Mason District Park — Attraction in Annandale

Dating Review because the date is relevant: as of 4/27/2018 and my 4/21/2108 visit to the Park; County is building new construction including new bridges but either (I'm not blaming...) County or the contractor has demolished existing bridges leading essentialy NNE acroos the stream that more or less bisects MDP from the southermost higher hills into the lower residential area. All acccess previously avialable by walking and bicycle was blocked as of my 4/21/2018 visit, ( and now I'm blaming ) with no notifications posted anywhere I looked and staff apparently uninformed--I only asked one person. So that my review and it is a changing situation is a temporary notice and so do please mind the date and may I suggest you call ahead if you are interested in a transit route from the higher tennis court / amphitheater area walking or riding across to those residential areas, or of course, the reverse route. I will report favorably that tangent to the south stream bank the trail to and from Old Columbia Pike at the downstream bridge was blocked by tree fall, further complicating the poorly sequenced construction...but...when I emailed Park Authority on this issue with a report of that block, I got a prompt reply promising prompt removal of the block to my great satisfaction. Go County! And the existing faciliies while I did not use them appear undisturbed; plenty of happy campers there by 50:1 compared to hiker/bikers so I can see why the County would develop the field...

Mason District Park is a delightful suburban gem that offers something for everyone. Immediately striking is the well‑maintained amphitheater, a lightly wooded outdoor venue that hosts free summer programs (like Arts in the Parks and Spotlight by Starlight), bringing community life and local performances to the space . Adjacent shelters and picnic areas provide shaded seating, grills, and tables—ideal for family gatherings or small festivals.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the tennis and basketball courts, softball and soccer fields, plus open lawn spaces for informal games. A paved network of trails winds through trees, benches, and informational kiosks—perfect for walking, jogging, or dog‑walking on the short (~0.5–1 mile) loop .

The playground and tot lot have shaded wood‑chip surfaces, making them kid‑friendly and comfortable even in warm months. A small pond, water fountains, and restrooms (seasonal, spring through fall) round out the amenities. A fenced dog park area is a bonus for pet owners.

Overall, the park balances relaxed natural ambience with community infrastructure. It’s clean, accessible (served by multiple bus routes), and family‑oriented. While not massive, Mason District gives visitors a serene, versatile outdoor space close to the Beltway—great for daily visits or...

It's a huge place, with fields for many different sports as well as a dog park, a playground, trails into the woods which lead into gorgeous landscape. I love to take the dogs I walk/sit there to run around off leash and smell things and have a great time in general. Oh! And don't forget about the Thursday Farmer's Market!! It always has great stuff, including a booth of local garden experts with whom it is fantastic to converse. They all know tons, and if they don't know about something they'll look it up, though I personally have never seen any of them need to. The produce selection is vast, and there are plants and crafts and baked goods (the cupcake girl mixes addictive substances into her cupcakes I swear it, that or she sold her soul to Martha Stewart at the crossroads one night) and even a spice & tea vendor who sells spices & herbs & mixtures thereof, including herbal tea blends, made with things grown on his farm. They're to...