Eakin Community Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eakin Community Park |
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The Accotink Trail in Eakin Community Park
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Fairfax County, Virginia |
| Area | 57 acres (23 ha) |
| Operated by | Fairfax County Park Authority |
| Open | All year |
| Parking | 45 spaces |
Eakin Community Park is a large public park in Fairfax County, Virginia. It covers about 57 acres of land. The Fairfax County Park Authority takes care of the park. It stretches along Accotink Creek, a small waterway. Main roads like Pickett Road, Arlington Boulevard, Woodburn Road, Barkley Road, and Prosperity Avenue are around or go through the park.
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Discovering Eakin Park's Past
The park is named after LeRoy Eakin, Sr. In 1951, he gave 14 acres of land. This became the very first park in Fairfax County! You can still find old parts of mill races in the park. These were channels that carried water to power mills in the 1800s. Signs along the Accotink Trail explain more about them.
What Can You Do at Eakin Park?
Eakin Community Park is a great place to visit. There are no restrooms or water fountains in the park, so plan ahead!
Explore the Accotink Trail
The Accotink Trail goes right through Eakin Community Park. It follows the path of Accotink Creek. This trail is for both walkers and bike riders. Some parts of the trail are paved, while others are made of gravel or stone dust. The Accotink Trail is part of a much bigger path called the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. This long trail goes all the way across Fairfax County. It stretches from Great Falls, Virginia in the north to the town of Occoquan, Virginia in the south.
Fun at the Tobin Road Entrance
At the Tobin Road entrance, you will find lots of sports areas. There are two fields for baseball or softball. You can also play tennis on two courts. If you like beach sports, there are three sand volleyball courts! A paved parking lot with 43 spaces is available here. You can also find a community garden nearby. This garden is managed by Green Spring Gardens Park. To get there, take the small paved road to the right of the main parking lot and go up the hill. There is a gravel parking lot next to the garden.
Playtime at the Prosperity Avenue Entrance
The Prosperity Avenue entrance has a parking lot. It also features a large, shady playground area. This is a perfect spot for kids to play and have fun.
Wildlife in the Park
Eakin Community Park is home to many animals. You can see animals that are common in this area. White-tailed deer are often seen walking around. Sometimes, you might even spot beavers or foxes. The park is also a very popular spot for people who enjoy watching birds. Many different kinds of birds visit the park.
