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Summer Camps Offer Wide Variety of Activities, Interests
Summer may seem to be in its early stages, but rest assured that your kids are already looking for new adventures and activities to get involved in a valiant effort to avoid boredom. The Fairfax County Park Authority may have the solution with more than 600 separate camp weeks offered this summer in everything from sports, to high adventure and excursion camps, to sailing, drama and nature camps. Camps are affordable and convenient with locations throughout the county and can be taken for half-day or full-day session by children ages 6 to 17.
Laurel Hill Golf Club Collects More Laurels
Laurel Hill Golf Club joins the notables in the world of golf with a prestigious ranking at number 15 on Golfweek's 2009 roster of the nation's 50 best municipal courses, announced annually in the magazine's May edition. It's elite company. The top three courses - Bethpage Black in New York, Chambers Bay in Washington State and Torrey Pines South in California - are U.S. Open venues. Many of the others are sites for major pro tours and events of the PGA, Senior PGA and LPGA.
Park Authority Joins Community Activists in Burling Celebration
Scott's Run Nature Preserve, located at 7400 Georgetown Pike in McLean will be the site of a celebration and commemoration, remembering this citizen-driven preservation initiative on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 1 p.m. The event will take place at the site of Edward Burling's cabin, the late landowner's private retreat. A short hike is required. If assistance is needed, participants should come to the upper parking lot.
World War II Living History Weekend Set at Sully
Sully Historic Site hosts its annual World War II Living History Weekend on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Meet over 100 reenactors representing both Axis and Allied troops, and get an up-close look at what life was like for soldiers and civilians throughout the war. Interpreters will have authentic uniforms, equipment, weapons and vehicles, including a halftrack tank, on display in their camps.
Annual Report Highlights Accomplishments of Park Authority
The Fairfax County Park Authority's annual report, "Meeting the Challenge," is now available online. This report presents an overview of recent accomplishments. This year's report showcases the agency's recent accreditation, energy management program and restoration of Ox Hill Battlefield Park and Sears House. The report is filled with photos and briefs detailing a successful year.
Park Board, Library Trustees Discuss Possibilities For Mutual Endeavors
Members of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees met last week to discuss possible cooperative programs, joint capital needs and to review existing ventures that bring parks and libraries together. The two divergent entities are among the most popular facilities in Fairfax County and currently face similar budget concerns during this economic downturn.
Just One Fireworks Display Scheduled by Park Authority
Lake Fairfax Park will be the one and only site for fireworks presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority on Independence Day. Fireworks, usually held at Lee District Park in Franconia, will no longer be held at that location due to safety concerns and construction work on athletic fields. However, there are still many wonderful things to enjoy in community parks!
Park Authority Director Continues Listening Forum Outreach
The Listening Forums, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority, will continue in July with another session slated for Thursday, July 30, 2009. These forums provide a chance for residents and park service users to speak face-to-face with Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr. on the park topics of their choice. Perhaps you want to share an idea or a concept. You may have a suggestion or even a criticism. The forums are informal and geared to make sure that everyone has a say. The next forum will be held at South Run RECenter located at 7550 Reservation Road in Springfield, VA.
Invasives Booklet, Park News Receive Communication Awards
The Fairfax County Park Authority recently received communications awards for three unique publications. The Park Authority's employee newsletter, an invasive plant handbook and the agency's annual report were all recognized for creative excellence.
Lee District Park Offers Fourth of July Concert
You will not find fireworks at Lee District Park this year, but you will find excellent entertainment in the afternoon on Independence Day. The Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and generous community sponsors are pleased to present The M&R Project, followed by the Annandale Brass Ensemble Summer Pops in concert from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
New Exhibit Explores County's Agrarian Past
A new exhibit entitled "Dig into the Past" is now open at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. This powerful collection recalls Fairfax County's rich agricultural past. Come travel back in time and let local families describe what life on the farm was really like.
Free, New Rain Garden Guide Is Now Available
Rain Garden Design and Construction: A Northern Virginia Homeowner's Guide, a free instructional booklet produced by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District and the Fairfax County Park Authority's Resource Management Division, is now available. The easy-to-read, full-color booklet includes numerous diagrams and vibrant photographs and provides step-by-step instruction to homeowners on how to plan, design, build and maintain a rain garden.
New Wooded Play Area Connects Kids to Nature
Nature Playce is a new, 1/3-acre area set aside for free-play at the Fairfax County Park Authority's Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. The wooded play area was built by an Eagle Scout candidate and provides an alternative to sedentary indoor activities like video games, surfing the Internet, and watching television. Nature Playce creates an environment where parents and children can enjoy meaningful interactions with the natural world that go beyond a simple trail walk.
PNC Foundation Provides $10,000 Grant to Arts in The Parks
PNC Foundation provided a $10,000 contribution in support of Arts in the Park, ensuring that this performance series could continue. Their generosity also provided many children with the chance to enjoy their first exposure to live performance. PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation have long histories of enriching the lives of their neighbors in the communities in which their banks are located.
2009 Park Authority Stewardship Awards Announced
The Fairfax County Park Authority's Resource Management Division has announced its selections for the 2009 Stewardship and Excellence in Interpretation Awards. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to the stewardship and interpretation of Fairfax County's natural and cultural resources.
Park Authority Benefits From Energy Management Program
The Fairfax County Park Authority brought onboard an energy manager in 2008, and one year later adopted an Energy Management Plan aimed at increasing energy conservation, lowering costs and reducing carbon emissions. Already, these changes are making a positive difference.
Nominations For Elly Doyle Park Service Awards Open
The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin accepting nominations for the 2009 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards on March 25, 2009. The award recognizes volunteers who make outstanding contributions of time and talent to the Fairfax County park system.
Park Authority Joins State Fishing Line Recycling Program
The Fairfax County Park Authority is launching a monofilament fishing line recycling program at local waterfront parks. Riverbend Park, on the Potomac River, has been a leader in establishing the plan. This recycling effort is part of a statewide program started by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
Park Authority Board Names 2009 Leadership Team
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board elected new officers at last week’s regular meeting, choosing William G. Bouie to serve as Chairman and marking the first time in the agency’s history that an African-American has served in this top slot. Bouie, previously the Vice Chair and the Hunter Mill District Representative since 2005, was unanimously chosen for the post.
Join A Local Celebration of Celestial Bodies
The Fairfax County Park Authority, Analemma Society and Friends of Great Falls Library are joining together with Fairfax County Public Library to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Italian scientist Galileo's astronomical discoveries. Join in the celebration by attending the Great Falls Observes the International Year of Astronomy symposium.
Intern Opportunities with Fairfax County Park Authority
The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud of its ability and opportunity to provide a variety of intern programs for individuals seeking on-the-job experience in all aspects of Park Authority operations. The agency intern program boasts a well-established history dating back to the 1960's. The program has changed throughout the years, growing and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the park and recreation profession.
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