Beaverdam Reservoir

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS-- A Very Historic Mill
Today we're looking back to one of our most read Throwback Thursday posts of last year.

In 2006, Aldie Mill became the 20th park in the NOVA Parks system. The 200-year old mill processed grain using the waters of the Little River, and it is one of the best-preserved mills in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to NOVA Parks’ ownership, the mill was owned by the Virginia Outdoor Foundation (VOF) and restored with a generous gift from the Mellon family.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/YgiC50yxp11

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #tbt #novaparks

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS-- The Power Plant That Never Was

Today we're looking back to our most read Throwback Thursday post of last year.

Our most popular story is the story of Algonkian Regional Park. The park's story may be one of fate or simply just one of luck. The park spans 838 acres next to the Potomac River, a swath of land that was once set aside for a coal burning power plant.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/RDVT50y85EV

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--THROW BACK AND LOOK FORWARD

2019 has been a big year for NOVA Parks, our 60th Anniversary. In addition to creating some of the most iconic parks and places in our region, in many ways NOVA Parks helped create what we know as Northern Virginia today. As one of the first regional organizations, we helped build the identity of Northern Virginia as a unified region.

This year, we have turned out 52 stories, a throwback for every week in the year. As the last of those throwbacks, let’s look at this series and what they say about our past, and what NOVA Parks will be in the future.

The complete story: http://ow.ly/7xWw50xHngz

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

FYI...a FREE holiday event tonight.

TONIGHT at Ice and Lights: The Holiday Village at Cameron Run arrive before 6PM and get FREE VIP ADMISSION (includes admission to the Holiday Village and Ice Skating).

(Free admission is limited to the first 100 people)

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #iceandlights #novaparks

Throughout the sixty years of its existence, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) has acquired some of the most beautiful parkland and historical sites in the Northern Virginia region. Significant settings like this lend themselves to significant occasions like weddings. While we do not know the date of the first wedding in a NOVA Parks facility, we do know that by the 1990s weddings in our parks were growing and has continued to grow ever since.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/FAof50xDy2P

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE CELEBRATED AT OCCOQUAN REGIONAL PARK

While the Declaration of Independence declared “all men are created equal,” African American men did not gain the right to vote until the end of the Civil War (1865) and then had to struggle for decades to be able to fully use that right. Women did not gain the right to vote until 1920, also after decades of struggle!

The turning point in the long struggle for women’s right to vote happened in the early 20th century at a large prison complex near the north shore of the Occoquan River.

Complete story: http://ow.ly/dqbO50xxLwJ

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—FROM CHURCH TO BATTLEFIELD TO PARK

NOVA Parks, formerly the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, is continually growing its parkland. With the rich history of Northern Virginia, historic sites are a big part of our park system. Today we throwback to just over ten years ago, a time when the park authority acquired a new historic site as well as new parkland. The two additions are located directly next to one another and they are often considered one and the same.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/5sT850xryLz

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #loveloudounhistory #60years #novaparks

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Did you know every visit to the light show helps conserve 12,000 acre of parkland!

NOVA Parks 60: We love NOVA Parks!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends, guests and partners! We hope today is filled with laughter and good cheer!

Today we are so thankful for the last 60 years. We are incredibly thankful for all our NOVA Parks supporters and guests throughout the last 60 years!

https://youtu.be/LsfuhQaF2SM

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

A fast and fun look through all the great services and opportunities NOVA Parks provide told from the standpoint of our favorite people - our guests! Produce...

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—40 YEARS AGO

Today we look back at NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) 40 years ago in late 1979 – early 1980. At that time the agency was celebrating its 20th anniversary and had already grown to about 8,000 acres.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/872150xlKdW

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS SANCTUARIES

NOVA Parks (formerly the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) has always been at the forefront of regional land conservation, historic preservation, and recreation. Today we throwback to 2013 and the acquisition of two of NOVA Parks with “sanctuary” in the name.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/YuL350xgphN

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

NOVA Parks 60: A Salute to Our Partners

As NOVA Parks celebrates our 60th Anniversary we would like to give a huge thank you to all our amazing Partners! We wouldn't be where we are today without you!

http://ow.ly/lsCH50xfkIu

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

NOVA Parks works with a variety of partners throughout Northern Virginia. These partnerships have helped grow the agency, and in many cases, have helped NOVA...

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—MOSTLY WATER

60% of the human body is made up of water! And, in Northern Virginia, a very substantial amount of the water you drink is filtered and protected by the parklands of NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority).

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/OfEh50xaVgu

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—NOVA PARKS 50 years ago

Founded in 1959, by late 1969 and early 1970 the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) was in full swing, creating the regional park system we know today. A review of the Board minutes from this time gives a snapshot of what was going on. Issues at the top of the agenda included:

◾Buying the Carlyle House
◾New Chevy Station Wagon for $2,262
◾Potomac Overlook Acquisition & Development
◾Major Land Acquisitions along the Occoquan
◾Bull Run Campground Development
◾Playground for $1,000
◾Development of Fountainhead
◾Pohick Bay Acquisitions
◾Dreams of the W&OD

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/wDX850x3AIB

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—PARKS=LAND

At the most basic level, there would be no park systems without parkland. Land is the central ingredient. When NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) was founded 60 years ago the first act was to buy 537 acres that was the start of Bull Run Regional Park.

From there rapid park acquisitions took place throughout the 60’s, 70’s and part of the 80’s. By 1975 NOVA Parks had grown to 7,418 acres.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/sz4P50wXDaA

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Another reason to #LoveLoudoun! You can play golf amidst 100+ #birds species at NOVA Parks Algonkian Golf Course Course and Brambleton Golf Course.

To hear our story on WTOP News :
http://ow.ly/1jm750wT8Gt

#NOVAParks #nature #wildlife #conservation #golf #carbon #climatechange #birds #hummingbirds #nature #lovenature #parks #loudouncounty #loveloudoun #happinesshere

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—A BRIGHT LIGHT ON INNOVATION

Today, NOVA Parks is well known for the award winning winter light shows. Between the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, around 280,000 people a year are delighted and entertained. And, this year a third light show, the Cameron Run Ice and Lights, will attract visitors to Cameron Run on Eisenhower Avenue for ice skating and holiday lights. But where and why did this all start?

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/OxHZ50wT5gC

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS—A BRIGHT LIGHT ON INNOVATION

Today, NOVA Parks is well known for the award winning winter light shows. Between the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, around 280,000 people a year are delighted and entertained. And, this year a third light show, the Cameron Run Ice and Lights, will attract visitors to Cameron Run on Eisenhower Avenue for ice skating and holiday lights. But where and why did this all start?

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/OxHZ50wT5gC

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--THE WOMEN OF RED ROCK

Throughout its existence, NOVA Parks has always worked hard towards many things. Two endeavors that are on the top of the park authority’s list are the conservation of natural landscapes and the preservation of historic sites throughout the Northern Virginia Region. Whenever an opportunity has come around to acquire land which offers the chance to do both of those things, NOVA Parks has always been prepared to do so. But when such acquisitions happen through a donation from a long-time resident of the region, the resulting park land becomes a special part of the park authority’s holdings.

In the late 1970s, just such a thing happened for NOVA Parks.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/4j5l50wMEh2

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

Throwback Thursday--NOVA PARKS--Not Quite So Savage
NOVA Parks is a large park authority that is recognized in the Northern Virginia Region for its conservation, preservation and recreational efforts. The organization has many parks and historic areas within its system, most of which are quite well known. There are, however, a few gems hidden within NOVA Parks’ assets. Today, we highlight one of those and share the story of its name.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/zQNY50wGQP2

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Brambleton Golf Course

Have you ever wondered how a golf course changes cups? #novaparks #brambleton #golf #mondaymorning

Throwback Thursday--NOVA Parks--
Washington's Failed Canal Makes a Great Park

George Washington is a man who needs no introduction. Just like any other virtuoso Washington tried many things throughout his life. One of his businesses is well remembered in the region for its ambition and promise but also for its overall failure. NOVA Parks operates a regional park on the banks of the Potomac River in Great Falls that showcases the history of Washington’s endeavor while also providing recreational land for fishing, hiking and connecting with nature.

Complete Story: http://ow.ly/F2Tn50wzNzB

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #60years #novaparks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

On this day in 1959 NOVA Parks came into existence!
Creating the first regional park system in Virginia was not easy. Since the early 1950’s efforts were underway to create the park authority. The Virginia Park Authorities Act finally allowed two or more adjacent jurisdictions to form a regional park authority. On September 26, 1959 Arlington County Board adopted the resolution creating the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Then on October 7th Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the same resolution, followed by the City Council for Falls Church on October 12th. The agency was born!

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/jIrQ50wqNyG

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Fountainhead Regional Park

Did you know??? While Beaverdam Reservoir remains closed, did you know that we have another beautiful park located on the Occoquan Reservoir? Fountainhead Regional Park located in Fairfax Station is a beautiful park loaded with outdoor opportunities. Boating, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and great fishing. Check it out!!

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/fountainhead-regional-park

novaparks.com 2,000 Acres Dedicated to Outdoor Adventures

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—A HISTORY OF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Northern Virginia is a mosaic of cultures. Since World War II, when the federal government started bringing in people from all over the country, the region became ever more cosmopolitan with each passing decade.

60 years ago civic leaders in Northern Virginia established NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) because they wanted something like a state park system, but not one like the segregated system Virginia had in the 1950s.

Complete story: http://ow.ly/Qbo950wfpml

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

Thank you to the volunteers from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for coming out today to help clean up the reservoir trails!

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS AN OFFICE IN A HOUSE

We all have to start somewhere.

That statement was very true for NOVA Parks. Former Executive Director William Lightsey, along with Capital Programs Director Darrell Winslow recognized the need for a centralized office somewhere in the Northern Virginia region where the Park Authority could set up a base of operations.

Believe it or not the Park Authority was given an opportunity in what amounted to be a small house. Dr. Barry Cook was a physician and Park Authority Board Member. He had his medical practice in a small house on Main Street in Fairfax City, and he had some extra room.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/HBwu50w5gUA

#happinesshere #discoverwhatsnext #novaparks #60years

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--REEL ‘EM IN
NOVA Parks has always been an organization dedicated to providing numerous outdoor recreational endeavors for the people, young and old, of the Northern Virginia Region. One of the most beloved activities is fishing.

This story is not just about NOVA Parks offering fishing areas. It is also a story about how NOVA Parks has worked to get young people interested in the activity and two of the most fondly remembered programs the park authority organized.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/7roF50vWEkz

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--THE RIVER CROSSING THAT BECAME A PARK

On Monday, June 9, 2014, NOVA Parks opened and dedicated White’s Ford Regional Park. The beautiful 295-acre property is located on the shores of the Potomac River just north of Leesburg, Virginia, and named after Elijah V. White, a former owner of the land. The park is highlighted by a long walking trail and also has water access, making it a great place for fishing and/or non-motorized boating.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/5knM50vMw1Y

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--THE WATER PLACE--POHICK BAY

Pohick is a Native American word that means “the water place”.

Thanks to the efforts of former NOVA Parks chairman, Dr. Ira Gabrielson, 850 acres of land was acquired by purchase in the late 1960’s, and by 1972 the park was ready to be opened.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/Wknx50vEyj5

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--NATURE: CAN YOU DIG IT!

In 1973 learning about the environment in a regional park was ‘far out.’ Students from the newly formed Youth Conservation Corp came from both local colleges and high schools to learn about natural systems and work to protect our natural resources. The article featured in this week’s Throwback Thursday shows students testing water quality at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/XMI550vxiKu

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THURSDAY--A RACE FOR CHAMPIONS

Could you imagine participating in a 52-mile race? It would start in Purcellville, Virginia, follow the full length of the W&OD bike trail, all the way Arlington. Yet it would not stop there. It would continue into Washington, D.C., and end at Freedom Plaza. But here’s the thing; to compete in this race you could not run, you would have to use a wheelchair.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/zsuN50vqYtc

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks