|
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. Another Park Bond Referendum will be held in November
2012. Today, the Park Authority has 420 parks on approximately
23,168 acres of land. We offer 371 miles of trails, our most
popular amenity.
|
|
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 Sprayground at Lee as well as an indoor water park at Cub
Run RECenter
-
Clemyjontri Park, a fully accessible playground in Great Falls
featuring 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, 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
|