Fairfax County parks are places that we turn to for fun, relaxation and connection with nature, history and each other. These trails, rec centers, open spaces and playgrounds are there for us year-round when we need them. Now, it’s our turn to be there for our parks.
Fairfax County voters have the opportunity to contribute to lasting and system-wide improvements in Fairfax County parks by supporting the 2026 park bond referendum on Nov. 3. This park bond will provide critical capital funds to help the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) maintain and enhance our parks and position them to provide recreation and services for current residents and future generations.
The fact that Fairfax County parks recorded nearly 26 million visits in 2025 indicates how much our parks are loved. There are 424 county parks in Fairfax County, and whether it is one of the 9 rec centers, playgrounds, athletic fields, sports courts, water facilities, or our 340+ miles of trails, people love their parks. They use them for recreation, summer camps and programs, swimming lessons, exercise, team sports, pick-up games and for many other endeavors.
If approved, the bond will provide $180 million for a wide variety of needs across the park system, including:
- repairing playgrounds which need rehabilitation
- upgrading aging rec centers
- building new parks
- maintaining existing facilities
- historic and cultural preservation and acquiring property for recreation
The impressive array of recreation amenities, natural spaces, and opportunities for fun and learning in our park system make it a destination for visitors and a vital resource for Fairfax County residents. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits of parks, they also contribute to the County’s economic development, including through sports tourism and popular programming and events.
Maintaining and improving the quality of our parks and the experiences of parkgoers, however, requires continuous investment. The sheer size of our county park system’s infrastructure makes maintenance and enhancement challenging, and expensive. As an example, the current cost to replace just one of our aging rec centers exceeds $100 million. The most recent figure for cumulative deferred maintenance in our park system is $201 million. Too many of our courts, playgrounds and other amenities are in D or F condition.
The November park bond will provide $89 million for rec center renovations and $51 million to apply to deferred capital renovations. In addition, it will also deliver funding for new parks and amenities in underserved areas. Finally, there is also a category in the bond to address long-term natural and cultural resource needs and modest land acquisition. Fairfax County residents deserve a park system which meets their diverse needs and is a catalyst for community-building, wellness and preservation of open spaces, local places, and culture for generations to come. Do your part and vote “yes” for the park bond on Election Day. These are our parks and our future.
Timothy Hackman is the Fairfax County Park Authority Board’s chairman and member representing the Dranesville District.