TRIANGLE, Va. – A rusted WWII-era tank gun barrel, likely left behind by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during secretive wartime training exercises, has been recovered from a remote section of Prince William Forest Park.
Interpretive Park Ranger Melissa Weih said the discovery was made in an archaeological site deep in the woods, in an area once used by the OSS — the forerunner to today’s CIA — during World War II. While the exact location is being kept confidential to protect the historical site, Weih confirmed it’s a low-traffic, off-trail part of the park where old training grounds still exist.
Weih believes the barrel, now part of the park’s museum collection, was likely left behind during the OSS’s time at the park from 1942 to 1945. “We actually have archival footage of them training in that area,” she said in an interview. “It used to be an open field, but now it’s completely forested.”
Weighing more than 400 pounds, the heavily rusted barrel had been known to park staff for some time, but its removal required significant coordination. It is currently being cleaned and preserved, with hopes that it can eventually be displayed to the public — though its size and weight present a challenge.
This find adds to the park’s growing collection of OSS-era artifacts, which already includes missile tail sections and other remnants on display at the visitor center. Weih noted that the park consulted experts at Marine Corps Base Quantico, who confirmed the barrel poses no explosive risk due to the amount of soil lodged inside.
The artifact offers new opportunities to deepen the park’s interpretation of its wartime history. “People are really fascinated by the OSS,” said Weih. “Learning more about the tools they used and what training looked like gives us a more complete picture beyond what’s in the archives.”
Prince William Forest Park, managed by the National Park Service, spans over 15,000 acres in Northern Virginia and is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metro region. It offers over 37 miles of hiking trails, historic cabin camps, scenic drives, and a deep connection to history — from colonial settlements and Civilian Conservation Corps projects to top-secret OSS training during World War II. The park is open year-round for visitors to explore its natural beauty and learn about its rich past.
TRIANGLE, Va. – Rangers at Prince William Forest Park are raising the alarm about Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which is threatening one of the park’s most common trees.
In a Facebook post, the park reported that American beech trees make up about 20% of its tree population, with saplings accounting for 35%. But many of those are now showing signs of BLD, a disease caused by a tiny worm-like nematode that invades leaf buds. The infection leads to dark striping on the leaves and eventually causes them to shrivel and die—essentially starving the tree. Once infected, trees may die within five years, though older trees may hold on longer.
Currently, there’s no known treatment, so park staff are monitoring the spread in hopes of understanding how deeply the forest will be affected over time.
Prince William Forest Park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metro region, spanning more than 15,000 acres. It attracts over 300,000 visitors annually who come to hike, bike, and camp in its scenic woodlands. The park is known for its biodiversity and historical significance as a training site for spies during World War II.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – It’s time for another Friday Family Movie in the Park event.
Prince William County Parks & Recreation will show Mufasa: The Lion King (PG) on a giant outdoor screen at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, May 30. The free movie night runs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., making it a perfect end-of-week outing for families.
The park is located at 14300 Veterans Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a cozy evening under the stars. The event is part of a summer series of free outdoor movie nights hosted throughout the county.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The popular water feature at Riverfront Park is officially open for summer fun!
In a Facebook post, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events invited families to come cool off and enjoy the splash pad, now running for the season. The downtown park, located at 701 Sophia Street, also includes green space, a playground, and scenic views of the Rappahannock River.
Riverfront Park was named Virginia’s Best New Facility in 2023 and sits just steps from local shops and restaurants, making it a great stop for summer outings.
From live music and lunch in the park to evening kayak tours and family-friendly summer camps, the city is rolling out activities for all ages and interests. “May is when the floodgates open for us,” said Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation, during a recent appearance on the Potomac Local Live podcast. “It’s a really exciting time.”
🧺 Picnic in the Park Returns
Every Tuesday in May and June (except Memorial Day week), Picnic in the Park invites community members to enjoy live music and lunch under the trees at Memorial Park, known locally as Kenmore Park. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunches or purchase from on-site food trucks. Each week features a different theme—recently, Farm Day included live animals and educational activities. On June 3, the theme is Multicultural Day, celebrating the city’s diversity.
🚣 Full Moon & Sunset Kayaking at Mott’s Run
Back by popular demand, Fredericksburg is once again offering guided kayak experiences at Mott’s Run Reservoir. The Full Moon and Sunset Kayak events give beginners and seasoned paddlers alike a chance to enjoy the water after hours.
All gear is provided, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. “You don’t have to invest in expensive equipment just to try something new,” said Brown. Participants need only bring shoes that can get wet.
🎶 Concerts by Canoe: Music Meets Nature
One of the summer’s most unique events, Concerts by Canoe, transforms Mott’s Run into a floating amphitheater. Bands perform on a dock while attendees drift nearby in canoes or kayaks.
Guests can bring their own boats or rent one on-site. A $10 admission fee includes the performance, and new this year is the option to preorder charcuterie snack boxes for an on-the-water picnic. The next concert features local band Laidia on Wednesday, May 22, with more events planned in August and September.
🏊 Dixon Park Pool Opens for the Season
The Dorey Buffett Pool at Dixon Park opens to the public on Saturday, May 25, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. City residents can swim for free, while non-residents pay a small daily fee ($6 for kids and seniors, $8 for adults).
A pre-season household registration event for city residents will take place Friday evening, May 24. “It makes pool check-in much easier throughout the summer,” said Brown. Proof of residency is required.
🏕️ Summer Camps for All Ages
Summer camps begin Tuesday, May 28 and run through mid-August. With options for children as young as 3—and even special “grand camps” for grandparents and grandchildren—Fredericksburg offers a camp for every age and interest.
While some camps are already full, Brown encourages families to check for remaining spots. “There’s still time to register, and we’ve got room in a number of fun and engaging programs,” she said.
For updates, registration, and program details, visit the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Facebook page at @FredParksRec.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.
At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.
Just across the river, Historic Port of Falmouth Park, also known as Falmouth Beach, continues its $25 parking fee for non-residents. Stafford County began collecting this fee in 2022 to cut down on crowding and parking headaches, and to make the area safer for visitors. Only credit cards are accepted, and cash is not allowed. Drivers must show a valid ID (license, military ID, or vehicle registration) with a Stafford or Fredericksburg ZIP code to park for free.
“This park is in a flood zone and was never meant to be a high-capacity destination venue,” said the Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors. “While this was a difficult decision, we think charging for parking will cut down on some of the crowding… making it a safer experience for everyone.”
Designated parking is available at the park’s main lot, the gravel lot at Route 17 and U.S. Route 1, and the Grizzle Center on Butler Road.
As warm weather brings more people to the river, officials are urging visitors to stay safe while tubing, kayaking, or fishing. That means wearing life jackets, checking river conditions, and always going with a buddy. Both parks see increased activity in summer, and river safety is a shared responsibility.
For more information, visit Old Mill Park’s Entrance Fee FAQ.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Local leaders and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at Neabsco Regional Park on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Prince William County’s first official kayak launch, a new interpretive historical marker, and expanded accessible parking.
The ceremony, held at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, brought together elected officials, county staff, and community advocates to highlight new investments in outdoor recreation along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
“These projects have been a long time in the making,” said Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks and Recreation. “This kayak launch is just a nice addition to that overall outdoor recreation experience. Over time, we hope to expand our blueway system to complement our greenway system.”
The new launch provides paddlers with direct access to scenic Neabsco Creek and the Potomac River. Although parking is currently about a five-minute walk from the site, Hendler-Voss shared that future projects will focus on improved access and even hinted at kayak rental options coming to the park.
In addition to the kayak launch, the event marked the unveiling of a historical marker chronicling the area’s legacy as a colonial port and Native American settlement. Dock pilings, visible from the shoreline, serve as a tangible reminder of that history.
Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who represents the Woodbridge District, praised the investments as part of a broader commitment to accessibility and outdoor engagement. “Whether visitors are here to kayak, walk the boardwalk, explore our rich local history, or simply take in the scenery, we want to make sure they have access to do so comfortably,” Franklin said.
The event also honored longtime advocate David Brickley, who arrived at the ceremony by kayak after a difficult 90-minute paddle from Leesylvania State Park. “This is all part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which goes from Pittsburgh to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Brickley. “This will be the recreational hub for the East Coast.”
Charlie Grymes, a board member of the Greater Prince William Trails Coalition, emphasized the enduring need for walking and water-access trails. “The recreation need has not been met—we need to develop more trails,” said Grymes. He advocated for expanding trail networks near residential communities in eastern Prince William County and reconnecting Dumfries to Prince William Forest Park, access severed by I-95 in the 1960s.
The total cost of the improvements is estimated at $400,000. The project was made possible through county investments and the support of advisory boards such as the Trails and Blueways Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
To learn more about Neabsco Regional Park, visit: www.pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-regional-park.
City leaders, residents, and local contractors gathered at Jennie Dean Park on March 14 to celebrate the grand opening of a host of new amenities at the city’s largest park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, community engagement, and construction.
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger addressed the crowd, reflecting on the long journey to the day’s celebration.
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A new agreement between the City of Fredericksburg and its public school system will open school gymnasiums and facilities to the public, expanding access to recreation programs for children, teens, and families.
On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved a shared-use agreement with Fredericksburg City Public Schools that gives the Parks, Recreation, and Events Department expanded access to school buildings, including the former Walker-Grant School, now Gladys West Elementary.
The agreement allows the city to use the facility from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends for programs ranging from youth athletics to teen engagement initiatives.
“This really opens up an opportunity for us to expand our programming—not only to take care of existing needs and waitlists, but also to reach different audiences, such as teens and after-school activities,” said Todd Brown, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Events.
Brown first floated the idea a year ago when speaking with city leaders. “If I just had a gym, I could do programming from 5 a.m. to midnight,” Brown said, echoing his conversation with Councilor Jannan Holmes.
Mayor Kerry P. Devine praised the agreement, calling it a “great shared use of space” that will put underutilized facilities to work during non-school hours. “It allows the facility to be used more extensively by the public in the after-school hours,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure our teens are occupied in productive ways.”
Councilor Jonathan A. Gerlach reflected on his experience with summer basketball programs and stressed how important they can be in shaping young lives. “Some of us got scholarships to play ball in college. Who knows if we would’ve gotten those opportunities without a summer program?” he said.
Vice-Mayor Charlie L. Frye, Jr. connected the agreement to broader budget concerns. “We’re making moves in the city to take care of what we need to do right now,” he said. “It shows the point that we still need a recreation facility, but this agreement helps bridge the gap.”
Councilors applauded the collaboration between the city and the school division, noting that sharing facilities is a smart way to maximize taxpayer investment without building new infrastructure.
The new Gladys West Elementary School will replace the aging Walker-Grant building as part of a facilities realignment in the city. With younger students not using the gymnasium space in the evenings, the city will now use it to benefit the broader community.
“This is a win-win for Fredericksburg,” said Holmes. “It gives our residents access to more resources and shows what’s possible when departments work together.”
Parents, mark your calendars: Stafford’s Duff McDuff Green Park's new playground will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.
The existing playground was wholly removed, having reached the end of its lifespan after being installed in August 2001. Shannon Eubanks, Stafford’s Community Engagement Program Manager, said the new playground was designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, incorporating features that cater to children of all abilities.
