Memorial Day 2020: Burke Service Changes, Things To Do

BURKE, VA — It's not the typical start to summer, but nevertheless Memorial Day weekend is approaching. Burke and the rest of Northern Virginia remain under a stay-at-home order, which means residents are urged to only leave for essential purposes like obtaining food and exercising.

Many services are already closed until further notice in Burke and Fairfax County, but residents should be aware of schedule changes. We're also rounding up restaurant and other business specials and entertainment to keep your family busy.

Fairfax County government offices: Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, May 25. Most government buildings and offices have been closed to the public since March 27. See services available for residents online.

State offices: Courts do not operate on the Memorial Day holiday. See operating updates from Fairfax County Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.

Animal shelter: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is conducting essential services by appointment only, and virtual adoptions are available.

Community centers: Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) NCS community centers, neighborhood centers, resource centers and teen centers are closed until further notice.

Fairfax Connector: Fairfax Connector bus service is operating with reductions. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector for more information.

Fairfax County Public Schools: Schools are closed for the school year, and Memorial Day is a student holiday. Buildings are closed until further notice. FCPS meal distribution will happen on Monday, May 25.

Libraries: All Fairfax County libraries are closed to the public until further notice.

Metrorail: Metrorail operates from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Starting on May 23, the following Orange and Silver Line stations will close for the platform improvement project: Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Greensboro, Tysons Corner and McLean.

Metrobus: Metrobus operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on a modified Sunday schedule. Visit www.wmata.com for more details on specific routes.

Park authority: Many Fairfax County Park Authority park are closed, but trails and parking lots will be open. Park authority golf courses and several farmers markets are opening in phase during May.

Post offices: Closed on Monday, May 25.

Pools: Area pools are not opening in time for Memorial Day weekend. The governor's phase one reopening plan allows only lap swimming in outdoor pools, but Northern Virginia hasn't entered that phase yet.

Trash and recycling pickup: For county collection customers, regular trash, recycling, yard waste and special collection services happens on the holiday. Yard waste collection resumes during the week of May 25. Bulk, brush and electronic waste collection resumed during the week of May 18. Private collection customers should check with their provider for changes.

Trash and recycling centers: The I-66 transfer station, including household hazardous waste and e-waste are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The I-95 landfill complex is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but household hazardous waste and e-waste is closed. The locations are open on Memorial Day.

Virginia Railway Express: VRE does not provide service on Memorial Day. On other days, it is operating on an "S" schedule.

Residents can continue to find coronavirus-related service changes at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status.

Things to do

• Visit Burke Lake Park or other parks: Pack a picnic, take the dog for a walk or play catch with the family while practicing physical distancing from others. Burke Lake Golf Center is also open with safety measures as of May 8. Many Fairfax County Park Authority amenities are closed, but trails and parking lots are open. Certain state parks are open for daytime use, while regional park statuses are posted at www.novaparks.com.
• Watch the National Memorial Day Concert: The concert will be broadcast on PBS stations and live-streamed via Facebook and YouTube.
• Order takeout: Enjoy a holiday meal at home with your family. Check our Burke area open-closed directory.
• Take a virtual tour: Explore digital resources from landmarks like Smithsonian museums, Gunston Hall and Mount Vernon. The National Zoo's animal webcams can be accessed 24/7.