Your Parks are for Everyone!

In Fairfax County, 62,861 people live in poverty and 14,164 of those are children. Many of these people live on less than $30,000 a year in the fifth wealthiest county in the United States. Unfortunately, enriching FCPA educational classes and programs are simply out of reach for them.


To help bridge that gap for individuals with limited financial means, those living in underrepresented areas, and people with intellectual and physical disabilities, the Park Foundation is accepting donations to support FCPA camps, class scholarships, and outreach programs that enrich, educate, and inspire your neighbors in need!


With your thoughtfulness, FCPF can fund impactful outreach programs and community events that provide equitable and inclusive access for our neighbors.


Every gift helps and contributions in any amount are welcome and appreciated! Generous donors of $500 or more will be listed on the Access to Camps, Classes & Equity Outreach Programs FCPF webpage.


Learn how you can Donate with Credit/Debit or Paypal or

Print this Letter to Mail a Gift that helps your neighbors in need!

Watch the Wonder Wagon reveal!

Earth Day Fairfax attendees gathered at Sully Historic Site for the much-anticipated celebration of Fairfax County Park Authority's Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center which provided nature-themed educational activities.


Watch the exciting unveiling of FCPA's Wonder Wagon Reveal (youtube.com) and highlights!


The initial demand for Wonder Wagon programming is great. Now, funds are being accepted by FCPF to support a second Mobile Nature Center to deliver environmental programming and equity outreach throughout the vast Fairfax County. Donate to the Wonder Wagon today!

One Day to Power Your Community through Parks!

May 15, 2024 is the United Way of the National Capital Area's 11th Annual Do More 24 Social Media Online Day of Giving. 


Do More 24 is more than just a day of philanthropy; it is a social movement that brings together charities, private companies, and people of all ages who are committed to making a difference in their community.


It's the perfect day to help your neighbors in need have greater access to Fairfax County Park Authority camps, classes, and equity outreach programs!


Here are ways to 'Power YOUR parks' with a thoughtful gift be it today or any day!

  1. Donate Online to FCPF
  2. Give via UW at DoMore24
  3. Write a check payable to FCPF

(mail to FCPF, Suite 404,12055 Gov't. Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

FCPF Honors Philanthropic Partnership!

FCPF recognized the contributions of the McLean Youth Soccer Association, Leidos, and the Embassy and Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates for contributions to the Fairfax County park system for which they were honored with the 2022 Eakin Philanthropy Award. (This was the first in-person gathering of the partnership since the virtual award ceremony held in 2022.)


“This particular Eakin Philanthropy award demonstrates that community improvements are possible through public-private partnerships with Fairfax County parks,” said FCPF Executive Director Bobbi Longworth. “Together, we can leverage strengths to help improve parks and programs that benefit our neighbors in need!”


FCPF’s Eakin Philanthropy Award recognizes visionary, financial, and material contributions that significantly enhance FCPA parks. The award is named in honor of LeRoy Eakin Sr. who donated 14 acres of land in 1951, which became Fairfax County's first park. Eakin family members were present to honor the awardees while continuing their family’s impactful legacy with parks.

See the full story plus the names and titles of all pictured.

Dogs Allowed!

The ECLP Friends invite you and your leashed four-legged friend to the Walney Visitor Center Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.


This fundraising event for the ECLP Friends is a tail-wagging good time featuring live music, food, and drink for purchase. (Proceeds help the park!)


Meet local dog-themed vendors and adoptable dogs. It's a perfect time to spoil your pooch and also find a gift for your Mom for Mother's Day.

See more about Park n' Bark!

Nodal Volunteers Remove Invasives!

Nodal Exchange helped parks through a monetary donation as well as volunteer time spent removing invasive plants at FCPA's Nottoway Park in Vienna.


Approximately 75 Nodal team members removed invasive Japanese stilt grass and oriental bittersweet vines to create space for native plants. Volunteers left Nottoway that day knowing that their efforts would help protect trees and enhance the natural environment of the park. See the full Donor/Volunteer Profile.


Park Authority staff are grateful for the contributions of the Nodal Exchange volunteers. Volunteers are critical in helping the Park Authority manage invasive species. Interested groups may reach out to the IMA Program for volunteer opportunities.


Groups and individuals may also contribute directly to the IMA Program through the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Donate Donate to IMA Today!!

Garden Club Grows Community

When considering funding allocations, the Garden Club of Fairfax (GCF) board identified two FCPF fundraising projects within the Club’s mission. GCF is committed ‘to conserve the gifts of nature, to restore and preserve historic landscapes of the Commonwealth, to cultivate the knowledge and love of gardening, and to lead future generations to build on the Heritage’. 


This nicely aligns with the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (ECLP) in Chantilly, VA which is dedicated to teaching environmental education and stewardship of our land. The STREAM (Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, and Math) features bring a hands-on approach to learning about nature, animals, and science while being a fun educational experience. It is the perfect setting to interact closely with the natural world due to its abundance of wildlife and flora. 


Garden plantings for the Moon Gate Garden to mark the 50th Anniversary of Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA is also a match. Visitors will be delighted by the East Asian-inspired garden that will be a stunning commemorative feature in an already beautiful park.


The Garden Club of Fairfax is pleased to approve funding for both Park Foundation grant requests!”, said Linda Tiani, Chair of the Community Projects/Philanthropy Committee of the Garden Club of Fairfax, “If you are inspired by our work, please consider joining us to support these important and timely projects!


GCF board members pictured at the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center plaque include Linda Schlesinger, Linda Tiani, Robin Walker, and Karin Rindal.

Healthy Strides Race 2024

The Force is with the first 550 early birds who registered before FCPA's Healthy Strides 5K/10K Race SOLD OUT!


Registered racers enjoy a scenic run on the beautiful grounds of Burke Lake Park on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m. This year's theme is May the 4th Be With You!


We thank each of the partners and sponsors listed above. This collaboration works to reach a large active audience while making this high-quality popular event possible.

Free Healthy Strides Community Classes

Get involved with FCPA’s wellness program offered throughout the year to make an impact on the health of our community. Try FCPA's Healthy Strides Virtual Community Fitness Classes


Join some of your favorite FCPA Rec Center instructors for live-streamed fitness classes. FCPA is adding new times and formats to the schedule and can now stream with music!


Healthy Strides is excited to offer NEW virtual classes, starting with FITNESS! These classes are LIVE and FREE.


"I am a total fan of the Healthy Strides classes sponsored by the Park Foundation. They are wonderful, and I love them. I love being able to go to my “home office” and take Pilates, Strength Training for Older Adults, Zumba, and the Stretch class." shared Fran M., "So, thank you for this great service – and the instructors do remember to give credit to the Foundation at each class!"


You can join Fran to enjoy FCPF's Healthy Strides Community classes which are FREE. Learn how!

Moment of Beauty

The annual Virginia Bluebell season was enjoyed by many

including this family at beautiful Riverbend Park in Great Falls!


Use the Park Amenity Locator to find a picturesque park near you!

Park Amenity Locator | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Find Upcoming Activities!

Register for classes and find MANY other great FCPA Programs and Events online!

Go Green with E-Parktakes!

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