Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad comes down the path at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Photo by Ryan Dunn
Although Reston’s Lake Fairfax park’s outdoor Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole is closed until May 2014, the park remains open to visitors and patrons. The campground, picnic areas, playground, trails and skatepark remain open year-round. On both Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 visitors to Reston’s Lake Fairfax were welcome to ride on Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad. Other staff were nearby to help with arts and crafts activities.
In the morning of Nov. 15, a party of dog owners associated with the Northern Virginia Dog Magazine assembled for a walk around the park. "We did a three mile walk around Lake Fairfax," said Carol Brooks, resident of Reston. "We focus on the entire area of northern Virginia, we rotate through the area so it is not always a far drive. This park is very dog friendly," said Angela Meyers.
Duston Meyers, seasonal assistant manager, operated train Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad. "Duston was really informative and very accommodating for all ages," said Vanna Ruffner, a retired teacher from Fairfax County Schools visited the park with her husband Buddy and grandchildren. "We are glad the park advertised about this event," said Ruffner. The trackless train can carry about 15 people at a time and is stored at Frying Pan Farm Park. Because the train can be used at multiple parks, interpreters will be able to highlight the specific cultural and natural resources of individual sites during tours. Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park is currently collecting nonperishable food to be donated to a local food bank. For more information, call 703-471-5415.