Around Town

Herndon is going all-in on a “hot and cool” theme with its newest festival, where upbeat and mellow musical performances will be complemented by activities such as a snowball fight and jalapeno-eating contest.

Polar Heat on Lynn Street,” a free, day-long event on Saturday, May 16 sponsored by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, will feature nonstop music on two different stages, food trucks, inflatables, a smores station and themed community vendor booths.


News

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is holding a public meeting this Saturday (May 2) on proposed renovations to the Audrey Moore Rec Center, the oldest recreational facility built by the agency.

The FCPA says the rec center has served as a community hub since its opening in Annandale in 1977. After undergoing some routine maintenance four years ago, the 76,000-square-foot facility complex is set for a major overhaul.


News

After months of renovations, Mount Vernon Woods Park is set to officially reopen to the public during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Saturday (April 18).

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it will have activities for people of all ages, including skateboarding demonstrations with Fairfax Surf Shop, soccer and community recreation, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.


News

The polarizing pop of paddles swatting pickleballs will soon accompany the comings and goings of commuters at the McLean Metro station in Tysons.

Capital One Center will open four new pickleball courts tomorrow (Wednesday) to replace the ice skating rink in Metro Park, the plaza at 1820 Capital One Drive South outside the Metro station’s recently added north entrance.


News

Visitors to the Providence Rec Center will have to find another location for their workouts later this month.

The Fairfax County Park Authority announced plans yesterday to close the facility at 7525 Marc Drive in West Falls Church from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, April 5 for maintenance and upgrades.


News

Though DC Water has lifted its advisory warning against recreational activities on the Potomac River, Virginia health officials are remaining cautious after millions of gallons of raw sewage spilled into the water earlier this year.

The Virginia Department of Health announced yesterday (Thursday) that it has lifted a recreational water advisory for the river from Chain Bridge (Glebe Road) in Arlington to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in King George County, but it remains in place for a 4.7-mile stretch upstream from Chain Bridge to the American Legion Bridge (I-495) in Fairfax County.


News

An array of boulders recently placed on a field at Roundtree Park (3320 Annandale Road) in West Falls Church is being removed, the Fairfax County Park Authority says.

The appearance of dozens of rocks in late December alarmed residents and park visitors, who frequently use the open field for soccer and other recreational activities.


News

Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) officials want to renovate three aging recreation centers, but with money tight, at least one project will have to be put on hold.

Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole told members of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Dec. 16) that she is hopeful the full $60 million in funding needed for the Audrey Moore Rec Center will be included in the 2026 park bond sent to voters next November.


Around Town

In 1976, Jimmy Carter won the presidential election over the Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, Queen Elizabeth traveled to Virginia for the nation’s bicentennial, and “Happy Days” was appointment TV for millions of Americans.

That same year, the Town of Herndon created its Parks and Recreation Department with just one full-time staffer and one Fairfax County-owned park.


Countywide

The Fairfax County Park Authority is considering increasing some of its fees next year to increase revenue and make up for rising compensation costs.

The park authority unveiled the proposed fee changes at a board meeting last month (Oct. 22) and is accepting public comment through next Wednesday (Nov. 26).


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