July 26, 2002
Reston operates small "pocket parks" and recreation areas not governed by the Fairfax County Park Authority. These parks are maintained by either the county, the Reston Parks and Recreation Department, or the Reston Association (RA), which maintains its own recreation areas.
RESTON ASSOCIATION oversees the following facilities:
<bt>Swimming pools and tennis courts: Dues-paying RA members have full access to 15 pools - each with its own design, lane lengths and amenities - and 49 tennis courts, including the North Hills clay courts. Nonresidents can purchase a membership to gain access. Call 703- 435-6530.
Playing fields: RA maintains many ball fields and multipurpose courts that can be scheduled for games, picnics and outdoor activities. Call 703- 435-6530.
Pathways: 48 miles of paved paths throughout Reston connect with the W&OD Trail. Call 703-437-9580.
Vernon J. Walker Nature Center: 11450 Glade Drive.
For information call the Reston Association, 703- 435-6530.
The 71-acre, forested park includes an educational center, meeting room, picnic pavilion, self-guided trails, flower garden and other features. RA staff, supported by the Reston Environmental Education Foundation, sponsors educational programs throughout the year.
<bt>IN HERNDON, these facilities are open to the general public:
Alabama Drive Park, Alabama Drive. For information, call the Herndon Community Center, 703- 435-6868.
The 10-acre park includes Little League and Babe Ruth baseball fields, picnic area, soccer field and two lighted basketball courts and a tot lot.
Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave., next to the Herndon Community Center, 703-435-6868.
This 10-acre park features facilities for volleyball, an outdoor basketball court and six lighted tennis courts. A regulation ASA soccer field and a softball field are available by reservation. An air-bubble structure for indoor activity has been constructed and covers three courts in winter. The park is adjacent to the W&OD bike trail. The park also features picnic pavilion.
Bruin Park, 412 S. Van Buren St., 703-435-6868.
This natural park with eight wooded acres is suitable for picnics. It also offers two tennis courts, basketball and softball and open play.
Chandon Park, Palmer Drive, off Herndon Parkway, 703-435-6868. This eight-acre park can be used for softball and has two tennis courts. There is also a tot play area here.
Cuttermill Park, Herndon Parkway N.W., between Sterling Road and Crestview Drive, 703- 435-6868.
The six-acre park includes baseball/T-ball fields, walking area, and a court for volleyball and basketball.
Haley Smith Park, Van Buren and Herndon Parkway, 703-435-6868.
This park opened in late summer 1997. It has two 60-foot baseball/softball fields, a soccer/multi-use field, basketball court, volleyball court and a play area.
Runnymede Park, off Herndon Parkway, between Elden Street and Dranesville Road, 703-435-6868.
This 50-acre nature park includes recreational activities for the public including nature walks along Sugarland Run Stream. It features 100 species of plants and wildlife and is open from dawn to dusk.
Stanton Park, Monroe and Third streets, 703-435-6868.
This 10-acre, county-run neighborhood park is extremely wooded with winding trails, shelter, picnic, trail's play area.
Trailside Park, Crestview Drive, 703-435-6868.
This six-acre park, with its grills, picnic tables and shelter available for rent, is popular for group picnics. It also includes open fields and a volleyball area, open play area, soccer field.
<bt>PARK AUTHORITY facilities in Reston/Herndon areas:
<bt>Dranesville Tavern, 11919 Leesburg Pike - Herndon, 703-750-1598.
A restored 19th-century tavern available for parties and receptions.
Fox Mill District Park, 2801 Fox Mill Road - Herndon.
Includes baseball, football, and soccer fields, and a nature trail.
Frying Pan Park, 2709 West Ox Road, 703- 437-9101.
This 98-acre, fully managed park features outdoor equestrian facilities, amenities for craft fairs and other events. Frying Pan now has a country store and offers hay rides. It has a rentable activity center with seating for 800. Horses are not provided.
Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, 703- 471-5415.
This park has paddle boats and excursion boat rides on Lake Fairfax and offers fishing from the banks. There is a water park complete with slides, a lazy river and a carousel. In addition, the park has picnic areas, camp grounds, athletic fields and cross-country skiing, with a concession stand during the summer.
Baron Cameron Park, off Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston.
Soccer and softball fields, recycling depot.