The Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded the Virginia Plan of the Year Award by the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) for the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access (PROSA) Strategy. This award honors the best planning document of the year, and recognizes outstanding planning processes, vision, implementation strategies and innovative approaches.

“With the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access Strategy, we’re taking park planning to a whole new level in Fairfax County,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “This process provides a roadmap for improved and walkable park access, while emphasizing equity and balancing a variety of recreational experiences with researched habitat connectivity. This means greater access to more diverse park experiences for our residents of all ages to enjoy and explore.”

The PROSA Strategy is a data-driven, systems approach to park access and recreation that incorporates equity holistically in park planning. This strategy informs FCPA decision-making and provides a path forward for prioritizing projects and park investments with an equity lens to ensure that all Fairfax County communities have walkable access to parks and a balance of recreational experiences.

“FCPA's PROSA Strategy is a shining example of how thoughtful planning and inclusive community engagement can lead to substantial improvements in public spaces and overall community well-being,” said the Virginia Chapter of the APA. “This award underscores FCPA's leadership in advancing equitable access to parks and recreational facilities, setting a benchmark for park planning across the state of Virginia.”

The APA’s Virginia Awards Program is an annual statewide awards program that recognizes standout individual planning professionals, superior planning efforts, great places and exceptional student work throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.