Plans for upgrades at two NOVA Parks-owned Fairfax County properties are getting a boost under the regional park system’s latest capital budget.
The fiscal years 2027-2031 budget adopted by the NOVA Parks Board of Directors on Sept. 17 allocates $1.5 million for campground renovations at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton and $880,000 for light show improvements at Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights in Centreville.
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is one of three NOVA Parks runs in the region. The event, running annually between November and just after New Year’s Day, features a 2.5-mile drive-thru display of lights and a winter village and carnival.
NOVA Parks plans to invest in new displays over the next five years, including $220,000 in the 2027 fiscal year.
“There will be new camping themed displays and an expansion of the Wizard of Oz themed area for this upcoming Festival of Lights season,” a NOVA Parks spokesperson told FFXnow.
At Pohick Bay Regional Park, campground renovations will include expanded full hook-up RV sites, new waterfront facilities and renovations to comfort stations. The park’s campgrounds currently include cabins and 150 shaded sites — 100 with electric hookups and 50 sites for tents.
According to NOVA Parks, planning, engineering and permitting are underway in the 2027 fiscal year, and construction is expected to occur in the 2029 fiscal year.
While the regional park system’s capital budget receives funds from member jurisdictions, nearly 75% of the latest plan draws from other sources like grants, license fees, donations and endowments.
