Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

National Park and Recreation Month

NRPA Park and Recreation Month banner

July is National Park and Recreation Month across the nation and right here in Fairfax County! Since 1985, Park and Recreation Month has been a celebration of the role of parks and recreation in building strong, vibrant and resilient communities and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and national parks.


#WhereYouBelong

where you belong

This year’s theme – ‘Where You Belong’ celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

"Parks play an essential role in enriching the quality of life we all enjoy – from mental and physical health and well-being to strengthening our social connections within families and communities. This month, I invite you to explore the wealth of experiences that await you at the park!"

PROCLAMATION: July is Park and Recreation Month

PROCLAMATION: July is Park and Recreation Month

The Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County. Supervisors celebrated the role of parks and recreation in building strong, vibrant and resilient communities and recognized park and recreation professionals that serve our community.

View the Presentation (beginning at 33:28) 
 


Join Our Growing Park Community

park and rec benefits

  • Serve as Community Wellness Hubs
    Local parks and recreation agencies are uniquely suited to serve as Community Wellness Hubs, connecting all members of the community to programs and services that advance health equity, improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. 
  • Increase Activity Levels
    Living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. 
  • Connect to Nature
    Parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health.  
  • Promote Active Lifestyles
    Parks and recreation encourages physical activity by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. 
  • Relieve Stress 
    In the United States, 86 percent of adults believe it is helpful that they and their families have access to the outdoors and nature during stressful times. 
  • Boost the Economy
    According to NRPA’s The Economic Impact of Local Parks report, local public park and recreation agencies in the United States generated nearly $201 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1.1 million jobs that boosted labor income by more than $63 billion from their operations and capital spending in 2021. 
  • Protect the Environment
    Local parks and recreation agencies play a vital role in the protection of our environment through green infrastructure, maintenance of public lands, preserving wildlife habitats and more. 

bring communities together

Parks and recreation are catalysts for community engagement, interaction and partnership. Each year, the Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation, works with communities, businesses, civic and non-profit organizations, and individuals to deliver high quality programs, amenities and events; preserve natural and cultural resources in our parks; and to expand reach of park programs to all areas of the county. If you are interested in supporting your local parks and become part of our Park Authority Family, visit Fairfax County Park Foundation website.  

Here's just a few examples of programs made possible by this network of park supporters: 

The Power of Parks and Recreation ProfessionalsAs part of Park and Recreation Month, we are celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals. Our dedicated professionals build strong, vibrant and resilient communities through their dedication and commitment to the field of parks and recreation. Park and recreation professionals play a key role in ensuring all community members have equitable opportunities to get active. Want to join our award-winning team?

Learn more at #joinFCPA


Why We Love Working at FCPA

Natalie Sandelli

"I have worked for the Park Authority since the early 90s. I genuinely love what I do for a living. If I can make one person’s day easier, less stressful, happier by my program being offered, then I know that my job is complete and the FCPA has succeeded in making a happier community."

Kara Spain

"Working for FCPA, I love that no two days are ever the same! Managing around 30 employees and interacting with so many customers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I particularly enjoy the long-standing relationships I have built with our regular customers."

Terrence Shepherd

"Giving back to the community has always been my goal working as a Fairfax County Park Authority employee. Currently I've been working on a family event Franconia Family Skate and Dance Night. This event is for all ages and is another way to exercise and have fun at the same time. I've been with the Fairfax County Park Authority for 20 yrs. and working here has been one of the best decisions I've made."

Molly Neeson and Nikki Zita

"I love working in parks and recreation because it allows me to communicate my love for the outdoors with the public! Outdoor accessibility and education are vital in creating future land stewards, and parks and recreation are an important component of that process."

"Working in parks and recreation allows me to purse my passion for environmental education and the outdoors! Being able to guide the public in connecting to nature around them gives me hope for a more environmentally conscious future."

Anthony Leon

"I enjoy working for FCPA because I get to be a part of providing a safe and well-maintained environment for the residents of Fairfax County. I also appreciate that FCPA’s Management team does a great job acknowledging tasks and projects that have been completed for the community and encourages FCPA employees to take advantage of opportunities for growth."

Isabel Villarroel

"I enjoy working for the Fairfax County Park Authority because I get to continuously learn about the many layers of the services we provide, from activity opportunities for our community to protecting our natural and cultural resources. As a Fairfax County resident, being able to make a positive impact on my community means a lot to me. It is great to be surrounded by a team that truly wants to provide all residents of our county with opportunities to gather, have fun, stay healthy, and work towards improving their overall quality of life."

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