Hiking is fun. The Park Authority staff picked 5 starter hikes at some really great parks in Fairfax County for those park users over age 50. And when we say hikes, we mean walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, scenery strolling. Take some time and explore the following trails:
- Lake Accotink Cross County Trail from Dam North
- Burke Lake Park - Lake Loop Trail
- Cub Run Stream Valley Trail
- Huntley Meadows - The Wetland Boardwalk Trail
- Riverbend Park - Hollows Trail
The five hikes link contains the address of the trail head, distance, difficulty, and trail features.
During this fiscal year, the Park Foundation has a goal of raising $10,000 for trail protection, maintenance and beautification.
Trail Buddy is a free GIS app that can be downloaded that will help you find your way around Fairfax County's hundreds of miles of trails.
If it is your first time taking one of these hikes, the Park Foundation would love to hear about your experience! Send an e-mail to
parkfoundation@fairfaxcounty.gov
with a reflection on your experience.
Park Foundation Leadership
Back Row (l to r): Aimee Vosper, FCPA Deputy Director, Kirk Kincannon, FCPA Executive Director, Gary Kirkbride, Director, Michael Gailliot, Director, Tim Walsh, Director, Rich Harpe, Director, William Hwang, Director, Mary Shields, Finance Administrator, Margaret Thaxton, Director of Development, Bobbi Longworth, FCPF Executuve Director.
Front Row: Dr. Cynthia Jacobs-Carter, Park Authority Board Liaison, Bruce McLeod, past Chair, Harry Glasgow, Treasurer, Steve Thormahlen, Chair, John Osborn, Vice Chair, Lane Brooks, Secretary.
First Carousel Animals are Adopted!
Thank you to the following donors who generously adopted a Chesapeake-Bay-Themed Carousel Animal!
- Sunshine (Wind Dancer Horse) adopted by The Kelley Syron Sunshine Fund
- Clemaline and Heneska (two Horses with ADA Seat) adopted by Hilltop Sand & Gravel Company
- Shell-Lee (the Sea Turtle) adopted by Fairfax County Park Foundation
A $10,000 gift to the Fairfax County Park Foundation enables the donor to name and adopt a special Chesapeake Bay themed animal!
Like the feature pictured above at Clemyjontri Park in McLean, this accessible carousel will be a place where every child, including individuals with mobility issues, can enjoy!
A $10,000 donation to the Park Foundation will allow a donor to name and adopt one of these beautiful animals. If you have questions about the adoption process and benefits please call Margaret Thaxton, Director of Development, Park Foundation at 703-324-8532 or send her an e-mail at Margaret.Thaxton@fairfaxcounty.gov.
If desired, a nameplate listing the animal's 'name' and donor name will be affixed below the carousel animal to recognize this adoption.
Donors will also be invited to celebrate at the inaugural ride at the ceremonial opening of this special feature!
Burke Lake Park Shelter House Improvements
The Park Foundation is pleased to give our supporters an update on the Burke Lake Park improvement fundraising campaign. The two year-old campaign to raise money to build 2 new picnic shelters, one indoor classroom and a Campitheatre is going well. The first phase of this multi-year campaign is to raise $220,000 for the first picnic shelter and we are at 41% of our goal. The generous donation of Wayne Valis and hundreds of other supporters has raised $91,000! Thank you! Please visit
http://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/ to learn more about the Burke Lake Park improvement campaign and how your donation can help.
When the Park Foundation sent our first fundraising letter in the fall of 2015 the Foundation Board was told the needed additions were not covered by the 2012 Park Bonds, the Park Foundation board decided to made it a priority multi-year fundraising project.
More donations are needed to make this a reality.
Dove Family Improves a Special FCPA Park
Mary and Ernest Dove made a $500 contribution through the Park Foundation to help fund the fencing project at FCPA's Wakefield Chapel cemetery, the resting place for a number of Dove family ancestors.
Ernest shared that he visited the cemetery with his cousin, Nancy, who drove up from Florida to place a wreath on the grave of her Mother and Father. She has visited the cemetery over the years and was extremely pleased with the improved maintenance. Nancy said, "The cemetery has never looked better."
He added that the improvements were largely the result of FCPA Area 2 manager, Mark Plourde's management and that of the Fairfax County Park Authority Staff. "The Dove Family is most appreciative!" - Ernest Dove
The Park Foundation board and staff are appreciative of the Dove family's support for this special park!
Give a donation for a Special Occasion
For the person who seems to have everything or is difficult to surprise, consider making a donation to the Park Foundation in honor of a special friend or family member. Or, you could remember the life of a friend or loved one by making a memorial gift.
1. Contribute $50 or more in their honor to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
2. Provide the name and address of the individual(s) to be notified.
3. Indicate whether the gift is made in their honor or memory.
The Park Foundation will mail this beautiful card (featuring Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls, Virginia) to share that a commemorative gift was made.
Contributions made to the Park Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you for investing in YOUR parks, a key element of Fairfax County's quality of life! Contact Mary Shields at
(703) 324-8582 for more information.
Don't miss the (indoor and outdoor) winter fun at your FCPA parks while planning for spring camps. See more online!
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