The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board joined with members of the Park Authority Board and Fairfax County Supervisors Andres Jimenez (Mason District) and Rodney Lusk (Franconia District) to commemorate the more than $2.1 million in monetary contributions received in 2024 to support park programs and initiatives throughout the county. In total, the Foundation’s fundraising and grant initiatives netted more than $2.4 million in monetary and in-kind contributions of goods and services in 2024 to support Fairfax County parks.
“Our partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation has been a tremendous support for our park system and provides a meaningful way for neighbors, businesses and other organizations to have a positive impact on our community’s most precious resources – our parks,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “These contributions directly affect the quality of life for more than 16 million park visitors each year and are adding to the continuing legacy of Fairfax County’s award-winning park system.”
Thoughtful and generous charitable contributions from individuals, foundations, businesses and other organizations have helped support numerous Park Authority projects, outreach programs and popular community events—including the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center; the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center; the McLean Central Park Playground; Summer Entertainment Series; Earth Day Festival; the Moon Gate Garden at Green Spring Gardens; Invasive Management Area programs; Park Authority camp & class scholarships; the Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival; Open Space Land Preservation; Commemorative Benches and Trees; Trail Building and Care; and much more!
“While the number is impressive, it's what we do with the money that really matters.", said Park Foundation Board Chair Laura Eakin Erlacher, "Gifts from thousands of donors funded projects beyond what tax dollars can provide. The Foundation initiated 'The Forever Fund' long-term investment to endow the greatest needs of our future parks.”
Pictured (left to right): Harry Glasgow (Park Foundation Board); Park Authority Deputy Director Aimee Vosper; Park Foundation Executive Director Bobbi Longworth; Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk; Park Foundation Board Chair Laura Eakin Erlacher; Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez; Park Foundation Board Vice Chair Anita Herrera; Steve Thormahlen (Park Foundation Board); Park Authority Chairman Kiel Stone; Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole; Park Authority Vice Chairman Maggie Godbold; Linwood Gorham (Park Authority Board); Mike Thompson (Park Authority Board); and Tim Hackman (Park Authority Board).
The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships. Visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582 for more information.