Proudly enriching Fairfax County Parks since 2000
 Observatory Park at Turner Farm
 
Jean and Ric Edelman
October began with a celebration that was years in the making!  Fairfax County Board Supervisor, John Foust of the Dranesville District, FCPA, FCPF, The Analemma Society and other supporters attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new roll-top observatory in Observatory Park at Turner Farm

Jean and Ric Edelman made a substantial contribution to the Park Foundation to help fund this exciting project which will surely engage many students with science and technology via astronomy!
 
 Future scientist, Ace Walsh, receives encouragement from Charles Olin, President of The Analemma Society

The Analemma Society members, led by Charles and Jacque Olin, worked in conjunction with the Fairfax County Park Authority to create this exceptional park feature to foster science education through astronomy, navigation and gnomonic with programs for the young, students and the public at-large. 
 
Look for unique and expanded educational programming at Observatory Park to inspire us all!

 
Not your Run-of-the-Mill Tour!

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm a special 4th Floor tour of the Colvin Run Mill will be given. Visitors will experience the water-powered, behind the scenes
, mechanics of the mill. 

This opportunity is not your run-of-the-mill tour.  It's well worth the stair climb, to experience the sights and sounds of this working mill in action.  More information about the mill is included in the  application form when the mill was designated as an historic site.   
 
The $10.00 suggested donation will be utilized by the Fairfax County Park Foundation to benefit one of the many worthwhile Fairfax County park projects!     

Vote YES for the Park Bond

On Tuesday, November 8, readers are encouraged to Vote YES for the Park Bond!  The bond will ensure that necessary facility upgrades, athletic equipment replacements, historic site restorations, open space and parkland acquisition, and new facilities to address an aging park system. 
Find information on our website to learn how the bond funds will be used and what they can do to encourage others to vote YES for the bond!
 
 
Discovery Trail Map Winners!
   
At the beginning of summer 2016, students were encouraged to visit selected park locations listed on the Discovery Trail Map - Presidential Edition. Those who completed the required visits received a fun prize packet and were entered into a free drawing for three high- quality bicycles with safety helmets.    

Store Manager, Joe Chaale, fits bikes to 10-year old Luke Ewell of Washington, D.C, 3-year old, Orson Matheson of Falls Church and 10-year old Maya Raza of Springfield, VA.  Congratulations to these lucky winners whose names were selected from hundreds more entered in the drawing in September.
 
The Discovery Trail Map summer children's activity was co-sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Park Foundation and Spokes, etc.!
 
Amazon Smile :)

Share a SMILE while helping YOUR Fairfax County parks. 
 The Park Foundation has recently been approved to receive a 0.5% donation of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases!

Go to Amazon Smile and select Fairfax County Park Foundation!

Spread the word, this is just in time for the holiday season shopping!

   This FCPF Volunteer is Outstanding!

Over the past 5 years, Howard Albers volunteered with Park Foundation in numerous roles with a focus on research and communications.

Howard Albers, Research and Communications

The results of Howard's investment in Fairfax County parks is best measured beyond his average annual commitment of 600 hours, through initiatives that would not have been possible without his help. He is professional, patient and collaborates well with staff and other volunteers. In fact, many of them mistake him as FCPF staff which has a complement of 3.

Howard's professional audit experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture benefits FCPF today through his meticulous nature and eye for detail in research. His work enables the FCPF to seek more grants and funding for valuable FCPA parks and projects.

Through his communication efforts, foundation donors and park users are better informed via the monthly Park Foundation eNewsletter such as the one you're reading now.   Thank you, Howard!

Help your Waterways on Saturday, 10/15

Be part of the International Coastal Cleanup from 9 to 11:30
a.m. at park sites across Fairfax County on Saturday, October 15.
 
Help clear earth's arteries by collecting tires, bed springs, cans and other debris. Great opportunity for families, groups or individuals to volunteer. Wear boots and old clothes and bring gloves. Trash bags and appreciation provided.

  Sign up online and help at:

Huntley Meadows Park, 703-768-2525
Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-3464
Lake Fairfax Park, 703-471-5414
Riverbend Park, 703-759-9018
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 703-631-0013
Cub Run RECenter, 703-817-9404

Long Branch Stream Valley Park clean-up crew will meet at Canterbury Woods Swim Club parking lot, 5101 Southampton Drive in Annandale.
 
Dominion Bridges Community

After serving the community for many months, Hunter Mill District Supervisor, Cathy Hudgins , and Dominion representative Tim Sargeant recently visited the Chestnut Grove trail and bridge at Lake Fairfax Park
 
Built with the help of a generous $25,000 contribution to the Park Foundation from Dominion, this amenity bridge plays a key role in connecting sections of the park to neighboring communities. 
 
Strategically located signage along select stream valley trails will include useful geographic identification information.  This will more easily identify the location within a park should medical or other assistance be needed by a park user.  Of course, it will also provide mapping to navigate trails for recreational use!

This year the Park Foundation has a goal to raise $10,000 for trails which are the most used FCPA amenity!  Readers are encouraged to make an online donation for  much needed trail protection, maintenance and beautification.
 
New Pump Track Opens at Lake Fairfax Bike Park 
 
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, October 8, 2016, for a new a new bicycle pump track at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.  Pump tracks are small, looping bicycle trail systems that riders navigate by pumping with their arms and legs, rather than pedaling.

The track that opeed at Lake Fairfax measures 50x100 feet and is suitable for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. It was developed and funded by the non-profit Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE ), with significant contributions from The Bike Lane, and designed and constructed by Elevated Trail Design, LLC.  The project kiosk is supported by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

See the Lake Fairfax Bike Park pump track on Flicker!

Thanks, RED!
   
BIG RED THANK YOU is extended to RedThinking for including the Park Foundation in BrandJam 2016 at Refractions in Reston on Sept 22-23. 
 
Red Thinking's all-night graphics and branding event provided pro-bono design services for the FCPF Fiscal Year 2016 a nnual report brochure that will be featured in or next eNewsletter!  

Give to FCPF through United Way and
Combined Federal Campaigns
 
Designate the Fairfax County Park Foundation to receive your contributions in the current annual giving campaigns.   Regardless of the size of your contribution, every donation is needed, supports our parks, and is greatly appreciated!
                  United Way #9400
                  CFC #38066

Encourage your co-workers that you are supporting the Park Foundation.

Be sure to check and see if your employer has a matching gift program.

Wait - there's more FUN at YOUR 427 parks!

Don't miss the  many other exciting activities and fun events at your Fairfax County Park Authority parks!

Fairfax County Park Foundation |  703-324-8582 | parkfoundation@fairfaxcounty.gov  |

 

www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org

STAY CONNECTED: