2006 Park Bond Referendum Approved in Fairfax County

On November 8, 2006 the voters of Fairfax County reaffirmed the importance of parks in their lives when they approved a $25 million park bond referendum by 78%, the highest percentage in the history of Park Authority bond programs.

The Fairfax County Park Authority administers 23,774 acres of parkland, which represents 9.4% of the land mass of the county. As a result of the passage of the 2006 bond referendum, the Park Authority will be able to increase its land acquisition program, convert at least one dozen existing grass fields to synthetic turf, and further develop its county-wide comprehensive trail network.

Approximately half of the Park Authority's operating costs are covered by fees charged by revenue-producing facilities including RECenters and golf courses. The remaining operating costs are appropriated by the Board of Supervisors from the County general fund. However, these fees do not cover the cost of development of new facilities or the major renovation of existing facilities. These improvements are funded primarily through revenue bonds and general obligation bonds.

General obligation bonds are primarily used to renovate existing facilities. Updating aging structures presents a major challenge for the Park Authority. The utilization of general obligation bonds ensures that current users are not burdened with the full cost of improvements, but that these costs are spread over an extended period of time. This assures that future generations of park users who enjoy the benefits of improved park facilities will contribute to their costs.

LAND ACQUISITION

The Park Authority will continue to acquire new park land with the $10 million dollars included in the bond referendum. The Park Authority Board prioritized the criteria for the land acquisition program, which include areas of high deficiency, land adjacent to existing parks that expand recreation opportunities, and lands to protect significant natural and cultural resources. Cost effective acquisition through easements and donations of land in connection with the private sector and community-based cooperation assures the success of this important priority.

CRITERIA

• Availability
• Contiguity to existing parkland or stream valley areas
• Demonstrated need for parkland in service area
• Development potential for demonstrated need
• Supports priorities identified in Green Infrastructure mapping
• Park use supported in County Comprehensive Plan
• Park Development supported by demonstrated community response
• Existing zoning and development conditions permit desired use
• Site conditions support proposed development
• Development costs are reasonable
• In less densely developed areas of the County, parcels or assemblages larger than 10 acres
• In more densely developed areas of the County, parcels or assemblages that support development of urban park types

PARK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

SYNTHETIC TURF CONVERSION

The current bond addressed two particular areas of identified need. First, the shortage of rectangular fields for soccer, football and other field sports needed to be addressed. This countywide shortage was approximated at 90 fields in 2004. With that in mind, $10 million has been earmarked to convert up to 12 existing grass fields to synthetic turf. The conversion of fields to synthetic turf will lessen the acknowledged shortage and increase the capacity of each improved field by approximately 62%. In addition, these playing surfaces are safer and require fewer maintenance dollars. Athletes are enjoying the benefits of the fields which have already been converted.
Additional Information

TRAILS

The Park Authority endorsed a goal to add 75 miles of trails and connections by 2013. Voters approved $5 million to further develop the comprehensive countywide trail network. This funding will assist in the design and construction of Phase II of the Cross County Trail, stream valley trails and others planned throughout the county. The expansion of the trail network, a popular and highly used feature of the park system, will enhance the quality of life of citizens and contribute to healthy lifestyles.
Additional Information

Bond programs are scheduled again for the Park Authority in the fall of 2008. As part of the development of the approaching bond program a series of community information meetings and opportunities for citizens to comment and suggest bond priorities will be held. Information about this community-outreach and comment solicitation will be provided on our website as well as via the media.

For more information about the Park Authority Bond Program please contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.