By Dylan Murphy, Staff Writer
photos by Benjamin Burgess and Isadora Guerreiro
The Washington Capitals and the Fairfax County Park Authority’s [FCPA] brand-new inline skate rink at Lake Fairfax Park has opened. In the wake of the Capitals’ controversial attempt to establish a new arena in Alexandria, this project became a welcome endeavor that furthered the Caps’ goal of promoting the game of hockey, and the FCPA’s goal of providing community recreation opportunities.
Donated by the D.C.-based National Hockey League team, the 85-foot-by-185 -foot roller rink is unlike any other facility in the county’s park system, and is complete with bleachers, hockey goals, and penalty boxes. FCPA board member Benjamin Boxer describes the rink as a “new opportunity for adults and children of all ages to recreate, skate outdoors, and enjoy the game of hockey.” Lake Fairfax was chosen for its available space as well as to appeal to a vocal community interest.
The project came about as a result of a community member’s suggestion to FCPA. The NHL and the Caps were eager to collaborate with the FCPA to turn that idea into a reality, and bring the rink to Lake Fairfax.
The partnership between FCPA and the Capitals began in 2021, after the Fairfax County Public Schools joined the Caps’ Hockey School Program. This program, offered in more than 1,600 schools, provides floor hockey equipment, training, and P.E. curriculum to elementary and middle schools.
The installation, which cost the county about $1.9 million, was a combined effort of FCPA, who organized the site preparation and supported the infrastructure ,and the Caps, who donated the rink. The development involved clearing and grading, the construction of a paved rink and a new gravel parking area, LED lightning, and stormwater management facilities.
The rink will be open daily from 9 a.m. until dark; once the lights are programmed, the rink will stay open until 9:30 p.m., according to Boxer. Admission is free for the general public, and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The entire rink can be reserved for $75 per hour. For availability and reservation information, contact the Park Authority’s picnic department, at FCPApicnics@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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