FCPA FAST FACTS
HISTORY:
- On December 6, 1950, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority was authorized to make decisions concerning land acquisition, park development and operations in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- Through the support of the Board of Supervisors and the foresight of the county citizens, 11 park bond referenda have been approved between 1959 and
2008. Today, the Park Authority has 416 parks on approximately 22,500 acres of land.
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FACILITIES:
The Park system is the primary public mechanism in Fairfax County for the preservation of environmentally sensitive land and resources, areas of historic significance and the provision of recreational facilities and services including:
- Nine indoor RECenters with swimming pools, fitness rooms, gyms and class spaces. Cub Run features an indoor waterpark and on-site naturalist.
- Eight golf courses
- Five nature and visitor centers
- Several lakes including Lake Fairfax, Lake Accotink and Burke Lake
- An aquatic playground at the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, as well as an indoor waterpark at Cub Run RECenter.
- Two campgrounds in Reston and Fairfax Station
- Clemyjontri Park, a fully accessible playground in Great Falls featuring nearly two acres of family friendly fun and a carousel
- An ice skating rink at Mount Vernon RECenter and the Skate Park in Wakefield Park adjacent to Audrey Moore RECenter
- Kidwell Farm, a working farm of the 1930s era at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon
- Eight distinctive historic properties available for rent
- A working grist mill at Colvin Run in Great Falls and a restored 18th century home at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly
- A horticulture center at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria
- Thousands of acres of natural resources now further protected by the Natural Resource Management Plan and Cultural Resource Plan.
- Picnic shelters, tennis courts, miniature trains, carousels, miniature golf courses, disc golf courses, off-leash dog parks, amphitheaters, and marinas
- Provides 289 park athletic fields, to include 25 synthetic fields, as well as manages athletic field maintenance services at 507 FCPS athletic fields
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PARK AUTHORITY BOARD:
- A twelve-member citizen board, appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, sets policies and priorities for the Fairfax County Park Authority.
- Nine of the board members represent the various magisterial districts of Fairfax County, and three are members-at-large.
- The public is invited to attend the regular public meetings of the Board every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Herrity Building at Park Authority headquarters, 12055 Government Center Parkway, ninth floor boardroom, in Fairfax, Virginia.
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FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK FOUNDATION:
- The Park Foundation helps pick up where tax dollars leave off by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships to meet community needs
for park land, facilities and services. Programs include land preservation, trail building, community concerts, and services to low income children and people
with disabilities. Visit us at www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org or call 703-324-8581.
PROGRAMS:
- Classes, camps and programs are offered. Special events, trips/tours are listed in Parktakes, the Park Authority’s quarterly leisure services guide available
through free subscription to county citizens, call 703-222-4664. Or visit Parktakes Online
OPERATIONAL COSTS:
- Financial resources for the operations and maintenance of facilities are provided by the County's general fund (County tax assessments), and a revenue fund
of facility user fees. The Park Authority provides more than 50% of their budget through revenue programs.
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INFORMATION:
- Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, call 703-324-8563 ten days in advance of the event or program.
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Revised 07/2009
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