At times an urge comes upon you as you’re struck with the need to venture outside, not only to touch grass, but to do more, to feel more, to achieve oneness with nature, to… frolic.
Vienna is a small town at just over 4.4 square miles but when the need arises it has a multitude of places for all the leaping, bounding and rolling that you may require for all your scampering needs. But to maximize the experience of your frolic, where is the best place for your traipsing through nature? These parks will be evaluated based on the variety of activities, possession of amenities, likelihood of occupation by intruders, grass diversity and coverage and overall vibe.
1. Glyndon – This cozy park rests just off Glyndon Street and has a variety of small playgrounds for which younger familial tagalongs can be dropped off at as well as a garden for older relatives to be distracted by. It generally has a large amount of plant diversity with clovers galore, although Glyndon does suffer from a mild case of bald patches in its grass. It has hills that can be used for both bounding down and rolling, along with sticks for fort building. It is less busy than other parks but you may see a pedestrian or two during your visit. It has a small parking lot and bathrooms along with covered picnic tables if your romp is interrupted by precipitation. For all those reasons and more Glyndon takes its place as the No. 1 park for frolicking in Vienna.
2. Nottoway – This behemoth of a park has a lot to offer. With tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, a garden, bathrooms and multiple parking lots there isn’t much it is lacking. It’s got a few more interlopers then an isolated field would have which may disrupt your solitary follicling delights but that’s the cost of having a space with so much utility. The real area where this park falls short is the makeup of the fields themselves. Filled with a monotone of grass there isn’t much variety to be seen. While there aren’t many bald or muddy places the cost is a lack of the clovers and leaves that give fields their magical atmosphere. There is a lot of utility here, however, you’re unlikely to come across many fae in these cultivated woods.
3. Town Green – In the heart of downtown Vienna you will find this center of community. From hosting concerts to festivals, this place has something for everyone. Surrounded by shops and walkways, it’s convenient for breaks between running errands or meeting up with friends. It’s got bathrooms and benches and leaves galore, although it lacks the peaceful rustling of truly natural spaces. On the other hand, during your chaotic journey through town it does offer a nice place to sit or jump in a pile of leaves between frantic stops. Overall, this park has a lot to offer but it’s a smaller area with less diversity of plants than other spots.
4. Southside Park – This chill park has fields for baseball and football and hills for running and rolling. It’s a medium size park that has a healthy sheet of greenery covering the ground. Although plant diversity is lower and a couple of pedestrians dot the landscape this can be a pleasant spot for a stroll. It has benches and bathrooms and a good list of amenities in case your frolicking mates have wandering interests or small bladders.
5. Tysons Wood – This secluded spot has playgrounds and paths and oh so many trees for those looking for a wooded field. Whether running between the tree trunks or skipping down a path this park has a spot for you. It’s decently large but because of the tree cover arrangement this area gives the feeling of an empty wilderness. This can be the perfect spot for communing with nature or tree spirits.
6. Waters and Caffi Park – This empty lot is covered in a light dusting of grass. The mud is mild and the field is midsized but it has the empty space to cultivate your creativity. With no bathrooms or benches it’s relatively desolate but could be a peaceful place for a picnic. Aside from the cars driving right alongside you, this could host a small frolic with friends quite well.
7. Wildwood Park – This isolated tree covered area is blanketed in fallen leaves. It’s got a lazy creek running next to the path and deer to frolic alongside you. While you may be disappointed if you find a field a necessity for your frolic, this area could do quite well if your wish is to dance beneath the trees. But be cautious while dancing as the ground may be treacherous. The area is mostly deserted and the plant life highly diverse, to the point where it feels like you’re in an uncultivated forest. On the downside parking is limited and for those less inclined to skipping beneath the trees, other activities are nonexistent.
8. Meadow Lane Park – This park is almost completely bald and covered in mulch. The space includes a playground perfect for family members with fewer years to their name. It’s a popular spot so don’t be surprised when it is packed to the gills with people. The opportunities for frolicking may be limited but it does offer a great opportunity to become acquainted with fellow travelers interested in parks.
9. Northside Park – This place is deserted and off the beaten track. If you were hoping for grass, think again: this area is so covered in leaves the path is almost unrecognizable as such. The only parking is at the Washington and Old Dominion Trail which leads past this park. In order to reach this out of the way spot you must cross two separate bridges and what looks to be a deer trail. Be careful on your way frolicking up this path as you may twist an ankle or break a knee on the slippery and steep track.
10. Trailside Park – This park is confusing to get to from Google Maps. It has benches and diverse wildlife but is basically a glorified path surrounded by an untended garden. And worst of all, it’s right next to Oakton High School.
