It's 101 degrees outside and my kids are having a ball. Water sprays up around the bow of the ship and dumps down from the rigging. My 2-year-old mans the water cannon while another take-charge tot commands from the helm. Sea monster off the port side!

No, the girls have not left home to become pirates. And no, we haven't gone on vacation. It's a scorching Saturday afternoon and we're visiting Our Special Harbor Sprayground at Lee District RECenter (6601 Telegraph Rd.) in Franconia.

With a zero water depth and a well thought-out design, even my 1-year-old had plenty to enjoy. The great layout is no lucky coincidence.  Instead, it is the result of a partnership between Fairfax County Park Authority and the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund (JPMF). 

JPMF is a local organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs and their families, primarily through water safety programs. 

The park is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Wednesdays) through Sept. 5. Admission is free (yes, free!). The facilities are clean, the staff are friendly and attentive and there are shaded sitting areas. Food isn't permitted in the spray area, but there are good picnic areas just outside, including a covered pavilion that you can reserve and a beautiful "treehouse" walkway where you can spot butterflies, birds and squirrels from up in the tree tops.

If you can't tell, I was totally impressed by this little summer gem.  Not only is it free, but it is great for kids of all ages and abilities. As the first part of a two-phase development of the Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park, I can't wait to see what comes next.