Recreation

 

Belle Haven Park and Marina: This boaters’ paradise is located on the west bank of the Potomac River on National Park Service property. The facilities are primarily used for wet-slip storage, some dry-dock storage, and for the Mariner Sailing School.

 

George Washington Memorial Parkway
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-768-0018

 

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: This natural oasis is managed by the-National Park Service as a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Dyke Marsh not only provides habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals, it also offers an ideal setting for a variety of recreational activities. The trail leading visitors into the marsh is a favorite of birdwatchers and is also utilized by hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. In addition, the waters in and around the marsh also are popular fishing areas. 

 

George Washington Memorial Parkway
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-768-0018

 

George Washington RECenter:  This recreation center, one of nine operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, has a heated indoor 25-meter pool with a poolside spa, beach and wading area, saunas, showers and fully equipped locker rooms.  The fitness area includes a treadmill, stair-stepper, and recumbent and stationary bicycles. This center also features newly resurfaced lighted tennis courts and a picnic area.

 

9000 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-4000

 

Greendale Golf Course: Greendale, one of seven public golf courses operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, is an 18-hole  course featuring 148 acres of challenging golf with tight fairways and several water hazards. The 17th hole offers a spectacular view of the entire course and surrounding area.

 

6700 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
703-971-3788

 

Gristmill Park:  The Fairfax County Park Authority has the distinction of being the steward of the sole remaining building complex of George Washington’s four outlying farms. Gristmill Park, named for George Washington’s gristmill located a short distance away, contains the ruins of the overseer’s house, archaeological evidence of five slave dwellings and a portion of the original farm land for the 500-plus acre Union Farm. Union Farm was a late addition to George Washington’s land holdings.

 

5699 Old Mill Road
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-379-1044

 

Huntley Meadows Park:  One of Fairfax County’s largest natural areas, Huntley Meadows Park is located at Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard close to Richmond Highway.  The park contains 1,425 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, meadows and mature forest. Its animal residents include fox, deer, beaver, otter and more than 200 species of birds. A boardwalk through the wetlands that leads to an observation tower.

 

The visitor center includes an auditorium and exhibit hall, admission is free. A naturalist is always available during center hours to answer questions.

 

Harrison Lane at Lockheed Boulevard
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-4000

 

Lee District Park and RECenter:  This recreation center, one of nine operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, is comprised of three major areas: swimming area, gym and fitness center.  The surrounding 193-acre park has one soccer field with overlay t-Ball fields, two football fields with overlay softball fields, four basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, a playground and tot lot, four lighted tennis courts, a tennis practice wall, walking trails, and a carousel.

6601 Telegraph Road

Alexandria, VA 22310
703-922-9841

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Park:  This park in the Gum Springs neighborhood just off Richmond Highway features hiking trails, a playground, and a picnic area that can be rented through the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

 

8115 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-324-8732

 

Mount Vernon RECenter:  This recreation center, one of nine operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, has a 25-meter heated indoor pool with poolside spa, a beach area with play features, locker rooms with showers and sauna, a fitness center, pro shop items for sale, dance room, multi-purpose rooms and a year-round 200 foot by 85 foot indoor ice skating rink.