Falls Church resident Paul Baldino has been appointed to the Board of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the organization recently announced in a press release. Prior to being appointed to the board, Baldino was retired after a long career with with the Fairfax and Arlington County governments.

During his tenure as Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority, over 5,000 acres of parkland were acquired, the Fairfax County Park Foundation was established, voters approved a $75 million park bond referendum and the organization won the Gold Medal Award of the National Recreation & Park Association. Since retirement, Baldino has served the City of Falls Church as chair of its transportation committee.

“It’s an honor to join the NOVA Parks Board. My family and I have long enjoyed the recreational, natural, and historic resources of our regional park network,” Baldino said. “I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to help shape its bright future.”

Baldino was appointed to the NOVA Parks Board by the Falls Church City Council. He replaces Barry Buschow, who recently retired from the Board after 26 years of service. Former Falls Church Mayor and School Board Chair Jeff Tarbert is the other representative from Falls Church.