It is hard to believe that our internship with the Fairfax County Park Authority has some to an end! We have spent the past three months exploring, learning and, above all, having fun working in and around the park system. There were so many moments that have made this summer internship special, and we’d like to highlight some of our favorite things we saw, activities and people we met. 

On our adventures, we were able to appreciate the natural beauty that is found in our parks. From the decadent flowers at Green Spring Gardens to the beautiful banks of the Potomac River at Riverbend Park and Scott’s Run Nature Reserve, we took the time to appreciate the natural landscape. We also got to say hi to some animal friends at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. From reptiles to birds to insects, this gave us a better understanding of just how important our wildlife is to our thriving environment and community. We also got a glimpse of Fairfax County’s past by visiting some of our historic sites like the Colvin Run Mill and Sully Historic Site. Places like these were perfect environments to bring the past and present together for educational events.  

We also got to stay active during our internship and explore the amenities in our parks, like checking out the unique roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park and perfecting our golf swings at the new simulator in Pinecrest Golf Course. We also headed out to other, lesser-known parks in the county to help disperse clue for the puzzle hunt that is happening this summer in partnership with Fairfax County Schools. We went far and wide to ensure that these clues were properly hung for little adventurers, and we loved getting to explore new parks, such as North Hill Park, while doing so. When we weren’t driving out to parks for puzzle clues, you could have also spotted us interacting with the community at events like the summer concert series at Ossian Hall Park or with the Wonder Wagon to help celebrate the opening of their summer lineup at Justice Park. 

Above all of the fun activities that we did and nature that we saw, one of the most memorable parts of this internship experience was the people we met along the way. We were surrounded by community members at events, parks and facilities, and we noticed how much of a vital role that parks play in the wellbeing of life here in Fairfax County. This amazing community is brought together thanks to the gathering spaces that the parks provide. We also met so many employees who go above and beyond to make sure that the parks, Rec Centers and facilities are in the best conditions to foster community wellness, and it was so inspiring to be a part of a business that has employees who deeply care for what they do.  

Our experience as Marketing and Communications interns for the Park Authority has been nothing short of amazing. We are heading back school for our final year of college with great memories from this summer that will stay with us for a lifetime. We would like to thank our managers, Sarah, Brittany, Jen, Emme and Roberta for supporting us this summer along with the rest of the team at FCPA and helping us grow in our professional development while also showing us how fun it is to work in parks! We feel better equipped with the tools to help us navigate our future, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!