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Fast Facts, Fairfax County Park Authority

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. To date, 11 park bond referenda have been approved between 1959 and 2008. A $75 million Park Bond Referendum will be held in November 2012. Today, the Park Authority has 420 parks on 23,194 acres of land. We offer 371 miles of trails, one of our most popular amenities.

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 water park and on-site naturalist. Eight golf courses including Laurel Hill, our newest, upscale course and clubhouse located in Southern Fairfax County Five nature and visitor centers.  Also seven Off-Leash Dog Activity areas Several lakes including Lake Fairfax, Lake Accotink and Burke Lake, with campgrounds at Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax, Our Special Harbor Spray ground at Lee as well as an indoor water park at Cub Run RECenter Clemyjontri Park, a two acre, fully accessible playground in Great Falls featuring a carousel and CHESSIES BIG BACKYARD at Lee District Park An ice skating rink at Mount Vernon RECenter, a Skate Park in Wakefield Park and opening this fall at new Skate Park at Lake Fairfax Park Kidwell Farm, a working farm of the 1930s era at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, now with historic carousel 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 Annandale Natural and cultural resources protected by the Natural Resource Management Plan and Cultural Resource Plans, plus an Invasive Management Area program that targets alien plants and utilizes volunteers in restoring native vegetation throughout our community Picnic shelters, tennis courts, miniature golf courses, disc golf courses, off-leash dog parks, amphitheaters, a marina, kayaking/canoeing center Provides 274 athletic fields, including 30 synthetic turf fields, and manages athletic field maintenance services at 500 school athletic fields

PARK AUTHORITY BOARD:  A 12-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 may 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 12055 Government Center Parkway, ninth floor boardroom, in Fairfax, VA.

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, capital projects support and services to low income children and people with disabilities.  Visit online at http://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 at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/    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 approximately 60% of their budget through revenue programs.

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.  For information call 703-324-8700 TTY 703-803-3354. EMAIL: parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov    WEBSITE: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks     FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyparks    TWITTER: www.twitter.com/fairfaxparks

Revised 8/2012