McLean residents can walk into Spring Hill Recreation Center on Tuesday, Sept. 22, watch an esports tournament and pick up a free community gardening starter kit.

The open house runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Spring Hill and at all eight other Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) rec centers across the county. Admission is free with signup for a seven-day trial membership, according to the Park Authority.

Spring Hill's lineup also includes popcorn. Other locations will offer fitness demonstrations and sample classes, with full schedules available on the FCPA website.

What the trial includes

The free seven-day trial gives access to all nine rec centers and their pools, spas, saunas, fitness centers, sports courts, gyms and tracks. Drop-in group exercise classes and free fitness-center orientations are included. Discounts for drop-in childcare are available at some locations.

Visitors who want more time can purchase a 30-days-for-$30 pass at the event. The Park Authority is also offering 15% off annual memberships through the end of September. Memberships can be purchased online or in person at any of the nine locations.

Other participating locations

The other eight rec centers are Audrey Moore, Cub Run, Franconia, George Washington, Mount Vernon, Oakmont, Providence and South Run. Each will have a membership table and its own activities.

Mount Vernon's open house doubles as a lifeguard hiring event. Candidates can complete an application, take a swim test and interview with Park Authority staff in one visit.

Spring Hill also offers basketball and pickleball open-play sessions year-round, with timed-entry tickets available online.

Coming up

• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Rec Center Open House, 4:30–7:30 p.m., all nine FCPA locations
• Through September: 15% off annual rec center memberships countywide