Locals treasure it. Popes Head Park is a small secluded park in Fairfax Station Virginia. Recently remodeled, it reopened in June 2022.
Popes Head Park is a family favorite. It offers something for everyone. This park is larger than a football field.
Imagine packing a lunch and enjoying it here. The large open field is perfect for a picnic. You can also find picnic tables and shaded areas. The large grass area is great for yoga. Throw a frisbee or do a workout.
Popes Head Park has many amenities. It includes a basketball court and a tennis court. A large playground is available here. The playground features four types of swings. It also offers three sizes of slides.
This park is also wheelchair accessible. It is accommodating for everyone. Popes Head Park shares an entrance with the Fairfax County Police Association.
Let’s talk about getting here. If you head north on Ox Road, turn left onto Pope’s Head Road. This is after the Fairfax County Parkway. Parking is available on-site.
Open space activities abound here. You can play frisbee or catch. Go for a walk or jog, maybe have a picnic. Yoga is also a great choice. The open space has little shade.
Popes Head Park is located at N38.81400 W77.35110. Its elevation is 344 feet MSL. You can see it on the USGS 1:24K topographic map Fairfax, VA.
The park’s name “Popes Head” has an interesting origin. It connects to the history of this region. Nathaniel Pope was an early landowner in this area. Pope’s Creek was named after him.
In the winter of 1656-57, Pope met John Washington. Washington was an English tobacco trader. His ship had sunk in a storm. Washington stayed in Virginia. He married Nathaniel’s daughter Anne in 1658.
John Washington acquired land. He built his home near Bridges Creek. This property eventually passed to Augustine Washington. Augustine was John Washington’s grandson. Augustine built a new home near Popes Creek.
George Washington was born in 1732 to Augustine and his second wife Mary Ball. The Washingtons moved away when George was three.
Popes Creek Plantation burned down in 1779. George Washington Parke Custis placed a stone marker. It commemorated his grandfather’s birthplace.
The federal government acquired the property in 1882. Few structures remained. Popes Creek became a national monument in 1932.
The Wakefield National Memorial Association was founded in 1923. They built a replica of the house. In 1941, archaeologists found the original plantation foundations.
So, as you enjoy Popes Head Park remember its connection. Remember its connection to local history. It is more than just a park. It is a place with roots in the very foundation of this nation.