2016 Park Bond At A Glance

Department Resources

Fairfax County voters approved a $107 million bond on the November ballot that includes $94.7 million for the Fairfax County Park Authority and $12.3 million for Nova Parks. It was the 13th consecutive Park Bond approved by county voters, dating back to the first $4 million bond in 1959.

“This vote was a reflection of the community’s continued support for our award-winning park system,” said Park Authority Director Kirk Kincannon. “Our 2015 Needs Assessment survey indicated that 87% of Fairfax County residents use our 425 parks regularly, a finding way above the 79% national average. With this in mind, I believe that voters consistently value the many benefits our park system provides.”

Funds from the 2016 bond will be used to fund improvements in four different categories: park renovations and upgrades, natural and cultural resource stewardship, land acquisition and open space preservation, and new park development. Projects will include critical system-wide upgrades for playgrounds, roofs, lighting and irrigation systems, picnic shelters and infrastructure. Renovation and restoration projects are planned for nature centers, RECenters and historic sites.

Funds for land acquisition will be used to expand parks, protect resources, and enhance park services in underserved areas of the county. Bond money will also be dedicated to building new athletic facilities, adding picnic and parking facilities at existing parks, and developing a new local park.

The project list balances priority needs, reinvestment in aging facilities, investments in land, natural and cultural resource protection, advancement of phased projects and improving the park experience for Fairfax County’s 1.1 million residents.

Fairfax County’s Park Authority administers more than 23,000 acres of parkland. Its broad range of facilities and programs offer residents opportunities for play, picnics, walking, jogging and hiking, sports of all sorts, health and fitness, golf, camping, ice skating, skateboarding, boating, archeology, and exploration at a working farm, public gardens and historic sites.

Priorities for a Balanced 2016 Park Bond Program

Park Renovations and Upgrades

Address critical system-wide renovation and facility lifecycle needs
- Playground replacements
- Lighting and irrigation systems
- Picnic shelters
- Roof replacements
- Infrastructure -Parking, roadways, entrances and support facilities
- Trails and bridges
Renovate Hidden Oaks Nature Center (built in 1969)
Lakefront Parks – General Park Improvements at Burke Lake and Lake Accotink
RECenters – System-wide lifecycle replacements
Energy Management Enhancements
Area 1 Maintenance Facility Replacement
Park design and permitting to advance park redevelopments at multiple parks and RECenters
Mount Vernon RECenter renewal/replacement
Mastenbrook Grant Funding to leverage partnerships

Natural and Cultural Resource Stewardship

Repairs and restoration to Colvin Run Mill Miller's House and Millrace
Funding to support Historic Structures Curator Program to prepare historic structures treatment plans, connect utilities and support infrastructure needs
Advance History and Archaeology Collections Facility to properly curate and store County history and archaeology collections
Archaeology conducted as part of capital improvements
Natural resource/ecological restorations
Sully Historic Site restoration projects