The Fairfax County Park Authority is full of notable women who contribute daily to the success of the county’s parks and recreation facilities. One woman in particular enriches the lives of Fairfax County’s residents and animals alike. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Frying Pan Farm Park’s Equestrian Manager Brooke Fries to discuss her career, the importance of female mentorship and her passion for equestrianism.

Brooke Fries’ love for horses was nurtured by her equestrian mother, Amy Fries, who built Clover Brooke Stable in Nokesville from the ground up in 2006. “Growing up with a single mother who was a businesswoman in the equestrian industry made me a natural fit for my position at Frying Pan. Women-led businesses play a large role in the equestrian industry, and I’ve always admired that about the sport,” said Brooke.

Brooke began her career with the Park Authority as a part-time employee in 2020 while she was finishing her degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She returned to Frying Pan after graduation as the park’s full-time Equestrian Manager. She works daily on growing the equestrian program through arena rentals, horse shows and more. Hers is the type of work that could inspire future “Brookes” to continue spreading the joy of equestrianism in Fairfax County!

One of Brooke’s proudest career accomplishments so far has been the successful execution of the annual Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm Park. Her efforts resulted in over 6,000 participants in only its third year. “It is very fulfilling to see so many people get to explore their equestrian interests and watch them make new connections,” shared Brooke.

Brooke attributes her success to female mentors she’s had throughout her life and career. Her mother, Amy, instilled a sense of self-assurance in her at a young age. “[My mom] is a very strong woman and the biggest influence in my life,” said Brooke. “She’s always really pushed me to be confident in what I do and to know that I have the knowledge [to be successful].”

Shortly after she started working at Frying Pan, Brooke found a mentor in Nicole Mitchell, FCPA’s Waterfront Sites and Nature Centers Branch Manager and Teresa Reynolds, Frying Pan’s site manager. “[They were] such a big influence and really handed me, no pun intended, the reins to do what I knew was right for the equestrian center,” said Brooke. “They empowered me to run with events and programs that I thought would do well and gave me the tools and support I needed [to be successful].”

In reflecting on how her work might impact the next generation of women, Brooke stated “I hope this inspires the next generation of women to check out positions within the Park Authority, because there are so many different career paths and opportunities within [FCPA]. You never know where it may take you.”

Learn more about how the Fairfax County Park Authority is celebrating Women’s History Month by visiting our webpage at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/topics/womens-history-month.