Fairfax County Public Library operates the City of Fairfax Regional Library in Fairfax. The library includes the Virginia Room, a collection of books, photographs, and manuscripts related to Fairfax County history, government, and genealogy.
In May 2009, Fairfax was rated as No. 3 in the “Top 25 Places to Live Well” by Forbes Magazine. Forbes commended Fairfax for its strong public school system, high median salary, and a rate of sole proprietors per capita that ranks it in the top 1 percent nationwide. According to the magazine, “These factors are increasingly important in a recession. When businesses and jobs retract, as they have nationwide, municipalities with strong environments for start-ups, and those that offer attractive amenities, are better suited to recover from economic downtimes, as there are more business activity filling the void.”
The City of Fairfax and the area immediately surrounding the historical border of the City of Fairfax, collectively designated by Fairfax County as “Fairfax”, comprise the county seat of Fairfax County. The city is part of the Washington metropolitan area as well as a part of Northern Virginia. The city is 14 miles (23 km) west of Washington, D.C. The Washington Metro’s Orange Line serves Fairfax through its Vienna station, which is a mile northeast of the city limits. CUE Bus and Metrobus operate in Fairfax. Virginia Railway Express’s Burke Centre station is situated three miles southeast of the city’s boundaries. Virginia’s largest public educational institution with 35,189 students in 2017 is George Mason University, which is located in unincorporated Fairfax County, along the city’s southern border while still having a City of Fairfax address and sharing the same public transportation system.On August 4, 2016, then-Mayor Scott Silverthorne was arrested in a sting operation conducted by the Fairfax County Police Department. After receiving a tip that he was involved in drugs-related activities online, a police detective engaged Silverthorne on an online website “…used to arrange for casual sexual encounters between men.” The detective then arranged a meeting with Silverthorne and two other men, in which they agreed to exchange methamphetamine. At the meeting in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, detectives performed the exchange and then arrested Silverthorne along with the two other men. He was charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He announced his resignation on Monday, August 8, 2016, in a letter to the City Council. Despite news media seizing the salacious “drugs-for-sex” aspect of the story, Silverthorne maintains that he was not distributing methamphetamine “for sex,” and he was not tried for any sexual crimes.
The scene of the first land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Fairfax Court House took place here on June 1, 1861, after a Union scouting party clashed with the local militia with neither side gaining advantage. A second battle took place here two years later on June 27, 1863, where Union troops were defeated. This battle delayed the movements of Confederate cavalry chief Jeb Stuart with disastrous consequences for Lee at Gettysburg a few days later.
The oldest two-story building in the city, the Fairfax Public School was built in 1873 for $2,750. In addition to elementary school use the building has also housed special education, adult education, and police academy training. On July 4, 1992, the building became the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Joseph Edward Willard built the town hall building in 1900 then gifted it to the then town in 1902. The Old Town Hall now houses the Huddleston Library and the Fairfax Art League.The school district for the city is Fairfax City Public Schools. The public schools in the City of Fairfax are owned by the city, but administered by the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system under contractual agreement with Fairfax County. This arrangement began to be in place in 1961. U.S. News & World Report often ranks Fairfax County schools among the best in the country. City of Fairfax schools are Fairfax High School, Lanier Middle School, Daniels Run Elementary School, Providence Elementary School, and Fairfax Academy.
How long is the walk around Lake Fairfax?
Discover this 9.5-mile loop trail near Reston, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 9 min to complete.
The intersection of U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 29 is located in the northeast corner of the city. The two major highways join to form Fairfax Boulevard for approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) through the city before separating. State Route 123, State Route 236 and State Route 237 pass through the city. SR 236 is named Main Street in the city and then becomes Little River Turnpike once the city line is crossed. Interstate 66 passes just outside the city limits and is the major highway serving the Fairfax region. Connections to I-66 from the city can be made via U.S. Route 50 and State Route 123.Fairfax was officially renamed the “Town of Fairfax” in 1859. It was incorporated as a town in 1874. It was incorporated as a city in 1961 by court order. Under Virginia law the city was separated from Fairfax County yet remains the county seat. In 1904, a trolley line connected Fairfax with Washington, D.C.
What is the oldest skatepark in Europe?
The Rom The RomLocationHornchurch, East London, EnglandCoordinates51.556°N 0.188°EArea8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft)Built1978
In 2000, there were 8,347 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.11.Schools within the city that are not owned by the city government include the Boyd School, Gesher Jewish Day School, Kellar School of Inova Kellar Center, Lee Highway KinderCare, Little Flock Christian School, Northern Virginia Christian Academy, Oak Valley Center, Paul VI Catholic High School (moved in 2020-2021), The Salvation Army University View Child Care Center, Saint Leo The Great School, Trinity Christian School, and Truro Preschool & Kindergarten.
As an independent city of Virginia rather than an incorporated town within a county, Fairfax derives its governing authority from the Virginia General Assembly. In order to revise the power and structure of the city government, the city must request the General Assembly to amend the charter. The present charter was granted in 1966. An exclave of Fairfax County is located within the City of Fairfax.George Mason University, the largest university in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is located just to the south of the Fairfax city limits. Mason began as an extension of the University of Virginia in 1949 named the Northern Virginia University Center of the University of Virginia. The Town of Fairfax purchased 150 acres (0.61 km) for the university in 1958, though the property remained within the county when the town became a city. After several name changes in 1972 the institution became George Mason University. Mason is most known for its programs in economics, law, creative writing, computer science, and business. In recent years, George Mason faculty have twice won the Nobel Prize in Economics. The university enrolls 33,917 students, making it the largest university by head count in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.
In November on even-numbered years, city voters elect a Mayor, six at-large Councilmembers, and five at-large School Board members to serve two-year terms. These offices are non-partisan and at-large, and there are no term limits. City voters also elect the two city constitutional officers: Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue for four-year terms. Other elected officials who serve the city elected by city and Fairfax County voters include the Sheriff (four-year term), Commonwealth’s Attorney (four-year term), and Clerk of the Court (eight-year term). State elected officials who represent the City of Fairfax include the Virginia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia Senator (34th District), and Virginia Delegate (37th District). Starting with the 2023 election, the city will lie within the 37th Virginia Senate district and the 11th House of Delegates district. Federal elected officials who represent the City of Fairfax include the U.S. President, U.S. Vice President, two U.S. Senators (six-year terms), and one U.S. Representative, 11th District (two-year term). In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males. Fairfax was founded on land originally occupied by indigenous people of the Siouan and Iroquoian tribes. The city derives its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was awarded 5,000,000 acres (20,000 km) of land in northern Virginia by King Charles. The area that the city now encompasses was settled in the early 18th century by farmers from Virginia’s Tidewater region. The town of “Providence” was established on the site by an act of the state legislature in 1805. The median income for a household in the city was $67,642, and the median income for a family was $78,921 (these figures had risen to $93,441 and $105,046 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,348 versus $38,351 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,247. About 2.4% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over. As of the census of 2010, there were 22,565 people, 8,347 households, and 5,545 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,581.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,382.9/km). There were 8,680 housing units at an average density of 1,377.8 per square mile (532.0/km). The racial makeup of the city was 69.6% White, 15.2% Asian, 4.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.9% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. 15.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Old Town Fairfax has undergone an extensive redevelopment, which began in 2005. The redevelopment added a new City of Fairfax Regional Library, more than 45,000 square feet (4,200 m) of retail and restaurant space, more than 70,000 square feet (6,500 m) of office condominiums, and 85 upscale residential condominium units.
Does Lake Fairfax have an entrance fee?
Lake Fairfax Park Frequently Asked Questions No, there is no entrance fee at Lake Fairfax Park.
The City of Fairfax is an enclave surrounded by the separate political entity Fairfax County. Fairfax City also contains an exclave of Fairfax County, the Fairfax County Court annex, which includes the Courthouse, Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers.
The former Fairfax County Courthouse is the oldest historic building in Fairfax. The first Fairfax courthouse was established in 1742 near present-day Tysons Corner, and is the namesake for Old Courthouse Road. It intersects with Gallows Road, which today is a major commuter route, but at the time was the road where condemned prisoners were led to the gallows at the old courthouse. In 1752, the courthouse was moved to Alexandria, which offered to build the new courthouse at their own expense. The reason the courthouse was moved from the Tysons Corner location was because of “Indian hostilities”, as noted on the stone marker at the northwest corner of Gallows Road and Route 123. The courthouse operated there until 1790, when Virginia ceded the land where the courthouse was located for the creation of Washington, DC. The General Assembly specified that the new courthouse should be located in the center of the county, and was established at the corner of what was Old Little River Turnpike and is now Main Street and what was Ox Road and is now Chain Bridge Road on land donated by town founder Richard Ratcliffe. The courthouse changed hands repeatedly during the Civil War, and the first Confederate officer battle casualty, John Quincy Marr, occurred on its grounds. The first meeting of the Fairfax Court was held April 21, 1800.
While the city is the county seat, a small portion of the county comprising the courthouse complex, the jail and a small area nearby is itself an exclave of the county within the city. Fairfax County’s Government Center is west of the City of Fairfax.The City of Fairfax (/ˈfɛərfæks/ FAIR-faks), colloquially known as Fairfax City, Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, Fairfax Courthouse, FFX, or simply Fairfax, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. At the 2010 census the population was 22,565, which had risen to 24,146 at the 2020 census.
Season Passes are usually on sale early in the season. For frequent visitors, the pass provides discounted, quicker entry plus unlimited rides on the carousel and tour boat.
The Skate Park is a popular spot, and automatic lights keep it illuminated until 8:15 nightly. Located next to the campground, it’s a fun spot to stop and watch the action when you’re at the park.Lake Fairfax Park has an extensive trail network, mostly through wooded areas of the park. The shared trails are popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and trails are frequently being added and improved.Join me, Julie McCool, and explore the best of Northern Virginia parks, hikes, historic sites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, seasonal events, and more. There are tent and RV sites, plus many options for group camp-outs. The trails, skate park, athletic fields, and the Water Mine are all easy to access from the campground. If you live nearby, Lake Fairfax is a nice spot for a staycation family camping weekend. Our Virginia travel guides are a resource for residents and visitors alike. Go beyond the standard tourist spots and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond.Lake Fairfax Park has extensive athletic facilities including a Skate Park, baseball field, natural surface and turf soccer pitches, and a large cricket field.
If you’re looking for a short, level hike appropriate for strollers, walk across the dam and turn right along the lake. This level gravel trail was once a miniature railroad track. (We miss that train!)
Burke Lake Park is much larger, with better boating and fishing, but Lake Fairfax is also popular for shoreline fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout between February and April every year. Spring is the best time to fish at Lake Fairfax, but it’s a nice way to relax during summer too.
The Rails to River Trail follows about 2.5 miles of wide track through the park, connecting to the Colvin Run Stream Valley, and then the Cross County Trail. There are several junctions where you can turn onto single-track trails if you want to mix it up.
The park’s trail system is easy to reach from the W&OD bike trail, so it’s a nice destination if you want to add single or wide-track biking to your outing. To enter the park from the W&OD, turn on Michael Faraday Court, heading toward the SkateQuest building. In the back corner of the lot, you’ll find the trail entering the park.This very popular waterpark features an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables and interactive play features. One of our favorite parts is Rattlesnake River, which circles the park with a 2.5 mile per hour current that gently nudges tubes along.Lake Fairfax Park packs a lot of options for outdoor fun—hikes, biking, swimming, boating, picnics, sports, and excellent camping—into its 476 acres. The popular park can be very busy on the weekends, but with so many diverse activities to choose from, everyone can find a happy spot.The Water Mine is a very popular spot and lines can get extremely long on a hot summer day. Arrive early or late for the best chance of a speedy entry.
The campground at Lake Fairfax Park gets a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor for good reason. While it’s relatively small, the area is clean, safe, and has a nice selection of open and tree-covered sites.
The trail system offers a mostly shady, wooded ride with some steep sections and tight curves. Watch for signs warning of particularly steep and tricky sections, especially if you have young riders along.We’ve been visiting Lake Fairfax Park since we moved to Northern Virginia over 25 years ago. It was a great place for hiking with our children when they were small, and to watch many soccer games and cross country meets as they grew. Now empty nesters, we still return frequently to hike, bike, picnic, and enjoy a relaxing day in Northern VA.
Why is Fairfax famous?
The scene of the first land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Fairfax Court House took place here on June 1, 1861, after a Union scouting party clashed with the local militia with neither side gaining advantage. A second battle took place here two years later on June 27, 1863, where Union troops were defeated.
Managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Lake Fairfax is one of the three largest lakes in Northern Virginia. The park’s excellent amenities make Lake Fairfax a popular destination for Northern Virginia residents and visitors to the DC region. In fact, Lake Fairfax is one of the best campgrounds near Washington DC for RV and tent camping.Line too long for the water park? Families can enjoy the lake from the Lake Fairfax Park marina on either a pedal boat or kayak rental. The lake is small—only 20 acres and even smaller with low water levels—but it’s a fun way to spend a little time.
If you are hiking, stay alert and listen for approaching bikes, especially on the steep portions of the Rails to River Trail. If you are biking, pull to the side and let horses pass, and please give hikers a warning as you approach. We can all share the trails with a little effort.
Some of the links in articles may be affiliate links where we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only link to products/services we recommend.Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you. Weekends bring lots of groups and families to Lake Fairfax Park’s picnic areas. When the weekend weather is good, groups send an early arrival to stake out a collection of picnic tables under the trees. In 2014, Fairfax County Park Authority expanded the popular Water Mine waterpark with three flume tube slides, more tot spray park features, and new facilities.With easy access to the nearby Weihle-Reston East Silverline metro station, it’s also a convenient campground for visitors to DC. You can even hike or bike from the campground to the metro station and to local restaurants and Bike Lane Brewing.
Can you swim in Lake Accotink?
No, unfortunately swimming and wading are not allowed at Lake Accotink. In fact, swimming is also prohibited at Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax, the other Fairfax County lakefront parks.
Pavilions with picnic tables are available closer to the lake and there are several group picnic areas. Reserve these picnic areas in advance to guarantee your group a spot. You don’t want to get set up only to find someone else has reserved the space.
The same trails that are popular with bikers are great for hiking too. You can hike a loop trail around the lake, though it is overgrown and eroded in places. Another loop trail around the campground connects to a network of other trails.
The athletic fields are generally booked for youth and adult teams, but the public is allowed to use empty fields (at least until the next team arrives).The street plaza features banks, ledges, manny pads, stairs, handrails, and flat rails. Other elements include an A-frame, with a matching hubba, rail and gap, and a spine feature that looks like a shark fin rising out of the cement. The outdoor facility is an open rectangular plaza with restrooms and plenty of parking. At the northern end of the park is a clover-shaped combi bowl, with three sections that are 4, 6, and 8 feet high with 8-foot transitions. Lake Fairfax Skatepark is located in Lake Fairfax Park, a sprawling wooded park in Reston, Virginia, situated between Dulles International Airport and Tysons Corner. The skatepark was designed by California-based Spohn Ranch and opened in 2012.Lake Fairfax Skatepark is a 16,000 square-foot in Reston, Virginia, that includes an extensive street plaza and a combi bowl. This is one of the best skateparks in the Washington DC metro area.
How expensive is Fairfax?
Residents of Fairfax County need to make $4,754 every month to maintain a modest standard of living, making it the most expensive place to live in Virginia.
Built with the goal of turning heads and propagating skating as part of youth culture, Guangzhou Skatepark is the largest skatepark in the world. Ringing in at 182,000 square feet, the park offers bowl skating, vertical skating, pool skating, street skating, and course skating, so there truly is something for everyone. Obstacles include a combi-type bowl, pools, mini ramps, plazas, a snake run, a banked slalom, and a full pipe.
The outdoor skatepark is free but the region gets a fair amount of rain during the wet season, so it’s most ideal to visit between October and April. Lights go on a night, so you can continuing skating past dark.
While the skatepark you grew up shredding may have a special place in your heart, not all skateparks are created equally. Some offer stunning views, some a storied history, and others are massive, with countless features for testing your skills.Built in the 1970s, Kona is the oldest operating skatepark in the world and the longest surviving privately owned skatepark. The park features a number of concrete hills, a winding snake run, mini-ramps, and a vert ramp. The park is often regarded as the birthplace of the modern vert ramps and due to its legacy, is featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 game.
Make the most of your time in Chile’s capital city by climbing Cerro San Cristobol, biking on car-free Sunday, watching a street fair, or visiting the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, National Museum of Fine Arts, or any of the museums in Quinta Normal Park.
There is a fee to use the park, with options for one-month, three-month, six-month, and yearly passes available. Other things to do while on the island include snorkeling/diving, visiting Seven Mile Beach, fishing, shopping, and touring Stingray City. Opened by Tony Hawk in 2005, the Black Pearl is the largest skatepark on the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world. Covering 52,000 square feet, the colorful park features a collection of quarter pipes, half pipes, rails, stairs, and bowls, with courses tailored to beginner, intermediate, and expert skaters alike. The largest skatepark in Chile, Los Reyes is a concrete park that offers a large snake run and a solid street section. The street section features a large bank, handrail, quarter pipe, mini-ramp, hubba, and a set of stairs.With a name like Stoke Plaza, how could this UK skatepark not be worthy of a visit? Built in 2010, Stoke Plaza is a street skater’s paradise. The park is set on multiple levels and offers flat banks, stair sets, rails, hubbas, manny pads, and ledges transitioning between the levels. Additionally, the park offers a bowl section composed of three bowls of varying depths that join together in the middle.
Where is the oldest skatepark in the world?
Kona Skatepark was built in Jacksonville, Florida USA in the late 70’s, skaters from across the nation made the trek to the sprawling concrete mecca and helped shaped skateboarding to the way it is today.
The oldest skate park in America is a must.Ocean Bowl Ocean City, Maryland.Opened July 1 1976.I was there on opening day and even skated it before opening day because I was on the Sunshine House Skate Team.It is a pay to skate park.There are so many parks out there just waiting to be explored. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of the most iconic skateparks in the world— whether you prefer bowls, snake runs, or ramps, there’s something for everyone.
The park is free to visit and the surfaces are smooth and flat, making it well worth a visit. Popular attractions to visit in Henley include the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Genting Casino Stoke, Dudson Museum, Mitchell Arts Centre, and City Central Library.Located just off the Venice Boardwalk, the beachfront skatepark is home to a fun snake run as well as a series of ramps, steps, and platforms. The park is free to use and is perfect for spectators, making it a popular destination. While in Venice, be sure to stroll the boardwalk and watch the street entertainers, visit the beautiful Venice Beach Canals, and grab a bite or shop at Abbot Kinney.One of the most iconic skate parks in the world, the Venice Beach Skatepark attracts amateur and professional skaters from all corners of the globe. Often regarded as the birthplace of modern skating, Venice has been on the map as a skate destination for years but it wasn’t until 2009 that the skatepark officially opened. The park charges an admission fee, so be sure and bring cash or card. While in Jacksonville, stop by Big and Little Talbot Islands, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Kingsley Plantation, St. Judes Town Center, and the Museum of Science and History. The public skatepark is covered in colorful graffiti and is lit throughout the night, making it extremely photo worthy. When you’re not skating, be sure and take a scenic boat ride to Les Calanques, explore Old Harbor, visit MuCEM, and sample Bouillabaisse (fish soup).Once regarded as the best skatepark in the world, Marsille Skatepark is located on the beach of Plage De Prado. The picturesque skate park has been visited by a wide cast of skating legends over the years and has been featured in a number of skate films and edits. Founded in 1991, the park features hundreds of line possibilities, fast steel coping, hips, bowls, and the spine for which it is famous.
GMP is part of a complex that also includes a BMX track and a climbing wall and is often considered an extreme sports paradise. While in Guangzhou be sure and get a taste of the local culture and visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Canton Tower, Redtory, Baomo Garden, Guangdong Museum, Chen Clan Academy, and Shamian Island.
Admission: $10.00 – Two hour rate. $15.00– All day rate. Operating hours vary throughout the week, check our hours for more information. All participants must have a registered annual “Kona Pass.” Click here to register!
Kona Camp is a weekly camp for skaters ages 8 – 14, and welcomes skaters of all abilities. Campers will get to experience all types of skateboarding including but not limited to street, vert, pools, flatland and downhill racing.
Kona Skatepark was built in Jacksonville, Florida USA in the late 70’s, skaters from across the nation made the trek to the sprawling concrete mecca and helped shaped skateboarding to the way it is today. Since 1977 Kona Skatepark has been one of the most iconic skateboarding parks in the world, and you can experience it in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood. Kona has survived three economic recessions and all the ups and downs of the action sports industry. That has made it the “longest surviving privately owned skatepark” in the world via Guinness Book of World Records. Kona has been home to a lot of “firsts” and groundbreaking moments like the invention of the modern “Vert” ramp, which has probably impacted skateboarding the most. In 1979, the Ramos family with the support of the community reopened the park out of bankruptcy and they dedicated to “The Youth of Jacksonville.” The skatepark features concrete hills and a “snake run,” where guests can take a seemingly infinite number of paths. It’s even recreated in a level of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 game. From the thriving skateboard community, spirit and culture, more than 20 professional skateboarders have come out of Jacksonville, Fl in the past 40 years. When you come to a place like this you’re going to have a great time, whether you’re 7 or 80, this is a place you can find that kind of a connection with. Now that the skatepark is old enough, people can look back and pick out those impactful moments. Though it’s impossible to simply pick one moment that is above all the rest – Kona skatepark is a big part of skateboarding history and continues to create more of those moments each year.The Rom is a Grade II listed skatepark in Hornchurch, East London, England. Built in 1978, and designed by Adrian Rolt of G-Force, it is the most completely preserved purpose-built skatepark in England. It is the first skatepark in Europe to achieve listed status and the second such structure worldwide.
How big is Lake Fairfax Park?
Lake Fairfax is a destination location providing 476 acres of parkland. You’ll find a wide range of family-friendly activities and the necessary facilities to make your visit to Lake Fairfax a memorable multi-day experience.
It was built and opened in August 1978 and is named after the adjacent River Rom. It was designed by Adrian Rolt of G-Force. Rolt is considered the leading skatepark designer of the 1970s. In 1979 John Greenwood took control of the Rom Skatepark and with the help of his business acumen, he has managed to keep the Rom open for skateboarders and BMXers until 2018. In 1979 Andy lomas showed up with a mongoose super goose after years of skating it and started the BMX skatepark revolution.
In 2014 it was given Grade II listed status becoming only the second skateboard park in the world to achieve preservation status after the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The Bro Bowl has subsequently been demolished, 3D scanned and rebuilt in a different location of the same park area meaning that Rom is the only heritage listed full size skatepark in existence.
The skatepark occupies an area of 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft). The central 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) is surfaced in Shotcrete pressurised concrete.Located in the heart of Barcelona, this modern skate park features a large bowl for experienced skaters and plenty of street obstacles for all levels. The concrete construction provides a smooth surface with excellent grip, making it suitable for everything from freestyle to technical tricks. The facilities also include an outdoor café, free Wi-Fi access and lockers to store your belongings safely. It’s open every day from 9am to sunset, and is one of the most popular spots in Europe for skateboarders and BMXers alike.
Located just outside the city center of Malmö, this outdoor park is one of the biggest in Europe and offers a variety of street elements and obstacles. Highlights include an interesting mix of pro-level ramps, big stairs sets, rails and ledges – some of which are over 10 feet tall! Beginners can also enjoy this park as there are plenty of smaller transitions to get them started. The surrounding area is full of cafes, restaurants and shops providing a great atmosphere while you take a break from your skate session.Overall, European skateboarding is an incredibly vibrant and diverse scene with so much potential for growth. With initiatives such as SEN helping to bring together skaters from all over the continent, there’s no doubt that we will see even bigger things from Europe’s skateboarders in the years to come.Skateland is a small skatepark located in the town of Lagos on the south coast of Portugal. The park has several obstacles including ramps, boxes, rails and ledges as well as a bowl for more experienced riders. It also features an airbag for practicing jumps safely and is open all year round for both locals and visitors to come and enjoy the sport. This skatepark is renowned as one of the best in Europe due to its smooth surface and varied selection of obstacle combinations. Built inside a former brewery site near downtown Copenhagen, it offers something for all levels of ability including beginners’ areas with smaller ramps that are perfect for learning. The park is open from April to October, and on the weekends you can find competitions taking place here. It also boasts a café, free Wi-Fi and lockers for your convenience. Built by industry leading skatepark designers and builders, Roundhouse is one of the most beautiful skateparks in Europe. This park has a variety of lines from beginner to expert levels with a wide selection of street elements, ledges, gaps and rails– ideal for those who want to perfect their rail-grinds and flip tricks! The surrounding area also lends itself perfectly to filming as it has great lighting conditions due to its proximity to the River Thames. There’s even an indoor cafe where you can sit down and relax after a long day of skating.
Where is the biggest skatepark in the world?
Guangzhou Skatepark in China is officially the largest skatepark in the world. With a total area of 16,900 square meters, the monstrous skatepark’s construction site is surrounded by 10 universities, with a combined attendance of more than 160,000 students.
Located in Kreuzberg district, this enormous skate park features a variety of installations designed by local skaters. From mini ramps to a massive bowl, the park has something for every level of skater. A café, lockers and Wi-Fi access make this one of the most complete parks in Europe, and it’s open until 10pm every night except Sunday when it closes at 8pm.Europe is a hotbed of skatepark development, with some of the best parks on the planet located in countries across the continent. From small DIY spots to modern concrete masterpieces, Europe has it all – and that’s why we’ve compiled this list of 20 of the best skateparks in Europe.
Where is the biggest skatepark in Europe?
Le Dome is one of the largest skateparks in Europe and it is located in the south of France near Montpellier. The park has a massive 15,000 sq m area with various bowls, half pipes and street spots for all levels of skaters.
Le Dome is one of the largest skateparks in Europe and it is located in the south of France near Montpellier. The park has a massive 15,000 sq m area with various bowls, half pipes and street spots for all levels of skaters. It also features a foam pit and air bag to practice jumps safely. The facility offers plenty of space for events as well as having its own snack bar and changing rooms. In addition, there’s an indoor pool at the back which can be used during the summer months.
Recently opened in 2016, the Bordeaux Street Plaza is one of the newest but certainly not least impressive skateparks in Europe. It features a wide variety of obstacles including banks, ledges, rails and stairs for street skating. The plaza also has a large bowl for more experienced skaters to show off their skills. A snack bar, lockers and even showers are available at the park so you can stay refreshed during your session. Open from 9am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
This park is located just outside the city of London and provides a great range of street elements for beginners to experts. Highlights include a unique combination of small quarter-pipes, ramps and rails which are perfect for tech skaters who want to up their game. The obstacles gradually increase in difficulty as you progress through the park, making it ideal for those wanting to push themselves. On-site instructors can also provide lessons if needed!This skatepark offers over 10,000 square meters of street elements and ramps tailored specifically towards street skating. With a variety of different lines ranging from small transitions to big handrails, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. Beginners are also welcome as there’s plenty of easier obstacles for them to practice on. Plus, the surrounding area provides plenty of options for food and drinks after a long day of skating!This skatepark is designed for experienced riders who want to take their skills to the next level. It’s filled with plenty of challenging lines and obstacles including a huge bowl and half-pipe as well as other street-style elements. The park also has an indoor area which provides shelter from the sun or rain, making it perfect for year-round skating. There are even professional instructors on hand who can provide lessons for those wanting to learn new tricks.
This park is one of the best skateparks in Europe as it features a wide selection of street elements and ramps designed by professionals. It’s perfect for those looking to master their grinds and flip tricks or even just have some fun! There are also instructors available who can provide lessons if needed. The atmosphere at the park is great with plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby too.
Skateboarding in Europe has been growing steadily over the past decade. Over 150 cities across the continent have skateparks, and many more are being built every year. In 2020, an estimated 12 million people were active participants in European skateboarding.Located in central Krakow’s beautiful Park Jordana, this skatepark offers an array of obstacles including banks, stairs and rails suitable for street skating. It also has plenty of space and ramps for freestyle riders to let loose with their boards. Open from 10am to 10pm every day except Sunday when it closes at 8pm, this park has become a popular spot amongst locals and visitors alike due to its impeccable surface and welcoming atmosphere. Lockers are available for secure storage.
In addition to recreational practice, competitive skateboarding is also popular on the continent. There are several major tournaments each year hosted by top companies such as Red Bull and Monster Energy. The biggest annual event is X Games Barcelona, which draws some of the best professional skaters from around the world.
Skatehallen is one of the oldest skateparks in Europe having been opened in 1991. Located on Amager Island near Copenhagen, the park has an impressive 110,000 sq m of terrain which includes various bowls, street spots and vert walls. The park also features a large foam pit with an airbag for practicing jumps safely and it even hosts regular skate competitions. Dreamland Skatepark is located near Athens in Greece and was opened by professional skater Ted Keil in 2003. The park boasts a large outdoor area with various obstacles including banks, half pipes and street spots which can be used to practice your tricks. It also has a foam pit with an airbag for practicing jumps safely. In addition, the park also offers private lessons to teach beginners about skateboarding and safety. Located in the heart of Berlin, this park provides a great mix of street and transition elements. The layout is very unique and there’s plenty to keep experienced skaters entertained with lots of ledges, rails, steps and even a mini-ramp. Beginners can also make use of the obstacles as they gradually increase their skills. There’s even an on-site cafe where you can relax after your session.This world-class skatepark is one of the largest in Europe and has something for every skater regardless of their experience level. Whether you’re into street or freestyle skating, there are plenty of obstacles to choose from. The park also has a café with outdoor seating so you can relax after your session and enjoy the stunning views of Rome’s historic cityscape. It’s open every day from 10am to 7pm, and lockers are provided for safe storage of your belongings while you skate.
One of the most impressive aspects of European skateboarding is the sheer amount of talent that can be found in any city or town. From longboarders to street skaters, park riders to vert skaters, beginners to professionals – there really is something for everyone. Despite its popularity, however, skateboarding still faces many challenges across Europe due to strict laws and regulations that limit where and when it can be practiced. For example, some cities have implemented curfew laws which restrict skating after certain times at night.
Built in 2017, this street plaza is the perfect spot to practice and show off your skills on a variety of obstacles including banks, rails and stairs. It also has ramps for more experienced skaters so they can really let loose. The park features a snack bar with outdoor seating, lockers and Wi-Fi access, making it ideal for a day out with friends. Open daily from 10am to 8pm except on Sundays when it closes at 6pm. This skatepark located in Utrecht was opened in 2003 by professional skaters Koen and Erik Heijman. It features both smooth and rugged terrain for all kinds of riders. The park has a variety of obstacles, such as ramps, half pipes, pyramids and boxes which can be used to practice your tricks. It also offers a foam pit so you can practice jumps safely. The future of skateboarding in Europe looks bright though with more initiatives such as the Skate Europe Network (SEN) being introduced to encourage collaboration and support for new skateboarding projects in different countries. SEN is a non-profit organization that helps to bridge the gap between skateboarding communities and provide resources for skill exchange, education, and advocacy. This has led to more acceptance of skateboarders in public spaces as well as increased visibility of the sport across Europe.
Europe also plays a big role in setting trends for skate apparel and equipment design. Brands like Vans and Palace Skateboards have become iconic brands worldwide due to their popularity in Europe. Skateboarding culture has also had a big influence on fashion, with many mainstream designers being influenced by skate-style clothing. This award-winning skatepark was built with input from local skaters and features plenty of obstacles for street skaters of all levels. It also boasts two bowls for more experienced riders looking to show off their tricks. The facilities include a snack bar, lockers and free Wi-Fi access, making it perfect for an afternoon session with friends. Open from 9am to 7pm daily, the Amsterdam Skatepark is one of the most visited spots in Europe. Update: The Lake Accotink Trail is closed near the dam until 2023 for bridge construction. Hikers can not complete a full circuit around the lake until the new bridge opens.
Whether you stop in for a quick visit or spend the day hiking, fishing, and playing, Lake Accotink Park is a great resource for outdoor fun in Northern Virginia.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, you should not pass up the sparkly awesomeness of the Accotink paddle boats. For only $15.00 for 2, or $26 for 4, you can paddle the lake for an hour in shiny, kitschy comfort.Poor water quality and a silty bottom with fishing and other debris make the lake hazardous for human contact. This is also why paddleboarding is prohibited at Fairfax County lakes.
There are several places to access the trail but we recommend parking near the marina. From here you can cross the wooden footbridge on the eastern side of the lake to hike the loop counter-clockwise. Alternatively, cross below the dam and up the west side of the lake to hike clockwise.
Location Tip: GPS maps may send you to a smaller parking area on Heming Ave. Our map link shows the larger parking area near the train trestle, dam, and marina. Look for the intersection of Accotink Park Road and Highland Street then follow the signs. If you don’t want to cover the full 4-mile loop, focus on the eastern side of the lake. The trail here is part of the CCT and hugs closer to the shore with some nice viewpoints. With plentiful free parking and proximity to the beltway, Lake Accotink is a nice spot to spend a day biking, hiking, boating, or just lazing by the water.A 4-mile loop trail circles Lake Accotink and part of Accotink Creek. The Lake Accotink Loop Trail, which includes part of the Fairfax Cross County Trail (CCT), is popular with hikers and cyclists.
In addition to hiking, biking, and boating, visitors to Lake Accotink Park can fish, picnic, and play. Seasonal activities from April through October include:
Lake Accotink Park in Springfield is the middle child of the Fairfax County lake parks—smaller than popular Burke Lake, not as active as Lake Fairfax, but with a charm all its own. The 55-acre lake stretches from a dam at the park’s southern end to marshes and the Accotink Stream Valley to the north.
The entire Lake Accotink Trail is open to cyclists. Don’t have a bike? On weekends, you can rent bikes at the park for $10 per hour, and $5 for additional bikes.
Like all Fairfax County parks, Lake Accotink has special activities and events—Campfire Saturdays combine nighttime nature with campfires and s’mores and there are free summer concerts every year.This is a mostly easy hike with a few short steep sections. The trail surface is dirt and stonedust with paved sections at the northern end. The full Lake Accotink loop includes a short section where you exit the park and follow Danbury Forest Road then reenter the park. Other than the neighborhood section, the trail is wooded and scenic.
No, unfortunately swimming and wading are not allowed at Lake Accotink. In fact, swimming is also prohibited at Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax, the other Fairfax County lakefront parks.
Other family-friendly options include the Lucky Duck 9-hole mini-golf course, picnic areas, and a lake tourboat. The antique carousel is currently closed, but the snack bar is open with soft serve ice cream available.#661protection #ridefasttakechances #mtblifestyle #instamtb #mtbgram #dhmtb #downhillmtb #enduromtb #trailslikethese #cyclingshots #cyclingmotivation #mtblifestyle #pohknows #dirtdonthurt #fitnessmotivation #instabike #bikestagram #hells500 #outsideisfree #norcobikes #norcostorm #pumptrack #pumptracks #lakefairfaxpumptrack #gravelbikes #gravelbike #dropbarsnotbombs #cyclocrossAn artfully designed, clover-shaped bowl anchors the northern end of the park, while streetscape-inspired features tinted with a vibrant red stain flow through the rest of the space. At the grand opening in October, local skateboarder Josh Harris commented, “There’s so much here, it’s like something you’d see in a video game. It was designed really well, and very creatively.” Sponsored local skateboarder Diego Patrick also added, “I think this is the best skatepark in Northern VA by far. It’s the concrete plaza skaters all over have been waiting for.”
Buy tickets online and save! Purchase tickets for only $15 per car in advance. The price increases to $20 at the gate on the day-of. Lake Fairfax Fireworks Celebration online ticketing will close on June 29 at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on July 1. Admission to the Water Mine is not included in the ticket price. Water Mine tickets can be purchased by visiting the Water Mine website.
The campground, picnic areas , playground, trails and skatepark are open year-round. Virginia State fishing license is required, and sailboats, gasoline and electric-powered boats and swimming are prohibited in the lake.Online reservations for the 2023 camping season will go live on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Reservations can be placed in person at the park office or over the phone starting on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 at 10 a.m.
For recreation and fun in western Fairfax, this 476 acre park includes a 20-acre lake with fishing, the Water Mine family Swimmin’ Hole, boat rentals, carousel, athletic fields, picnic shelters and picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, campgrounds, trails and a skatepark.
To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through “machine translation” powered by Google Translate. DisclaimerThe Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole features tubing on the Rattlesnake Lazy River, a tot pool at Tenderfoot Pond, slides, tunnels, and interactive play features designed for young children. The Water Mine is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Lake Fairfax Park will be holding a fireworks show this year. Ticketed entry begins at 10 a.m. The fireworks are expected to start shortly after 9 p.m. Be sure to arrive early so you can park and find a spot to view the show from. We encourage all visitors to arrive no later than 8 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day and all picnic areas will be offered on a first-come-first served basis.
We noticed you’re visiting from Germany. We’ve updated our prices to Euro for your shopping convenience. Use United States (US) dollar instead. DismissThere are now lights at Lake Fairfax Skate Park. The lights are timed to turn on 30 minutes before sunset. Lights will turn off at 8:15 p.m. in the skate park and 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot. In case of inclement weather or other safety issues, the lights will not be activated.
