Arrowbrook Centre Park
The Equipment
Arrowbrook Centre Park has one large clean structure geared for children that can climb well. The structure looks very cool – like a large piece of art with arches. It is meant for children to hop around, climb on ropes, play on monkey bars and crawl through hanging stationary circles. There is also an echoing tube. Two components of the structure were obviously missing during our visit (6/2014) as we saw large ripped out holes in the ground. The ground is a synthetic soft rubber material. The structure is surrounded by a fence with a gate on all sides. There are 4 benches within the fence but there is no shade at the playground.
The Scene
Arrowbrook Park is located very close to Herndon’s Clock Tower shopping center and close to Fairfax County Parkway. The playground equipment is not the highlight of this park. The park has one full length synthetic turf soccer field, two tennis courts and one basketball court that are all brand new. Note that the rules of the park state that strollers, bikes or scooters are not to be pushed on the turf soccer field.
Take elementary ages children and they will have a blast! But keep in mind, this is not a great park to take younger children unless you happen to be there for a soccer, tennis or basketball game. According to the park ranger, the fields and courts are packed on the weekends being reserved for various rec leagues. The Launders Pavillion with picnic tables can be reserved ($125) but I was also told that this is often full of the soccer teams and spectators that it can be hard to “claim your reservation.”
There is plenty of parking, clean spacious bathrooms and water fountains. Bring a few balls in case the park is open. We arrived around 8:30am on a weekday and stayed for about 30 minutes. The tennis courts and basketball courts get busy fast.
Fun fact: On your way out of the park, look to your right and you will see the original Arrowhead farmhouse – home to one of the last active farming operations in Fairfax County run by Hal and Ruth Launders. If you look closely on your left, you can see the gravesite of the Launders. The farm was named Arrowhead because of all the Indian artifacts found in the fields. The Park is built on the fields of their beloved cattle farm.
Age Recommendation
Arrowbrook Park appeals to children over 5.
Restrooms
Bathrooms and water fountains are available in the pavilion on the opposite side of the playground.
Review and photos by Andrea Verwys.,
Free,
5 and up,
(1 vote),
