Frequently Asked Questions
| Using the System |  |
- What can I do with the Parktakes Online system?
You can search for programs and view program enrollment information in 'real time,' register for programs and receive email confirmation of your paid enrollment, add/update household and family member information that you need to register for classes and receive Parktakes in the mail; cancel registrations; and view recent enrollment history information. Searching for programs can be done at any time without special requirements. Registration requires a Member Number and email address. The other functions require a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in addition to a Member Number.
- Is your system secure?
When you use your credit card to register online, rest assured that the transaction is secure. Our servers use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an advanced encryption technology that works with Netscape Navigator (versions 2.0 and above), Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 3.0 and above), AOL (AOL 3.0 and above), Opera (5.0 and above) and other popular web browsers. This technology safeguards your personal information and guarantees privacy.
- What browser do I need to use the system?
Any of the popular browsers in use today should enable you to use Parktakes Online. The most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, and Opera will provide full functionality. Many older versions will work properly as well. Your browser must be set to accept cookies. Click here for more information on cookies.
- What is your privacy policy?
Fairfax County is dedicated to preserving your privacy and security while viewing our Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. We strive to retrieve the minimum amount of information from our visitors necessary in order to provide a host of various services and resources. A Web Privacy Policy page outlines practices and procedures affecting visitors of our site in accordance with the Virginia Department of Technology Planning's Internet Privacy Guidelines (COV ITRM Guideline SEC2001-02.1).
| Member Numbers, Barcodes and PINs | |
- What are Member Numbers, Barcodes and PINs and how can I get them?
- A Member Number (required for registration) is the 4 to 6 digit number which identifies your household. The Member Number is in the upper left hand corner of the mailing label on your home copy of Parktakes magazine. Customers without a Member Number may request one by completing the Member Sign Up form or by calling 703-222-4664.
- Barcodes (not required) may be used instead of your Member Number. Barcodes are the keychain tag(s) or wallet card(s) you may already have received at your local RECenter in order to check in to the facility.
- Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) are not required to register for programs, but are required to perform tasks such as editing your household information, cancelling registrations, or reviewing your recent enrollment history. A PIN number may be obtained by completing the P.I.N. Request form. Beat the rush – request a PIN today! Your new PIN is sent to you via email, so you'll have it in minutes. Please note: Do not call for PIN numbers – our staff cannot view them or issue them.
- I'm having trouble getting a PIN even though I filled out the form. How do I get my PIN?
First, you must have a member number which is required to complete an on-line registration. Customers without a Member Number may request one by completing the Member Sign Up form or by calling 703-222-4664.
Assuming you have an existing member number, when you filled out the PIN request form the information you provided may not have matched the information on your member record. Therefore, Parktakes Online couldn't verify it was you and didn't email you a PIN. Call 703-222-4664 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and staff will verify your member information so that you can successfully complete a PIN request online.
- I forgot my Member Number, Barcode and/or PIN. What should I do now?
For forgotten Member Numbers (did you check your Parktakes magazine label? Your Member Number is the 4-to-6 digit number in the upper left corner of the mailing label), call 703-222-4664 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and staff will assist you.
For forgotten PIN numbers, you have to request a new one by completing the P.I.N. Request form.
If your barcode (not required for registration) is lost, it can be replaced in person at any of the eight RECenters.
- Can I change my PIN number?
Yes. Once you have been issued a PIN you can also change it in the My Account function.
- I am not a Fairfax County resident, do I qualify to use the system?
Yes. Please note that there is an additional $10 non-resident fee per class for most programs. The non-resident fee is automatically calculated during the registration process.
| My Account | |
- I would like to add a family member to my member record. How do I do this?
If you have a PIN number you can add to your record via My Account. If you do not have a PIN number, request one by completing the P.I.N. Request form. Please note that only immediate family members living in your household may be added to your record.
- I would like to change my mailing address. How can I do this?
If you have a PIN number you can change your mailing address via My Account. If you do not have a PIN number, request one by completing the P.I.N. Request form.
- What e-mail address should my family provide for Parktakes Online?
We recommend you use a currently active e-mail address that you view regularly.
- How do I cancel a registration?
You can use Parktakes Online to cancel registrations ONLY IF you registered for the class via Parktakes Online and the program start date has not been reached. Please note that Camp programs and Trips/Tours cannot be canceled via Parktakes Online because certain refund penalties/rules apply (see Cancellations and Refunds). Otherwise, you can cancel your registrations via My Account. If you cannot use Parktakes Online to cancel your registration, call 703-222-4664.
- What's the difference between an account and a member record? How do I establish one?
An account or member record are the same thing. Your account is established when you are issued a Member Number. If you receive Parktakes magazine in the mail, you already have a Member Number. The number is in the upper left corner of your Parktakes mailing label. If you need to establish a Member Number, complete the Member Sign Up form or call 703-222-4664.
- Can I see if I have any credits on my account?
Your account balance will automatically appear in the payment screen during the registration checkout process and will automatically be applied against the amount due.
| Registration | |
- When does class registration begin?
Fall 2008 Registration begins Aug. 5, 2008 Classes begin Sept. 2, 2008
Winter 2008/9 Registration begins Dec. 2, 2008 Classes begin Jan. 10, 2009
Spring 2009 Registration begins Feb. 10, 2009 Classes begin Mar. 28, 2009
Summer 2009 Registration begins May 19, 2009 Classes begin Jun. 20, 2009
Fall 2009 Registration begins Aug. 4, 2009 Classes begin Sept. 12, 2009
- How do I register for a course using Parktakes Online?
The basic steps to follow are:
- Search for a program you want. Select it by clicking on the course title.
- The details of the program, including "real time" enrollment, class length and fee will display.
- If you have not already created a " shopping cart" you will be prompted to Log In to Register.
- Enter your Member Number or bar code number where prompted. Confirm that YOUR record is displayed or try again as shown on the screen. If the record is yours, click on Continue with Registration.
- Use the Select a Participant dropdown box to indicate WHO in your household is being registered or waitlisted. All family members on record will appear in the dropdown box.
- The button to the right of the registrant's name will say REGISTER if the class is available or ADD TO WAITLIST if the program is full.
- If you do want to register or be placed on the waitlist simply click the REGISTER or ADD TO WAITLIST button.
- Your "shopping cart" will display with all selections you have made to this point. You can continue choosing additional programs by clicking on the Search & Register link.
- If you have no more selections to make, click the Check Out button from the "cart".
- On the Check Out screen, verify your selections, provide the required credit card payment information and the e-mail address where you want to receive confirmation.
- Click the Finalize Registration button to submit your registration and payment request.
- Besides using Parktakes Online, how else can I register for programs?
Even if you don’t use the internet to register, you can still browse the catalog and use the results to register by other means – via automated telephone service: 703-449-8639, 5am-11pm seven days a week; by live operator: 703-222-4664, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri (exception: operators are available 5am-8pm the first day of registration); by faxing a registration form to 703-631-2004 or mailing a registration form to FCPA/Parktakes, PO Box 4606, Fairfax, VA 22038-4606. Mail/fax registrations are processed between 9am-4pm Mon-Fri.
- What information do I need to register for a course?
To use Parktakes Online you need a Member Number, a valid Visa or MasterCard, and an email address for confirmation purposes. Also, the name and date of birth for each person you wish to register must be on your member record. With a PIN number, you can add family members residing in your household to your record. Please see Member Numbers, Bar Codes and PINs above for more information on how to obtain a Member Number or PIN.
- I don't have the camp forms I need. Are they available online?
Yes. Follow the link to the Camp Forms index page, where you can choose from a list of forms to download for printing.
- Are there any special requirements for Camp registrations?
Yes. Follow the link to the Camp Registration information page.
- How can I verify/see what courses my family members are currently registered in?
With a PIN number, you can access this information via the My Account function.
- Can I transfer out of one class and into another?
Not directly. Cancellations and registrations require separate transactions in Parktakes Online, so you would have to cancel from a program in one transaction, and register in your desired program in a separate transaction. WARNING: Classes fill on a real-time basis, so you should make sure there are plenty of spaces available in the new class before you cancel from the old class. If you need assistance with a transfer, please call 703-222-4664.
- How do I cancel a registration?
You can use Parktakes Online to cancel registrations ONLY IF you registered for the class via Parktakes Online and the program start date has not been reached. Please note that Camp programs and Trips/Tours cannot be canceled via Parktakes Online because certain refund penalties/rules apply (see Cancellations and Refunds.) Otherwise, you can cancel your registrations via My Account. If you cannot use Parktakes Online to cancel your registration, call 703-222-4664.
- If I do not know the course code, how do I search?
You do not need to know the course code to search for classes. Our class catalog can be searched by class title, subject or category, participant age, location and/or keyword.
- Are there programs that are not available in Parktakes Online?
Every class with a 10-digit code is available via Parktakes Online. There are several one-day workshop and event programs that are published in the Parktakes magazine but are not available via Parktakes Online.
- How do I register someone from another family?
You cannot. Each Parktakes Online session is tied to the one Member Number you logged in with (if you attempted to register for a class). Every household requires its own Member Number and account. Only immediate family members living in the same household should be on your record.
- How will I know if a spot becomes available after I have waitlisted?
You will be contacted by our staff if an opening becomes available.
- Why is some class information in Parktakes Online different than the magazine?
Parktakes Online contains up-to-the-minute program and schedule information, whereas information in the magazine was submitted a few months ago for publication. If you notice a difference between the two, the Parktakes Online information is the accurate information.
- How do you confirm my registration?
If you register via Parktakes Online, a confirmation of your enrollment and payment will be received via e-mail, at the e-mail address you provided. Confirmation cards will NOT be mailed to your home.
- Are there discounts for senior citizens? What is the discount?
Fairfax County and Fairfax City residents who are 62 years or older by December 31, 2007 get a 40 percent discount. This applies to all programs available for registration via Parktakes Online except trips and tours, Pilates lessons, GRAVITY Group lessons and INOVA programs.
- Are there fee waivers for classes available?
Yes. Scholarships are available to Fairfax County residents who meet the gross family income requirements and receive certain forms of public assistance. Click here for details.
| Cancellations/Refunds | |
- How do I cancel a registration?
You can use Parktakes Online to cancel registrations ONLY IF you registered for the class via Parktakes Online and the program start date has not been reached. Please note that Camp programs and Trips/Tours cannot be canceled via Parktakes Online because certain refund penalties/rules apply (see Cancellations and Refunds.) Otherwise, you can cancel your registrations via My Account. If you cannot use Parktakes Online to cancel your registration, call 703-222-4664.
- What is your refund policy?
For CAMP programs: Refund and transfer requests must be submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the camp session for which the refund/transfer is being requested. All but $25 will be returned for approved refunds. Refunds cannot be given if you register within the two-week period. Once camp begins, refunds will be given only for medical emergencies with doctor's certification.
Cancellations and transfers for CAMP, TRIPS, and TOUR programs may not be performed through Parktakes Online or the automated telephone registration system. For further information, call (703) 222-4664.
For TRIPS & TOURS programs: For one-day tours, refunds, credits or transfer will be allowed up to 11 business days prior to the tour date. On business day number ten refunds will not be granted. Because of deadlines from our bus company and vendors, if you cancel within 11 business days of the tour date, fees are nonrefundable. For trips requiring deposits, the deposit is nonrefundable. You can, however, substitute another person in your place by contacting the Tours Program Coordinator at 703-324-5220.
For CLASSES:
- An individual request for a refund is defined as a withdrawal from the program
- FCPA will issue a refund when a class or program is canceled by FCPA
- FCPA will issue a refund when a class or program is changed by FCPA, and the change makes it impossible for the customer to continue with the class
- Customers may withdraw from a class at any point; however, refunds will be prorated based on the number of classes that have passed as of the date the request is received
- Requests for refunds must be submitted prior to the end of the session
- Refunds or class credits are not issued for personal scheduling conflicts or for personal convenience
For ALL OTHER programs: Your satisfaction is very important to us. We are committed to providing quality recreation services that meet your needs and expectations. If you have a problem with a program that you were unable to resolve on-site, need to discuss a credit or refund, or have a suggestion as to how we can improve our service, please let us know by:
- Mail: Parktakes, P.O. Box 4606, Fairfax, VA 22038-4606
- Fax: 703-631-2004
- Phone: 703-222-4664
