One of the jewels in the Fairfax County “crown” is its park system. With nearly 23,000 acres of parkland, including 417 parks, nine recreation centers, eight public golf courses, five nature centers, and countless playgrounds and athletic fields, the Fairfax County Park Authority provides recreation opportunities as well as stewardship of natural and cultural resources. A long-range park planning process to determine future needs for parks began in early 2007, and the resulting Great Parks, Great Communities draft plan is available for public review and comment. In the fall, the Park Authority will hold four public comment meetings (to be announced) and will continue to collect suggestions for the remainder of the year. Park Authority Board adoption of the final plan is anticipated in early 2011.