Rosemount-Lewis Regional Park in Manassas, VA!

Last week we checked out Rosemount-Lewis Regional Park in Manassas, VA. This Prince William County park is located off of 1100 Crestview Drive. The county website has the address as 8150 Ashton Avenue but this is not correct.

The park entrance is located in a cul de sac on Crestwood Drive. You have to park in the cul de sac and walk down the gravel drive to get to the walking trails, tennis court, basketball court, play equipment and picnic pavilion. As you can see from the red arrow I have added to the above photo I have pointed out that only pedestrians and emergency vehicles are allowed on the gravel road. Apparently I just glanced over that sign and with the gate open I just drove on in. Not until after we were done checking out the park that I noticed the small sign. If I learned anything from this mistake is that it's a pretty good walk down the gravel road to get to everything.

The park has two pieces equipment in pretty good shape. The tennis and basketball court were in good shape as well. The equipment didn't have any shade over it but the picnic pavilion is right next it. Sadly there are no restrooms for this park. But there are plenty of paved walking trails for you to stroll on in and around the park.

This was a cute park with plenty of grass and trees for the kids to run around. If you live in the Crestwood Village or Paradise Townhomes in Manassas you can easily walk to the park down one of the paved paths or gravel road to check it out.

One Loudoun Coming Soon to Loudoun County!

The much anticipated One Loudoun has finally broke ground. One Loudoun has been labeled as "Loudoun County's New Downtown." The large project will be developed off of Loudoun County Parkway and Harry Byrd Highway (Rt. 7). Suburban communities like Lansdowne, Ashburn and Sterling will benefit from the proximity of this project. Now Loudoun County residents won't have to travel to Reston Town Center to find all these amenities in one place.

One Loudoun is going to be a pedestrian friendly atmosphere with lots of walking paths and natural spaces. The large development will include shopping, restaurants, an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, corporate office space, and a four star luxury hotel. In addition the community will include new single family homes by Camberley Homes and townhomes by NV Homes in all different price ranges.

I'm looking forward to all the walking paths and natural spaces for the kids to run around during the spring and summer months. When everyone is done playing we can go grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that are going to be in One Loudoun.

Stratton Woods Park in Reston, VA!

Since the good weather is still upon us we checked out Stratton Woods Park in Reston, VA. This cute park is located off of Fox Mill Road and Fairfax County Parkway.

The 30-acre park has lot of different activities including baseball fields, soccer fields, a tennis court, volleyball court, basketball courts, hiking trails and a playground. The playground equipment was in great shape and in the summer time would have plenty of shade since it sits back in the middle of a nature area. Once you park in the lot you head down the trail to reach the equipment. I didn't see any restrooms but according to the Fairfax County site they do have facilities on the park property.

There are a few picnic tables around the playground so the little ones can take a break or enjoy a snack. My kids really loved this park and I can't wait to take them back in the spring time when the trees are filled out. The great part about this Fairfax County park is it's location to single family homes and townhomes so if you live in the area you should check it out!

Big Chimneys Park in Falls Church, VA!

Big Chimneys Park in Falls Church, VA is located behind the Bowl America Falls Church bowling alley. This cute little park is tucked in between the bowling center and some townhomes in the City of Falls Church on West Annandale Road.

The park is not very large but it has large older trees which create lots of shade even without their leaves. The equipment is in great shape with two playsets and a swing set. There are no restrooms but if you were really stuck you could walk around to the bowling center to use the restrooms.

This is a cute little Fairfax County park and is in walking distance of townhomes and single family homes in the City of Falls Church. Parking is available on the street and if you live nearby you should check it out!

Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly, VA

Last week we checked out Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly, VA. This Fairfax County Park is located off Stringfellow Road between Route 50 and Route 29. The park is located amongst older single family homes and newer planned communites including townhomes, condos, and single family homes.

Poplar Tree Park is more of a sports park complex but it does have a set of equipment for the kids to play on. The park has 4 softball/baseball fields, two turf soccer/football fields and a grass soccer field. The park does have clean restrooms and not porta potties. The playground equipment is older and one slide was shut down when we were there. But there was plenty of shade for the equipment during the morning hours.

I probably won't return to the park but for a local community park this one has a lot to offer local sports clubs. The fields are in great shape with lots of bleachers for spectators.

Horsepen Run in Potomac Falls, VA!

Horsepen Run in Potomac Falls, VA is located in the planned community of Countryside. The Countryside community in Loudoun County was completed in 1991 and consists of Manor Homes, Single Family Homes, Townhouses and Condos. Horsepen Run is 370-acres of undeveloped land that was donated by the developer of the Countryside community. Now Horsepen Run is a protected wetland preserve that has several different trails with the main trail leading to the Potomac River.

Horsepen Run can be accessed from the Parkway Pool parking lot off Algonkian Parkway. Along the main gravel trail you'll find plenty of shade and a few benches on your way to the Potomac. A small creek runs the length of the trail and eventually runs out into the Potomac inlet. Smaller trails like the Bobcat, Deer and Eagle Trails allow you to walk further into the woods off of the main trail. A stroller or wagon can be taken down the main trail with a little effort. The trials are a great place to walk, jog or bike. There are a few geo-caches in the area as well. Once you have reached the Potomac there 6 picnic benches to enjoy a snack or lunch.

The kids always have a great time walking through Horsepen Run. We always spot a turtle or some other type of wildlife. Plus we can't beat having a nice natural walking area so close to our home in the Countryside community. In the future Horsepen Run may be part of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail System.

Next stop Glyndon Park in Vienna, VA!

Brown's Chapel Park in Reston, VA!

Today we visited Brown's Chapel Park located in Reston, VA in Fairfax County. The park is located near Lake Newport one of the four lakes in the Reston area. Brown's Chapel Park is located off of Baron Cameron Road and Brown's Chapel Road across from the Lake Anne Plaza.

The park includes a small tot lot, baseball fields, basketball and volleyball courts. It also has plenty of areas to exercise including paved and natural trails that are part of the trail system that runs throughout Reston. Restrooms and picnic tables are available as well. Brown's Chapel can be rented for meetings and small gatherings.

 Lake access is available for fishing and hand carried boats. Single family homes, townhouses and condos line most of the shore of Lake Newport but trails weave in and out of the neighborhoods and have plenty of shade on hot days. Also this is a great place to take the family geo-caching.

The area is beautifully wooded and the kids had fun walking trails by the lake and through the wooded neighborhoods. Markers are located along the paths with mileage for each pathway. Numerous maps are available online for the different sections of Reston. The North Point Map highlights the different paths in and near Brown's Chapel Park.

The park is a great place to take the kids for some exercise or just a leisurely stroll along the trails. Once you're done you can walk over to the Lake Anne Plaza for something to eat.

Next stop.....Popular Tree Park in Chantilly, VA!

Briar Patch Park in Sterling, VA!

This week we checked out a local park, Briar Patch Park. This Loudoun County park is located in Sterling Park. Sterling Park was one of the first planned communities in Eastern Loudoun County. Once farm land it was developed into homes and townhomes in the late 60's.

The playground has a several different age appropriate pieces of equipment. It also has a small fenced in area with a gate for little ones to run around.

There is not much shade and this park can get hot in the summer months. It does offer porta potties for your convenience . It's a nice park and one that we will hit up often.

Time to explore Woodmont Park in Arlington, VA!

Legacy Park in Brambleton, VA!

Today we checked out  Legacy Park located in Brambleton a planned community in Ashburn, VA. Brambleton is named for a plantation that was once in the area. Construction began around 2001 with the hopes of creating a close knit pedestrian friendly community. This Loudoun County community is beautiful and includes newer Estate homes, Single family homes, Townhomes, and condos. Legacy park is really nice. It's set amongst a grove of large older trees and has plenty of shade.

The play equipment is very nice and plenty of different pieces for the kids to try. There is a volleyball court and a pond to walk around too. It doesn't have restrooms but a shopping center is right across the street with public restrooms.

The park is located at Belmont Ridge Road and Legacy Park Drive in Brambleton. We will definitely be hitting up this park in the future. It's maintained really well and neat place to take the family.

Next Stop Briar Patch Park in Sterling......

Trailside Park in Ashburn

Trailside Park in Ashburn is located off of Claibourne Parkway in the Ashburn Farm Community. Ashburn Farm was once known as Gray Dairy Farm. In 1986 construction began on the planned community of homes, townhomes and condos. Many natural areas were preserved and some turned into parks including Trailside Park. This Loudoun County park includes 3 baseball fields, in-line skating rink and a big playground. The W&OD trail runs right along side the park and is nice way to walk, jog or bike to get there.

The play equipment is tucked back away and the trees offer plenty of shade during the hotter months. There are 3 large pieces of play equipment equipped for all age ranges. One of the larger pieces of equipment looks like a castle. Littler equipment is also available including a rocket, train and school bus for the kids climb in and pretend. Picnic tables are available inside and just outside the playground. Bathrooms are available at the snack bar and if the doors are locked they also have a porta potty just outside the entrance to the playground.

 Trailside is one of our top ten parks of all time. It's very well maintained and always a hit with the kids.

The next park we plan to explore is Bles Park in Ashburn!