In the Park - Sports Series
Oakton and Vienna, Virginia
Fairfax County
Boxes placed September 25, 2002
by Daughter of the Old Dominion
This series is about sporting activities in some parks in Oakton and
Vienna, Virginia. The directions are given so that you can easily
drive from one park to the next.
LETTERBOX 1. This is a mini-letterbox.
Oak Marr Recreation Center and Golf Complex
3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton, Virginia
Restroom facilities inside the REC center.
Dogs on leash OK on outside paths.
At Oak Marr Recreation Center you can swim in the heated Olympic-sized
indoor pool, dive in the diving complex, play racquetball, walleyball,
or use the fitness center. At the adjoining Oak Marr Golf Complex,
you can play on a 9-hole golf course, or practice at the driving
range or putting greens. For more information see:
http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/rec/omrec.htm.
Directions to park: From Route 66, take the exit for Route 123
north. Turn NNW onto Jermantown Road. The Oak Marr Recreation
Center and Golf Complex is on the right.
Directions to letterbox: Park in any parking lot. Walk back to
Jermantown Road. At a bearing of 50 degrees, walk on the sidewalk
past six streetlight poles. Turn onto the paved path just ahead.
After about a five-minute walk, the pavement ends but the path
continues to a T. Take the west path. Soon the path will hug the
black fence for 50 steps. When it no longer hugs the fence, take 35
steps. Your treasure will be at the base of a "three for one" tree.
Don't let the neighbors see you!
LETTERBOX 2. This is a mini-letterbox.
Blake Lane Park
Blake Lane, Vienna, Virginia
No facilities. Dogs on leash OK.
This small neighborhood park is basically just soccer fields and a dog
park. Be very discreet, particularly if you are there during soccer
games since there may be kids playing on the paths.
Directions to park: From the Oak Marr Recreation Center, turn left
onto Jermantown Road. Cross Route 123. At the next traffic light,
the road changes names to Blake Lane. Do not turn - stay straight on
this road. Soon on your right, on the corner of Blake and Bushman
Drive, you will see a grassy field. Slow down because Blake Lane
Park is the next right and it comes on you fast. There is a big sign
but you can't see it much in advance of the turn because the trees on
Blake Lane obscure the view.
Directions to letterbox: After parking your car, follow the Dog Park
sign. At the first railroad tie descending, turn NW and enter the
little wooded area. You will immediately see a slab of broken
concrete. Sit on this slab and consult your compass. The box is under
the north end of the slab.
LETTERBOX 3.
Nottoway Park
9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna, Virginia
There are restroom facilities and water fountains. Dogs on leash OK
on paths.
At Nottoway Park you can play tennis, basketball or volleyball,
garden, picnic, work out on the fitness trail, or enjoy the quiet
solitude of the nature paths. There are ball fields and soccer
fields and a playground. The Fairfax Connector Bike Trail goes
through a corner of the park and right next door is another dog park.
For more information see http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/omp.htm#25
Directions to park: From Blake Lane Park, turn onto Blake Lane. At
traffic light, turn onto Sutton Road. At flashing light, turn right on
Courthouse Road. The park is on the right.
Directions to letterbox: After entering the park, proceed past the
volleyball court to the left parking lot. Park. At the southeast
corner, follow the bike trail to the conspicuous path, by a trashcan,
into the woods. Cross the wooden bridge. Immediately take the path
to the left, crossing the ditch to stay left. Keep looking left, 10
yards deep, until you see a forked path that is crossed by a fallen
tree. Carefully standing on the fallen tree, go towards the treetop,
stepping over the first crossed limb. Stop before second limb. Look
at your feet!
To complete the circuit, return to the bridge and walk in the original
direction out of the woods to the paved path. Turn towards third base
and you will return to the parking lot.