Ratcliffe Park — Attraction in Fairfax

Full disclosure we live across the street from this park and we are here every day. Fairfax City maintains the park and they do a good job. There is a picnic shelter and grill. No bathroom but recently a port-a-potty appeared with a handwashing sink. Not sure if that will be a permanent fixture.

People have periodically left sandbox toys in the sandbox which is nice for the kids. This summer my husband removed the broken ones and replaced them with some various toys - small trucks, one kid-sized large truck, a few larger shovels, etc. Within 2 weeks they were broken or stolen. We go every day so it was easy to notice. The broken ones make sense because kids break things but parents letting their kids steal communal toys is annoying. It wasn't the City because they never clear out the toys. We will replace again next summer.

Besides that this is a nice family park with a lot of open space and shade for a good portion of the day. It rarely gets as crowded...

Ratcliffe Park feels like that really solid neighborhood park you appreciate having nearby. It's clearly been taken care of, and you can tell it's a place where people actually use the facilities. The playground looks like it's got some newer equipment, which is always a plus if you have kids. It's got those open grassy areas perfect for throwing a frisbee or just letting the dog stretch its legs. The baseball field and basketball court are great for getting a bit more active, and that outdoor fitness area is a nice touch for a quick workout without having to go to a gym. The picnic area with the pavilion and grills makes it an easy spot to meet up with friends or family for a casual afternoon. It's not a destination park with huge attractions, but it's the kind of reliable, well-equipped local park that really enhances the quality of life in the area. You know you can always count on it for a bit of...

This park is close to the road, but set far enough back that most children cannot get to the road. If you have a child that is fast or likes to elope, do be cautious. You can easily park on the side of the road if space, but otherwise there are lots of lots in Fairfax City, just a short walk, or at the visitor center right behind the park. They have 2 toddler swings and more regular swings, although no adapted swings. The updated play equipment has tons of ways to climb, run, slide, and hang, and it all is in good condition. There is also a pavillion with a few tables and benches, but it does not have to be such as balls or bikes, etc. There is a large field to run in, though. Just need mindful that it can get quite swishy and flooded in some...