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Urban Parks Framework Endorsed by Park Authority Board

Great Cities have Great Parks! Future growth in Fairfax County will be concentrated in growth areas such as Tysons Corner, central Springfield, Merrifield, Annandale, Richmond Highway and Bailey's Crossroads. The increasing urbanization requires that the existing suburban park system be supplemented by parks that are more suitable for the unique urban context. Urban parks will provide appropriate elements to enhance the urban landscape and provide varied leisure opportunities.

In November 2008, the Park Authority Board endorsed the Urban Parks Framework, a document that will be used to plan for and develop urban parks in Fairfax County's urbanizing centers. The document is available online and will serve to clarify expectations for residents, developers, county staff, and community decision-makers to ensure that new urban developments will provide for park and recreation needs in the County's growth areas.

In the spring of 2008, an interagency planning team representing the Park Authority, the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Office of Community Revitalization and Reinvestment convened to gain a common understanding of the function and design of urban revitalization areas. The team developed an Urban Parks Framework document, which includes five sections: Background, Urban Park Design Elements, Urban Park Types, Supporting Features, and Implementation Strategies. Photos and examples of urban parks are also included in the document.

You can contact Sandy Stallman, manager, Park Planning Branch, at 703-324-8643 if you have questions or would like a presentation on the Urban Parks Framework.