Alert:
The Fairfax County Park Authority is conducting the Parks Count! 2026 Parks Needs Assessment to evaluate park and recreation needs across the county. The Needs Assessment will guide improvements to amenities, facilities and programs for the next five years. The study uses research, trends analysis, community input and surveys to help the Park Authority meet the diverse park and recreation needs of everyone in Fairfax County. Together with the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access Strategy, the 2026 Needs Assessment will inform decision-making for park investments, including the 2026 park bond, and inform the Park Authority’s forthcoming Strategic Plan. The public engagement project phase is closed and the project team is working on the analysis portion of the project. If you would like to stay informed about the project, please share your email address below to receive regular project updates.
| Needs Assessment Project Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Public Engagement | Spring 2025 |
| Analysis | Summer 2025 - Summer 2026 |
| Report Development | Summer 2026 - Fall 2026 |
| Park Authority Board Approval | Fall/Winter 2026 |
The 2016 Parks Count Needs Assessment has guided significant improvements over the past decade, demonstrating the power of community input in creating vibrant, sustainable parks. Click image to download Fairfax County Park Authority Needs Assessment Final Report.
