairfax County Park Authority has the perfect summer job for you! Join the…

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Volunteers Play Key Role in Managing Invasive Plants in County Parks

National Invasive Species Awareness Week offers a perfect opportunity to highlight the outstanding work of Fairfax County volunteers in restoring hundreds of acres of parkland to their natural conditions. The Invasive Management Area (IMA) volunteer…

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Keep Kids Engaged with Spring Break and Teacher Workday Camps

Looking for something for an aspiring actor or budding chef? Or maybe you have a sports superstar you want to keep active over the break. We have the solution for you. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers an array of spring break camps that are…

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Fairfax County Park Authority Offers Programs for American Heritage Girls

The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to offer American Heritage Girls Badge Program in our parks. American Heritage Girls is a scouting program that started in 1995 and has opportunities for three levels of scouts: Tenderheart, Explorer and…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: February 8, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-017 Rec Center Honors Educator, Activist and Basketball Pioneer IR-018 Meeting Set To Discuss Next Steps for White Gardens Horticultural Park The following Public…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: February 2, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-011 Celebrate Black History Month with the Park Authority IR-012 Park Authority Board Elects New Chairman, Officers for 2023 IR-013 Get a Summer Job that…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: January 25, 2023

Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: January 25, 2023 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-009 Laurel Hill Golf Club Rated Among Virginia’s Top Courses IR-010 Have a…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News and Information Update: January 18, 2023

FCPA News & Information Update: January 18, 2023 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-006 Park Authority Chairman Concludes Distinguished Tenure IR-007 Park Authority Breaks Ground on New Mount Vernon Rec Center…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: January 11, 2023

The following Information Release was posted today: IR-005 Spectacular Photos Showcase Fantastic First Hikes in Fairfax The following Public Service Announcements were posted today: PSA-007 Meet Flying Squirrels, Snakes, Toads and…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : January 04, 2023

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-004 Playground Replacement Underway at Glasgow Park IR-003 Prepare Today for Park Authority Summer Camp Registration IR-002 Grant Award To Fund Removal of…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : December 21, 2022

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-168 Park Authority Board Approves Ruckstuhl Park Project Scope IR-167 Park Authority Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fee Changes IR-166 Gailliot, Ta Reappointed to…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : December 14, 2022

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-164 Mount Vernon Rec Center To Close Dec. 31 IR-163 Farmers Market Vendors Sought for 2023 Season IR-162 Gorham, Stone and Thompson Reappointed to Park Board…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : December 07, 2022

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-161 Park Board Changes Parks, Rec Center Name in Lee District IR-160 Meeting Set To Discuss Turf Proposal for Linway Terrace Park IR-159 Mason District Park…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : November 30, 2022

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-156 Reimagined Wakefield Skate Park Now Open IR-155 Mastenbrook Grant Helps To Fund McNaughton Park Improvements IR-154 Park Authority Staff Honored with VRPS…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update : November 23, 2022

The following Public Service Announcements were posted today: PSA-187 Accotink Young Flappers Challenge High Schools to Park Cleanup PSA-186 Find Balance Between Meals and Fitness This Holiday Season The following Cutline…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 18, 2022

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 18, 2022 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-153 Park Board Sets 2023 Meeting Schedule IR-152 Riverbend Forest Preschool Plans Open House IR-151…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 10, 2022

Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 10, 2022 The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-149 Wanda Rixon Field Naming Slated for Saturday, Nov. 19 IR-148 Three FCPA Farmers Markets Remain Open…

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Fairfax County Park Authority News And Information Update: November 3, 2022

The following Information Releases were posted today: IR-146 FCPA Marks National Native American Heritage Month IR-145 Get Ready for NASCOW’s Return at Frying Pan Farm Park Friday! IR-144 Park Authority Names New…

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