“Shopping for crafts by local artists are highlights of this park.” These words capture a small piece of the magic awaiting you at Annandale Community Park. This 52-acre haven offers a blend of recreation, nature, and community spirit. It’s more than just a park. Annandale Community Park is a place where memories are made.
Annandale Community Park houses the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and the Fred M. Packard Center. It also has a park maintenance facility. The park boasts two softball fields for sports enthusiasts. You can find tennis courts for a friendly match and a basketball court for some hoops. A playground delights children while trails invite exploration. A picnic pavilion stands ready for gatherings which is available for rent. Restrooms are open from late March to late November.
The Hidden Oaks Nature Center teems with life. It features live animals and classrooms. Nature Playce provides an outdoor play space for children. A full calendar of children’s activities ensures there’s always something to discover.
The Packard Center is home to the Artisans United Craft Gallery. This shop showcases handmade items by local artisans. Jewelry, wearable art, photography and ceramics are all available. You can find wooden toys and more. The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area is based at the Packard Center. So is the Japanese Americans’ Care Fund and the Fairfax Choral Society.
Access to Annandale Community Park is easy. A parking lot sits at 4030 Hummer Road. Trails also connect the park to parking lots at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Packard Center.
Annandale Community Park has a rich history. In 1959, the Park Authority purchased a 38-acre tract from Malcolm Morrow. This land became the foundation for the park. The property included a house. It served as the first Park Authority headquarters. Later, it transformed into the Fred M. Packard Center.
Fred M. Packard was the county’s first Park Authority director. He began his job in 1959 and served until 1961. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center was dedicated in 1969. A plaque at Annandale Community Park honors Ralph Moyers. He was a groundskeeper and foreman for the Park Authority from 1966 to 1975.
Improvements continue to enhance Annandale Community Park. In 2020, the old playground was replaced. The new playground has a butterfly and caterpillar theme. There are separate play areas for children ages 2-5 and 5-12. The project cost $260,000. It was funded by park bonds passed by voters in 2012 and 2016.
The picnic pavilion at Annandale Community Park can be reserved. It accommodates up to 30 people. There are seven tables and one grill. Amplified sound is not permitted. Inflatables and food trucks may be allowed. Full-day reservations are available.
Imagine a sunny afternoon. Children’s laughter fills the air. The aroma of barbecue wafts from the picnic pavilion. Artists display their crafts at the Packard Center. Annandale Community Park is a vibrant hub. It connects people with nature, art, and each other. As you explore this park, remember its history. Appreciate its beauty and enjoy the sense of community that thrives here.