News & Press Releases

Ball's Bluff Reenactment an Economic Boom for Region
  On October 22, 2011 Ball’s Bluff Battlefield in Leesburg played host to one of  the signature events in Northern Virginia’s commemoration of the Civil War. With approxim...
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Civil War Christmas at Mt. Zion Historic Park
“Tomorrow is Christmas and we are not goin to drill.  We are goin to keep Christmas and we are goin to have a little fun….”  So wrote a soldier in a letter home to his ...
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Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours December 10, 2011, 6:00 to 9:00 pm December 12, 2011, 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Make Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours part of your family's 2011 holiday celebration. Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history of Old Town ...
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A Soldier’s Christmas Historic Reenactment and Tours At Carlyle House Historic Park
The “Soldier's Christmas” program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment and will highlight colonial life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the Ame...
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Bull Run Festival of Lights Opens this Wednesday!
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is open Wednesday November 23rd through January 8th! Featuring over two and a half miles of beautiful holiday light displays, the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull...
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“Procure me Some Place in the War”: A Living History Presentation and Tea with Dorothea Dix
Step into history with Dorothea Dix, head of the US Army Nurse’s Corps during the Civil War, on Saturday, October 1st.  Pat Jordan from the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia wi...
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Union Troops Offer Civil War Program at Mt. Zion Church Historic Site near Aldie
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority continues its commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th, when it hosts re-enactors portraying...
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Civil War Fashion Show
On Saturday, September 10, the Carlyle House terrace will be transformed into a runway as we celebrate fashion from the Civil War and colonial American periods.  Living history interpreters wi...
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17th Mississippi Regiment Visits Aldie Mill
Aldie Mill Historic Park, a property of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, welcomes the 17th Mississippi Regiment to the mill on Saturday and Sunday, August 27th & 28th.   A l...
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Spirited History: A Tasting of History & Whiskeys at Aldie Mill
If you’re tired of the heat and are ready for summer to end, get into the spirit of the fall by reserving your spot at Spirited History: A Tasting of History & Whiskeys at Aldie Mill on S...
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“A Fine Beginning”
In August 1753, John Carlyle and his wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, moved into their new home in Alexandria.  That night, Sarah gave birth to a son, William.    On August 6, 20...
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150 Years Ago Along the Bull Run
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas. Only days before the First Battle of Manassas, Union forces under General Irvin McDowell attempted to cross the Bull Run to engage...
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Mt. Zion Historical Park Opens to Public for Monthly Programs
The 1851 Mt. Zion Baptist Church, sitting alongside Rt. 50 east of Gilbert’s Corner, will open its doors to the public for guided tours and living history programs on the fourth Sunday of eac...
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Special Korean Branding Lecture & Luncheon Held at the Atrium at Meadowlark on July 13
The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, located in Vienna, will be the site of an exclusive lunch and lecture on “Korea’s Brand Power – How to Capture Hearts and Minds Around ...
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Visit NVRPA Golf Courses on July 15th for Great Golf Deals - ONE DAY ONLY!
On Friday, July 15, Algonkian Golf Course in Sterling, Brambleton Golf Course in Ashburn and Pohick Bay Golf Course in Lorton will offer an amazing one day only promotion – Summer Smash! This...
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Bull Run Regional Park to Commemorate Blackburn's Ford on July 18 at 7 pm
Only days before the First Battle of Manassas, Union forces under General Irvin McDowell attempted to cross the Bull Run to engage the Confederate Army under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregar...
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Upcoming Events & Summer Concert Series at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
PotomacOverlook Regional Parkwill continue the summer season by offering programs, activities and a summer long concert series for outdoor enthusiasts of every age!   Musical performan...
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Hands-On-History Tent: The Civil War
VisitCarlyle House Historic Parkon Tuesday, June 28th on the lawn to explore the Carlyle House in the Civil War through hands-on activities for children ages 3-12 and their caregivers. Try on Civil...
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Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Artillery Dedication
On Saturday, July 9th, Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park will host an artillery dedication (of two mountain howitzers and one James Rifle) at 11 a.m. with the presentation of t...
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Give Your School’s PTA a Shot at Some Cash with NVRPA’s School Shout Out Program!
The academic year might be just about over, but thanks to a new program, area elementary kids will have a chance to help out there schools out while having fun at their favorite waterparks this sum...
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Mosby: Scout along the Turnpike to be hosted at Mt. Zion Historic Park and Aldie Mill
On Saturday, June 25th, from noon to 5 p.m., the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) and Mosby Heritage Area Association (MHAA) will partner to present Mosby: Scout along the Turnpike...
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Regency Era Country Dance at Aldie Mill Historic Park
Dust off your favorite Regency era frock and grab your parasol, because it’s time for Aldie Mill Historic Park’s Regency Country Dance!   Period dress of the early 19th cen...
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NVRPA Removes In-Water Abdominal Thrusts from Rescue Protocols
Fairfax Station, VA (June 3, 2010) – The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, which owns and operates five waterparks in the Northern Virginia area, is officially removing the use of in...
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Pirate’s Day Returns to Pohick Bay June 18th!
Lorton, VA (June 1, 2010) – On Saturday, June 18th Pohick Bay Regional Park will once again be under attack! Be on hand for this fun annual event as pirate’s storm the beach at Pohick B...
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Charles Fenton Mercer: American Visionary Program to be held at Mt. Zion Church
Charles Fenton Mercer: American Visionaryis the topic of a June 5th program at Mt. Zion Church near Aldie.  Tracy Gillespie, Historic Site Supervisor at the Aldie Mill, will speak about Mercer...
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“A Dish of Tea to Cheer Me” A Tea Tasting & Lecture at Carlyle House Historic Park
On Sunday, June 5th, CarlyleHouse Historic Parkand the Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria will be presenting a tea tasting on the Magnolia Terrace of Carlyle House from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This prog...
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NVRPA Waterparks Open This Weekend!!
Water, water everywhere! All five of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority waterparks will open with a splash this Memorial Day weekend! Great Waves Waterpark in Alexandria, Volcano Island ...
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Mt. Zion Historical Park Opens to Public for Monthly Programs
The 1851 Mt.Zion Baptist Church, sitting alongside Rt. 50 east of Gilbert’s Corner, will open its doors to the public for guided tours and living history programs on the fourth Sunday of each...
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Spies and Scouts of the Civil War: Family Festival
From 2011-2015, Alexandria will be commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War through exhibits, programs and lectures.  Carlyle House, once the site of one of the city’s largest...
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Nature Nuts Kick-Off With a Goal of Half a Million Kids Outdoors
On the eve of Earth Day week (April 22nd), The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) and its Foundation formally kicked off its newest program, Nature Nuts, at HemlockOverlook Regional ...
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Friends of Carlyle House Historic Park Host Annual Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale
Come celebrate Spring with the Friends of Carlyle House’s annual Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16th.  An exciting mix of plants, activities, and ...
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Aldie Mill Historic Park Opens for 2011 Season
AldieMill Historic Park, a property of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, begins its 2011 season of guided tours, programs, and grinding corn on Saturday, April 16.  The mill is open w...
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Nature Nuts Is Coming to a Park Near You!
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) and its Foundation will formally kick-off a new program called Nature Nuts this Friday, April 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Hemlock Overlook Regional P...
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Northern Virginia Takes Center Stage in New Book on the Civil War
On the eve of the 150th Anniversary of the start of the American Civil War (April 12, 1861) a new book is released that focuses on the war in the greater Washington and Northern Virginia area. &nbs...
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The “Grandest Congress” at Carlyle House Historic Park
On April 13, 1755, Carlyle House hosted the “Grandest Congress.”  Over 200 years later, visitors to the Carlyle House will experience this event firsthand. Visit the Carlyle House ...
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Bird Watching programs to be held at Potomac Overlook
Bird-watchingis a growing pastime for millions of Americans! From the familiar birds of our backyards to rare migrants, there are numerous species in our area to watch and enjoy. Visit Potomac Over...
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Walter L. Mess W&OD Trail 5K Run to be held March 27th in Falls Church
On Sunday March 27th a 5k run will be held on the W&OD Trail in Falls Church in honor of Walter L. Mess. The start and finish of the race will be located at the American Legion Post Lodge #130 ...
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Battlefield Guides Wanted
Beginning in April, 2011, the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Guide Group will open its eleventh season of regularly scheduled battlefield tours for the public. If you have an interest in the Americ...
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The Corn Maize & Fall Festival Is Back!
Loudoun, VA   – It’s back – bigger and better than ever! The 2010 Temple Hall Farm Corn Maize and Fall Festival (located in Leesburg) will open on September 24, 2010! Loudoun...
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1755 – 1865: Redcoats, Patriots and Yankees at Carlyle House Historic Park
Did you know that at the start of the French and Indian War Alexandria played host to a meeting where the long simmering dispute over who was to pay for the British efforts to defend Her Ameri...
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“Canoe the Marsh” With a Naturalist at Pohick Bay
The 4-hour naturalist-led “Canoe the Marsh” outing at Pohick Bay Regional Park is back for fall!  This fun and educational activity is a tradition in Northern Virginia, having begu...
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Upton Hill Fall Classic Minigolf Tournament to be Held September 12th
Fairfax, VA (August 30, 2010) – The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Upton Hill Regional Park will host its annual Fall Classic Minigolf Tournament on Sunday, September 12th....
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New Photos on NVRPA Naturalist Page!
We've added some great new photos to the Nature Notes section of our NVRPA Naturalist pages. Have a look! http://www.nvrpa.org/park/nvrpa_naturalist/content/nature_notes ...
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August 1814: A Town Occupied “Johnny Bull” Revisits Alexandria
Fairfax, VA (August 3, 2010) – On August 29, 1814, the town of Alexandria had little choice but to surrender to the British naval force.  To spare the town, Alexandrians paid a ransom of...
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NVRPA Strategic Plan Update Newsletter Available online
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority continues to work on the goals outlined in it's five year strategic plan. To keep the public updated with the latest information, please view our S...
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Embrace the Heat with Half Price Golf!
Fairfax, VA(July 23, 2010) – Who says you have to dread the heat? With over 40 days of temperatures in the 90-degree range so far this summer in the Washington metropolitan area, the Northern...
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Innovations, Rising Temps Leading to Big Summer For Area Waterparks
Fairfax, VA(July 8, 2010) – As the mercury climbs, so does attendance at five waterparks owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.   “We’d ...
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“A Fine Beginning”
  Fairfax, VA (July 8, 2010) – In August 1753, John Carlyle and his wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, moved into their new home in Alexandria.  That night, Sa...
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Korean Bell Garden Ground Breaking June 27, 2 p.m.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m. for a Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. June marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Kore...
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The Pirate's Are Coming!
Lorton, VA (June 10, 2010) – This Saturday, June 12th Pohick Bay Regional Park will once again be under attack! Be on hand for this fun annual event as pirate’s storm the beach at Pohic...
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NVRPA Remembers Former Executive Director, William M. Lightsey
Fairfax, VA (June 4, 2010) – The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is sad to announce the former Executive Director William M. Lightsey, age 99, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in Arlingto...
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Pirate’s Day Returns to Pohick Bay June 12th!
Lorton, VA (June 3, 2010) – On Saturday, June 12th Pohick Bay Regional Park will once again be under attack! Be on hand for this fun annual event as pirate’s storm the beach at Pohick B...
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Volcano Island Waterpark Opens This Weekend!
Fairfax, VA (May 24, 2010) – AlgonkianRegional Parkis now home to the new Volcano Island Waterpark! Previously Downpour Waterpark, Volcano Island is the new and improved Polynesian themed wat...
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Becoming A Patriot! Hands on History Tent At Carlyle House Historic Park
Fairfax, VA (May 12, 2010) – Discover what life would have been like 250 years ago as the colonists became Americans at Carlyle House Historic Park.  On Tuesday, June 29th fr...
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“Canoe the Marsh” With a Naturalist at Pohick Bay 2010 Outings
Fairfax, VA (May 14, 2010) – The naturalist-led “Canoe the Marsh” outing at Pohick Bay Regional Park is back for another season!  This fun and educatio...
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Green Ideas, Green Careers
Fairfax, VA (May 14, 2010) – The Arlington Career Center, Potomac Overlook Regional Park, and Arlington Central Library are teaming up to celebrate the Career Center’s n...
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Charles Fenton Mercer’s Birthday Celebration at Aldie Mill Historic Park
Fairfax, VA (April 27, 2010) – Come celebrate the birthday of Charles Fenton Mercer, the founder of Aldie Mill and the village of Aldie on Sunday May 23rd from noon to 5 p.m.&nbs...
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Carlyle House to Host Garden Workshops
Fairfax, VA (April 26, 2010) – Join specialists from Mount Vernon and Bartlett Tree Experts for two, hands-on workshops at Carlyle House Historic Site in Old Town Alexandria. Carly...
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Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation Awarded Grants from Dominion Power
Fairfax, VA (April 15, 2010) – The Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation is excited to announce that it has been awarded two grants from Dominion Resources to help fund the de...
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2010 Silent Sentinel Award Reception to be held at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Fairfax, VA (April 12, 2010) – The 2010 Silent Sentinel Award Reception will be held from 7:00-10:00 pm on May 12 at the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s 95-acre p...
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Ball’s Bluff Battlefield to Host Living History Weekend
Fairfax, VA (April 12, 2010) – Take a step into the past at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park’s Living History Weekend on Saturday, May 1st from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 ...
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25th Annual Potomac Overlook Open House and Heritage Festival
Fairfax, VA (April 1, 2010) – On Sunday, May 2, from 1p.m. to 4, join Potomac Overlook for a wonderful springtime festival full of fun activities and exhibits for all ages! ...
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Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Park Day 2010
Fairfax, VA (March 31, 2010) – Ball’s Bluff Regional Park will host its annual Park Day on Saturday, April 10th from 9:45 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help with ...
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A Little Slice of Korea in Vienna, Virginia
Fairfax, VA (March 25, 2010) – On Saturday April 3rd at 11 a.m., volunteers will help plant over 100 trees common to the Korean Peninsula at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna,...
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Officers, Gentlemen and Brawling Frontiersmen: Fencing and Martial Arts in Colonial America at Carlyle House Historic Park
Fairfax, VA (March 22, 2010) – The Carlyle House is proud to offer a closer look at fencing and martial arts in Colonial times. On Saturday, May 15th from 2-4 p.m. let Internationa...
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The Story of the Wood; Seeing Trees and the Forest at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Arlington, VA (March 9, 2010) – Learn all about wood and the woods at “The Story of the Wood; Seeing the Trees and the Forest!” a free public program on Sunday, April 1...
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Getting Green in Honor of St. Patrick
Join Kent Baake, President of Continuum Energy Solutions on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 p.m. at Potomac Overlook to learn how to add renewable energy and energy efficiency features to your home. The pr...
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Irish Heritage Program to be hosted at Carlyle House Historic Park
Irish Heritage Program to be hosted at Carlyle House Historic Park   Fairfax, VA (March 1, 2010) – Carlyle House Historic Park will host its Irish Heritage Prog...
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Battlefield Guides Wanted
Leesburg, VA (January 28, 2010) – Beginning in April, the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Guide Group will open its eleventh season of regularly scheduled battlefield tours for th...
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In Winter Quarters: The American Soldier of the Revolution At Carlyle House Historic Park
In Winter Quarters: The American Soldier of the Revolution At Carlyle House Historic Park  Fairfax, VA (January 27, 2010) – Meet the soldiers of the First Virginia Regiment...
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Carlyle House to Be Part of the New Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail
  Fairfax, VA (January 26, 2010) – Carlyle House Historic Park is pleased to announce a partnership with the National Park Service’s Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail,...
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John Carlyle’s Birthday Celebration at Carlyle House Historic Park
Fairfax, VA (January 19, 2010) – On Saturday, February 6th from noon to 4 p.m., visitors will be welcomed into the candle-lit Carlyle House for a musical celebration of John Carlyl...
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Potomac Overlook to Host 2010 Kickoff Event
Fairfax, VA (January 19, 2010) – Potomac Overlook Regional Park will start a new year of great programs and activities with its annual kick off event, “Simple Pleasures are...
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155 Acres of New Parkland Near Gilbert’s Corner
Fairfax, VA (December 9, 2009) – The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) is pleased to announce the addition of 155 acres of new parkland. This land is made up of two adjacent p...
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NVRPA, Dominion VA Power Announce Detour on W&OD Trail
FAIRFAX STATION, VA (November 13, 2009) - The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA), in cooperation with Dominion Virginia Power, has announced a 2 mile detour of the W&OD Trail be...
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Simple Pleasures for the Solstice; A Holiday Break for Families at Potomac Overlook
Arlington (December 7, 2009) –   Take a break from the hectic holiday season to visit Potomac Overlook for the annual winter solstice event, exploring the ageless wisdo...
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Meet Me On A Sunday at Potomac Overlook
“This event is designed to encourage people to spend time in the great outdoors, connect with friends, family and even wildlife. The event will feature local beekeeper, Paul Diehl, exhi...
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