The Fairfax County Park Authority is considering increasing some of its fees next year to increase revenue and make up for rising compensation costs.
The park authority unveiled the proposed fee changes at a board meeting last month (Oct. 22) and is accepting public comment through next Wednesday (Nov. 26).
According to county documents, Park Authority staff conduct an annual review of fees to ensure the agency stays aligned with financial goals set by the agency’s board. The proposed fee package aims to generate $1.3 million in net revenue, with specific increases proposed for membership fees, rental rates, and golf rates.
FCPA cites multiple factors for the suggested increases, including employee compensation costs that were up $2.8 million in fiscal year 2024, which was already a record high. Salaries and benefits make up over 60% of total expenses, and staff expect these costs to continue increasing.
FCPA aims to generate $2-3 million in revenue each year, but staff say that even with high customer demand and steady growth, the agency can’t keep pace without increasing fees.
For fiscal year 2026, net revenue would rise from $1.1 million to $1.8 million if the fee adjustments are adopted, according to FCPA. Projected net revenue jumps from $105,000 to $700,000 with the proposed increases in fiscal year 2027.
FCPA also wants to address deferred maintenance costs, which are currently assessed at $70.7 million for recreational centers and golf courses.
The Board plans to review the fee adjustments and finalize approval during its meeting on Dec. 10. Adopted fee adjustments would take effect Jan. 1.
Staff is recommending fee changes for the following areas in 2026. The full package of proposed adjustments can be found on the park authority’s public comment webpage:
Golf
- Greens Fees – all golf courses except Greendale Golf Course
- Laurel Hill Golf Club memberships – Laurel Hill Golf Club
- Power Cart Rentals – all golf courses
- Indoor Range – Pinecrest Golf Course
Recreation centers
- Memberships for all Rec Centers
- Gymnasium rental base rates – all
- Racquetball court reservation fee – all
- Facility room rental rates – all
Parks
- Group Admission and shade structure rental – Water Mine
- Alcohol Beverage Permits – all
- Field rental – Lake Fairfax Park
- Picnic rental – all facilities
- Amphitheater rentals – all
- Athletic court reservations — Greenbriar Commons, Hollin Park, Hybla Valley Park and Mount Vernon Woods Park
- Equestrian facility rental – Frying Pan Farm Park
- Garden plots – all
- Facility rentals – Green Spring Gardens and Hidden Pond Nature Center
- Kayak and Pedal Boat rental – Burke Lake Park and Lake Fairfax Park
- Miniature golf – all
- Boat launch season pass – Waterfront parks
- Tour boat rides – Lake Fairfax Park and Lake Accotink Park
Going forward, the park authority has been considering introducing a sliding-fee structure where costs would vary based on household income as part of a broader equity initiative. The new model could roll out starting next year, if funding is provided in Fairfax County’s next budget.
